In between her scheduled events of talking about how religious her parents were, criticizing Lady Gaga for being so blasphemous and doing the repetitive “bait and switch” with us in terms of her wedding plans to Russell Brand, Katy Perry is about to add another item to her agenda. Unfortunately, it’s not even remotely as fun as the others: representatives for the Beach Boys are threatening to sue her for using their classic line of “I wish they could all be California Girls” in her “California Gurls” chart topper.
Katy Perry’s version has sold a stellar 3 million copies, so it’s understandable why the beach-going boys are a little bit bummed out. On her track, the unforgettable lyric is delivered by crowd favorite and (roofie enthusiast) Snoop Dogg towards the end of the song. But here’s where it gets funkier than a group of 13 year-olds doing the funky chicken at a roller rink: Beach Boys Mike Love and Brian Wilson actually digg Perry’s song! Love said, “The subject matter is still in vogue — just ask Katy Perry. I think the part she did is pretty cool. There are a lot of writers on it, and I think it’s probably a stroke of genius to have the canine of cool, Mr. Dogg, do his thing. But I think her creative part, her musical part, is pretty hooky. I think it brings the Beach Boys’ 1965 classic to mind, that’s for sure.” And Wilson called the song quite “infectious.” Their reps are demanding Perry’s label give them a writing credit, in addition to a portion of the royalties.
“Nice” litigation is the lamest kind of litigation…especially when one party undercuts their anger (AND ARGUMENT!) by complimenting the other party’s talent. Just share the stupid tire swing set already! It’d be highly coincidental if Perry really wasn’t sampling the Beach Boys song, and I’m inclined to think she was so she should probably just pay up and go back to wearing latex dresses and making the rest of us want to rip our lips off because we look terrible in “flamingo pink” lipstick.
Listen for the debated lyric below.
Source: MTV
