Reagan, Thompson, Bono, Schwarzenegger… Hmmm, I guess you Reps are right - if these “Hollywood” artists had stuck to their art, the World would be in much better shape!

Given the popularity of Country music in this country, it blows my mind that the Republicans would use Rock music anyway. I’m sure Toby Keith would be happy to have McCain/Palin play his music.

Funny how people are still muffed about the Dixie Chicks since most of us have come to the same conclusion after 8 years of his mismanagement. Heck, even most conservatives think the guy turned out to be a horrible president.

To those who say Rolling Stone should stick to music - this article is absolutely about music. It concerns music in politics or politics in music, but however you look at it, music is the focus. Just because you don’t agree with the artists doesn’t mean it isn’t a legitimate story for a music magazine.

To those who say Rolling Stone has some responsibility at political balance - it isn’t a news magazine! They have no responsibility to balance anything. Don’t want to hear their point of view - don’t read the political articles. Want to only hear one side of political news - read the Washington Times or watch Fox News. Whenever I hear a conservative complain about liberal bias in the media, it seems to me that they don’t see the bad or inconvenient articles about Democratic politicians. Also, railing against the left is just plain crying wolf. The Democrats have moved to the center since they were stomped, and after the Republicans get stomped this time around, maybe they will start giving us politicians who are also more moderate - then maybe the country can heal and we can get this country back on track.

I would think you guys would be happy to have a Hero like John McCain even acknowledge your music. Try following in his foot steps, if you can.

If people associate a song with an artist, then people will associate how the song is played with the artist. THAT’S what the artists don’t like. Lisa, name one Republican other than Ted Nugent who rocks.

I find it funny that the people attacking RS have not figured it out yet. If you don’t like the channel change
it. There are many other magazines to read. I would also like to thank all of the republicans who voted for Bush. He has done a stellar job in destroying this nation. We have become the punch line to other Countries jokes which frightens me.His administration has destroyed the middle class so if you want more of the same vote for McCain and pray that Sarah does not know how to press that button with her well manicured fingers. Artists have the right to say when their music can and can not be used. So grow up and leave RS alone and go buy a rag mag.

I agree with all of the artist. this has nothing to do with politics. this is about intelectual property. a commercial can’t use a song w/ out the artist written concent and then they would also be owed royalties. protect the artist.

I think it is narrow minded and arrogant for a MUSIC publication to push their politics on their readers. Young readers especially are swayed by your obvious Democratic tone…all looking for their own views and choosing those of their college professors and trendy publications rather than their parents. Republicans are rockers,too, as is proven in McCain’s music choices!

What’s most telling is that the GOP won’t or can’t use artists that like them.

I think the one that is most upsetting, and sadly ironic is the idea that Gretchen Peters’ song “Independence Day” would be played as background for Sarah Palin. It is ignorant of the campaign to use the song about DOMESTIC VIOLENCE for a woman whose state passed a law forcing RAPE VICTIMS TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN RAPE KITS! That is disgusting.

Hmmm. It seems that the musicians and singers don’t check for my voting record or party affiliation when I buy their CDs and make them rich or put them in movies and make them rich. Whiners.

Hmmm. It seems that the musicians and singers don’t check for my voting record or party affiliation when I buy their CDs and make them rich or put them in movies and make them rich. Whiners.

Anyone else getting flashbacks to that villain in Iron Man?

“You think just because you have an idea that it belongs to you?”

Yes actually. It’s MY idea. I should have some control over what happens to it…

The artists can piss and moan all they want, but most of them don’t even own the rights to these recordings. It doesn’t necessarily matter if wrote the song. So long as appropriate licensing fees are paid, they can be played in public gatherings.

Blech, when you mention the “has been, agenda-pushing, manipulative magazine” is that the same one who’s website you feel compelled enough to read and post comments on? Seems to me like it’s still relevant enough to grab your attention.

I agree with all the lawsuits and cease-and-desist letters. It’s simple…the republican party knows damn well that they never would have gotten permission for use of any of these songs…Thank you John Hall. I am from Woodstock, NY and remember the good old days at Joyous Lake.

If a Democratic campaign was guilty of the same thing, then i’m sure that RS would have included it in its article. I’m relatively certain that the writer of the article searched for such a case and simply could not find one since there aren’t many right-wing songs out there that any self-respecting Dem would want to be played at one of their events. I don’t know if that means that Democrats actually LISTEN to the songs they play at these rallies and Republicans don’t, or that liberally minded artists are simply more prolific and abundant, but, as it sits, the Democratic party simply does not commit this particular unethical act while the Republican party often does. RS reported on the situation and provided the information re: the instances where this transgession happened. If they all happened to be Reps who disrespected the philosophies of the artists in question, how is RS to blame for that?

Right wing propoganda… Dems are as much full of shit as the Republicans are… but Americans will listen. RS has their own agenda obviously, and everything said here should be taken with a grain of salt. Look at the facts. Decide for yourself. Don’t let a has been, agenda-pushing, manipulative magazine make up your mind for you!

“If you dance to the music, don’t you know you have to pay to the piper?? Ask yo Mama!!”

ethan probably doesn’t listen to the words of songs, just the beat if he thinks rock and roll and politics should stay separated. Tell that to Dylan, The Stones, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, etc. HOw long did it take the republicans to listen to the lyrics to born in the USA? Republicans told Jimi Hendrix, a combat veteran, he didn’t play the star spandgled banner correctly. He played what he felt and heard, the truth.

All this complaining about Dems vs. Reps. is sickening. We are all Americans and enjoy the same liberties. What we need to focus on is how and where the Islamist Jihadist are going to strike us next. Their committed to making 9-11 look like an appetizer to the main course. Be on your guard because it will happen here again.

Obviously RS is pro Obama! I’ve learned in the past 10 years that when there is poular media hype surrounding a person or issue it usually means bad news later down the line. Not saying Obama is bad but look at his running mate! We’re all a heartbeat away from disaster with both canidates!

I stopped reading your magazine years ago R.S I’m sorry a link took me here. Anyway, I feel better saying you sux.

Here’s a thought (probably way too late) Create a CD with all of the Republican “anthems” by democrat leaning stars. Call it “You didn’t ask me” and donate the profits to an appropriate cause.
That’s the way to make a point while getting the story out (nod to Gretchen Peters)

just one of the many reasons Obama should be our next president.

go grechten peters, i think i might just do that, lol

Dave Grohl is usually pretty low-key, I’m kind of surprised the Foo Fighters camp even released a statement.

Saulius you have hit it straight up….anti-Bush and anti- Republican CD’s get you 3-4 star reviews. Couple that with lame articles by that mentally deficient Matt Taibbi and that is the sad state of RS today.
If RS really wanted to be cutting edge we would see some articles on Bill Ayers, ACORN, Rev. Wright, Franklin Raines, Jim Johnson and Obama’s ties to all!!!! Not this snow job we are getting from the left wing main stream media in this country.
Until then, RS can just adopt their buddy Jackson Browne’s song “The Pretender” as their theme song. You guys are a bad joke, not funny….just pathetic.

I actually wish RS were truly for change. The minute it reduces it’s corporate advertising for schlock popular culture, is the minute I will buy that RS is cutting edge. PASTE magazine is far superior. And as for RS having a liberal slant: I don’t care about that. What I care about is RS being so ideologically slanted that it cannot be objective if it tried.

The artists are just pissed because it’s the Republican Party. That’s all. At least Gretchen peters had the balls to say it. Her ideology is wrong, but at least she’s honest.

Here we go again,the whining Dems.
That includes Rolling Stone, sucking the Dems. ass again. You guys should stick to music, something you know a little about.
Take a look at the red and blue states. With out the minorities in the cities, hell theres not a Democrat that gets elected. Liberals just can’t handle the truth. Just a bunch of America haters. With out the Blacks, Gays, Mexicans, and out of touch Hollywood phonies the Dems are a thing of the past.Obama has no experience. With whats going on right now with the economy, a real candidate should be 20 to 30 points ahead. Nobama, what is maybe 5 points ahead thats a weak man. You can have that pussy.If he wins God help us all!

“These musicians are denying use of their songs because they do not agree with the beliefs of Republicans? It must be nice to be so rich that you can pick and choose when you want to make money. These musicians make enough money to fall into the category of Americans who will be taxed more heavily if Obama gets elected (250K+ a year). Maybe they consider it a donation.”

They don’t get to pick and choose, that’s the point - it’s the record labels that are doling out licenses and cashing in without informing the artists, probably because of a clause in their contracts.

,,,,,you turds can sure dish it up, but cry like babies when it is served up to you. Republicans suck ass. And you will be big time losers this election.

Always good to know Rolling Stone has it all figured out.
jesus.

It doesn’t matter if Rolling Stone is a “liberal” magazine. This is a non-partisan issue and the inferior-minded goofs who bitch about RS’ “slant” should grow up and get an education: RS has always been that way and why are you here to get your political information when there are thousands of conservative blogs and publications? Stop spazzing and grow up, conservatives, OK?

McCain is using these artists’ songs in a way that implies endorsement. McCain obviously never sought endorsement from any of these artists and that is unethical. He shouldn’t be doing it.

Also, to be consistent both he and his conservative supporters should be in favor of laws that protect the artist’s copyright with near-fascist DRM and punish file-sharers and unauthorized users with stiff jail time. So in addition to being unethical (a word that is now undeniably synonymous with McCain-Palin), his “use” of these artists’ music is inconsistent with a conservative platform!

So when it comes to little things like music or big things like racism and the economy, McCain-Palin might be the worst, and definitely the most fascist, presidential campaign ever. At least neither Mondale nor Dukakis incited their supporters to hurl epithets and make violent threats against their opponents.

With this campaign, John McCain has solidified his legacy as a vindictive, petty, bitter, jealous, spiritually-crushed miser. He has had lots of time to get over his prison experience. People who have been through worse than him have become champions of freedom and racial reconciliation and won Nobel Peace Prizes. McCain is running a campaign accused (rightfully so in almost all cases) of racism, character assassination, lack of ethics and outright theft of votes.

If McCain is America’s Nelson Mandela, America does not deserve to survive the 21st century.

Thanks to Rolling Stone for reminding the American public about Senator John McCain’s continuing lame song-thieving campaign tactics. Real American heroes don’t have to retell their war stories over and over and over again. As a U.S. Military veteran who served honorably in the Middle East Forces, my thoughts are that Senator John McCain should apply the William Shakespeare inspired quote “discretion is the better part of valor” as part of campaign dialogue. As for Sarah Palin, Frank Zappa’s “Dynamo Hum” has the lyrics and makings of a fitting and appropriate campaign song.

Matt…
The GOP was never given a chance by the media? HA HA HA You have had the last eight years, chance after chance after chance. American’s are sick, broke and tired of greed ruling our day to day lives. Grow up Matt and accept that John McCain is a angrier, more spoiled version of George Bush.

Since these people don’t want republicans to play their music then why don’t they just go ahead and refund me the money that I’ve spent on their albums. These clowns are such a joke. These actors and musicians need to stick to what they do best, entertaining people! Quit worrying about politics you idiots. You are clueless, much like obama.

You people are all stupid hollywood liberals, stick to music and acting, not trying to run this country into the ground.

The idea of these musicians being anything other than indoctrinated pinheads is laughable. Politics in America today is nothing more than who can herd the most sheep. America has been divided by the same issues, the same prejudices, the same social classes for decades. These dynamics never change from election cycle to election cycle. The political parties never do anything to change it, because doing so would make getting reelected more difficult the next time around. Americans blindly eat up the “Us and Them” they are fed by music, movies, television, theater, sports and definitely politics and never even bother to ask why these problems haven’t been fixed when both political parties have had unabated and unchecked power at certain points during the last 20 tears. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that musicians and entertainers all follow the same old pide piper year after year.

Shows how out of touch the Republican Party has become. If they knew the sentiment behind the music they would be shocked. However, McCain could apparently hang with the party. Oh where has Ted Nuggent gone?

“if it was really about the ‘art’ you wouldn’t be publishing them for profit.”

Do you work for free, douchebag? You and Jake belong in the same latrine together. Here’s Jake’s reasoning.

“Leave it to Rolling Stone magazine to attack the Republican party for… doing nothing wrong. It’s totally legal for these songs to be used if license fees are paid.”

LEGALLY, not wrong. ETHICALLY AND MORALLY, it stinks to high heaven. And how is RS attacking the Republican Party in this blog? Really, they are just pointing out the reaction of each of these artists to having their songs appropriated. But thats how the GOP works. Sneaky, underhanded, chickenshit, hope no one finds out, deal with it later. No surprise. Thank God we won’t have to deal with this nonsense anymore come November 4th.

According to movie stars, musicians, and the media Obama’s shit smells like roses. Whats even worse is that half of America is so stupid they will listen to them without doing their own research.

These musicians are denying use of their songs because they do not agree with the beliefs of Republicans? It must be nice to be so rich that you can pick and choose when you want to make money. These musicians make enough money to fall into the category of Americans who will be taxed more heavily if Obama gets elected (250K+ a year). Maybe they consider it a donation.

I bet Rick Astley would take the money regardless of his political views and be happy that his song is getting used for something other than internet humor. McCain should be Rick Rollin’ his way through the country kissing babies and shaking hands. Any song from the Rocky 4 soundtrack would also suffice. You want to get a crowd pumped up, you show them a Rocky 4 movie poster with McCain as Sly Stallone and Obama as Drago. That could be used as a metaphor for the whole campaign considering Obama is heavily favored at this point.

I think the Obama campaign is smart enough to ask. Unlike McCain-Palin. think about it.

Moonie…RS wouldn’t have said anything because the artists would be pleased to have their songs used by the Obama campaign, because that’s who they support for the Presidency.

Big point here…Republicans don’t rock, in any way, so stop trying. Rock is the music of regular people and Republicans only look out for the rich.

I’m sure if the Obama campaign wanted to use any of those songs your magazine would have said nothing.

I don’t know much about contract thinggys but it’s still weird that Label hands out the permission to them to play the songs when singers never find it out.

I’m going to side with the artist. Any politician, regardless of party affiliations, that is running for office is in essence selling themselves to the general public. When songs are used in ads, they have to get permission from the songwriter, or whoever owns the music catalog before they can use it. Why should politicians be different? They are a product like anything else. If the songwriter doesn’t want to endorse a certain product, they should have the right to say “no”. There is a long precedent of companies being sued by artists when their songs or likeness were used without permission. The courts always side with the artist when it’s found that the claims are legimate.

…it then becomes OK for the Ku Klux Klan, the Nazi Party and NAMBLA to play any artists’ music they want at a public rally, and since the artists sell their music for money, they have no choice. It points to a lack of intelligence and forethought if you just read titles of songs and then play them at your rally. The most glaring example of this is Ronald Reagan appropriating “Born in the U.S.A”. In a larger context, it points to a lack of respect and a sense of being above ethical responsibility. If you want an artists’ song to be associated with your beliefs, you should have no problem asking that artist. There are enough songs out there to choose from.

A note on George Bush “defending us from further terrorist attacks”….great job on hunting down bin Laden. That logic is akin to saying “There are no tigers visible. Therefore, I am protecting you from tigers.” This guy has failed at everything he has touched going back to Yale. And people wonder why this country is in pathetic shape.

UPDATE

The US national debt has reached 10 trillion dollars for the first time in its history.

Someone said they thought “freedom of speech” allowed the candidates to use whatever songs they want as long as they pay the licensing fee. Wrong. Here’s an example of how wrong that thinking is. If someone hires your 12 year old kid to mow their lawn… because they paid, does that give them the right to force your kid to do something against his beliefs? Whoever said that above, has no understanding of the artistic spirit, and should probably run for office. Just because an artist gets paid for their work doesn’t mean it doesn’t still belong to them, because for instance, Beatles songs are unique to the Beatles in the same way Leonardo’s paintings were unique to him. No one else could have created this stuff and it should be respected, it’s not a commodity to be used at whim. And besides, more often than not, the musician has been SCREWED out of their publishing, and they have no say over whether their song is used in a laxative commercial or not. Don’t turn great music into a joke, the politicians are the real joke, especially this election.

Ted Nugent has gone to center of the republican mind, and has found Bambi.

Republicans can use my material, just as long as they pay me good–any Christians listening?–money. People take things out of context all the time.

The McCain/Palin use of these songs clearly illustrates their shallowness and lack of understanding. The context of these songs is antithetical to their policies and beliefs, yet they continue to repeat the same behavior. It is apparent that they never listen to the words or try to comprehend their meaning.

If RS was anything but something to wipe with, they would report on music like they’re supposed to. Every election season the editors of this rag let their political bias take over and start firing at the right. Who cares if it’s true or not. Who needs facts right? And Jake is right, how hypocritical to piss and moan about your songs when you sold them to make money. if it was really about the ‘art’ you wouldn’t be publishing them for profit. this line of thought is a disease.

i find it funny how all of these songs were used by McCain what songs is Obama using and are any of those artists upset, i would like to know?

remind me never to listen to any of these groups.

That fish-humper bush did NOT save us from another terrorist attack. If anything, he’s given even more people a reason to attack us.

There was a moment when a person in possession of an actual working brain could have taken action to make a very big difference in this world, but that moment is gone and all we have left are our empty pockets and thousands of dead or wounded young people.

The very existence of bush and people who think he’s done any good for anybody on this whole entire planet is the greatest evidence there is NO god that we will ever have as a species.

sorry. but some of these bush-humpers make me sick

One In A Million- Guns N’Roses… now this would be a good campaign song

I applaud these artists for doing the right thing. I find it interesting that artists such as these take a stand of supporting Obama, which certainly is against their own self interest (at least his tax policy), but do it anyway because they care for this country. Everyone knows that the Republican idea of deregulation and trickle down economics is nothing but bullshit. It has bankrupted our country. As a side note, let me say that I appreciate Ms. Peter’s music even more now(if thats possible), knowing that she has taken this principled stand.

I take sides, although only emotionally, with the writers and artists on this issue. For those not in the music business, here’s how it works. I write a song, then hire a “publisher,” someone who will promote the song, i.e., SELL IT. This is how I make money from my art. Siding with the artists does not mean I like their responses to what they say is misuse of their work for which they are paid. (Frank Lloyd Wrights seldom liked the use of his structures after he built and SOLD them.) Nor do I enjoy seeing most of my heroes whining about it and suing, clogging the courts for what will amount to nothing much after the election. Why not do what Gretchen Peters has done? Take all the money made from the “misused” art and donate it towards something that makes a stand against the “misuse” and actually gets something done!

I made a silly joke earlier, because I didn’t come here to talk politics.Actually, I came here to read about music, but that’s life. I’m not American, so I’m sure some of you Republican types will say I shouldn’t have a voice. But, look at the world’s economy. We’re linked & whether or not you get a good man in office makes a difference to everybody.Truth is, whoever said Bush gave so much money to Africa. That had nothing to do with Bush. That was Tony Blair. He orchestrated it, he made it & put Bush in a position where he couldn’t say no. Then Blair was pretty much run out of office. Why? He saw 9/11 & made an instant, unplanned, emotional pledge (he was making a morning speech to the women’s institute of all things) & he made a pledge to a man that the whole world hates. Actually, he’d made his speech about backing you guys up before Bush had even left his seat.Before you guys talk about what’s good for your country, you should take a deep breath, step back & take a look at it. Because what the rest of the world sees of the “greatest country on Earth” is actually a breeding ground of racism, hatred & jingoism. Don’t let the bastards fool you. I’m from England, but my parents are American. I love both. But lately, I see a nasty side of the U.S that I don’t like. I think it’s probably always been there, but not quite as overt as this. You have to vote for Obama. If you want to be what you were founded for & what my parents believe in, you have to make the right choice. & I know there are gonna be people ranting at me, but I’m entitled to my opinion & that’s it. Vote Obama, maybe the rest of the entire world won’t think you’re gonna destroy it.

ACORN has no ties to Obama whatsoever; very similar to Bill O’Reilly just flinging crap to the wall in hopes that it will stick. Um, the GOP and Bush had the national media dropping to their knees in unabashed support of the war on “terrorism” from 2001-2004 and they blew that with their bloodthirst and greed.

Art is a thought process of applying free and creative thinking to construction of an expression of that thought. No wonder the Republicians are being sued, they have no original thoughts and must take from others, as they do to acheive most of their results.

I saw Jackson Browne on “The Colbert Report” recently. When Colbert asked Browne to name a policy of McCain’s that he disagreed with, Browne was stumped… until Colbert threw him a bone by mentioning nuclear power. Support your candidate, express your opinion, but try to make sure your opinion is an informed opinion, not just “Republican Bad” or “Democrat Good”.

What RS means to say is comments that don’t support RS political agenda will be deleted

Grohl, you make me laugh. I love these guys saying they are going with the guy who supports the common man. Obama is as much the “common man” as Grohl is. Grohl may have been at one time in his life, but Obama nor McCain NEVER have been. Someone who truly represents the common man can never be elected, only billionaires can win.

It’s so hip and trendy to support Obama huh? It’s a good thing the GOP was never given a fair chance by the media. Hey, what ever happend with ACORN? False voter registrations and ties to Obama, why isn’t that news?

Bush protected us from another terrorist “attach”!!! And if Bush hadn’t have been pressured to give aid to Africa, he would not have. RS publishes opinion pieces on political issues. They’ve done it for 25 years. That’s their stance. Please take the time to criticize right wing publications for taking the same stance. Um, I guess you won’t.

if they paid for the right to use these songs fine. it’s legal. it’s also legal for the artist to express his/her opinion about said candidate. right? last time i checked the constitution we still have a right to freedom of speech. as to bush “protecting” us it works both ways.he is responsible for the attacks as well as saving us. what a bunch of bull.he is in no way accountable for either statement.

This is the first and last time I visit this site. Why don’t you stick to writing about music and stay out of politics!!!!

I think the Republicans should use the song “Big dumb sex” by Soundgarden. “I know what to do, I’m gonna f%#k, f%#k, f%#k, f%#k you.”

Perfect for any politician, but especially those guys.

I’d be unrelenting in suing McCain.
Sue him till it hurts.

Same thing if Obama ignored a republican (hee) songwriter. However, I’d say it’s pretty unlikely Barack would even consider to use one to begin with, and zero percent chance without any consent.

They have every right to complain if permission wasn’t asked , I am sure they would complain no matter what party used the song . Its like when you watch a dvd and at the start it has that disclaimer stating under copyright law this cannot be veiwed in public without whoevers permision . Even radio stations have to pay money and get permission to play songs .

Republicans and the ultra-right have never had any respect for the arts. Why would Rolling Stone respect them?

Besides protecting us from another terrorist attach, Bush has given more aid to Africa than any president in history. But I’m not defending him. He’s dropped the ball big time on immigration, allowed spending to get out of control, and his reaction to Katrina was horrific. Those are just a few issues I have with him. I just find it funny how RS tries to posture itself as a political publication. I read publications that are both liberal and right-wing. I listen to Rush and watch Obermann. What bores me about this magazine is that every political article takes the exact same posture: Bush wants to eat your babies, and Obama walks on water and cures the sick. Over and over and over and over again.

As for Republicans using songs by artists that don’t support them, i say f ‘em, as long as it’s legal and they’ve paid the fees, who cares?

viewpoint is that of Gretchen Peters. Not only defending her song, but pointing out the hypocrisy and gall of Teddy Ruxpin, I mean Sarah Palin in using that song in the context in which she did. The rights’ own sense of self-satisfaction and smugness will do them in.

good thank you rocker republicans suck

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH HHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why cant we listen to what we want to? WAH WAH WAH!!!! Just makes em look dumb when they choose music of musicians that dont support them. More power to ya, GOP!!! Maybe you should find music of musicians that support your cause. Too much work.

Are people really hoping against hope that RS prints pro-right articles? Number one, they are a liberal publication. Number two, I’m still trying to find one thing that Bush has done right while in office. How many pro-right conservative publications are there? Why aren’t you reading those? Why is it so important to you that RS publish a pro-right article? You have the New York Times, Fox NEWS, Rush Limbaugh, the National Review, Wall Street Journal (Murdoch-owned), the National Interest. Its beyond snarky to say that you’re doing something “punk” and going against the establishment by writing a pro-right article in RS. The “establishment” has gotten this country where it is right now. If you ain’t outraged, you aint payin attention.

Oh and Saulius, this magazine is boring you so much you decide to comment about it. Can’t ignore it though, huh?

Rollingstone writing another anti-republican article? Yawn. This magazine bores me. Hey, RS, wanna do something “punk”? wanna go against the establishment? wanna do something that really takes balls? Write a pro-Bush article. When you put Obama on the cover twice within months and fail to write a pro-right article since….well, never, then you lose any ounce of journalistic credibility you ever had in the first place.

Get back to doing what you do: writing 5 star reviews for any and every Dylan album that comes down the line (seems like you lost your journalistic credibility reviewing music too).

I am waiting for Tom Scholz to serve a Cease and Desist order for playing my own Boston CD on my stereo while making hamburgers and being Republican. You got paid for the licensing. Now the party that paid the union can play it freely. That’s how it works. You want total control? Never release music publicly-which seems to be the unintentional result for your last CD.

If the Republicans want to go off and prove their ignorance by adopting songs that have nothing to do with their causes, AND they have paid for those rights in advance, so be it.

Rolling Stone is a liberal magazine there is no doubt about it. If you hate Fox News for it’s bias you should feel the same way toward RS. I would love to see a positive GOP story or RS to Slam the left congress and senate which is the lowest rated in U.S. History. However I highly doubt R.S. would ever flow against the media current. If your reading R.S. for political coverage their is no HOPE for you.

I don’t think they’re being whiny. I know the party is using the songs legaly, but I can see why these artists would get upset. I would.

I agree, Jake! These artists, most of whom i really respect, are being whiny. Just because McCain uses a song by you, doesn’t necesarily mean you support that person. It pisses me off that rock and roll thinks it loves Obama when I’m sure half of them know what the fuck Obama even plans to do in office! Politics and rock should STAY SEPERATED!!!!

Leave it to Rolling Stone magazine to attack the Republican party for… doing nothing wrong. It’s totally legal for these songs to be used if license fees are paid. This whole thing is absurd. It’s not as if they snuck in these artist’s houses and stole the song. They shouldn’t publish music if they don’t want people using it without permission. I guess I better call the Foo Fighters and apologize for listening to everlong with my windows down this morning because I didn’t call and ask first.