EMI Group is taking action to prevent circulation of an unauthorized remix version of the Beatles’ “White Album.” According to insiders, the London-based major has served cease-and-desist orders to the DJ behind the “Grey Album,” and to various retailers and online outlets offering the remix.
L.A.-based producer/DJ Danger Mouse’s self-proclaimed “art project/experiment” marries vocals from Jay-Z’s “The Black Album” (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam) with music from the Beatles’ celebrated 1968 recording.
“Every kick, snare and chord is taken from The Beatles ‘White Album’ and is in their original recording somewhere,” boasts Danger Mouse’s Web site. However, the DJ failed to secure permission for use of the band’s songs. Danger Mouse said he created the record strictly as a limited-edition promotional item, with only a few thousand copies pressed.
A spokesperson for EMI, which distributes the Beatles’ sound recordings, says “it’s (now) a legal matter.” No further comment was offered.
The artist, whose real name is Brian Burton, has agreed to comply with the order and will no longer distribute copies. “He just wanted people to hear the record,” says a U.K. spokesman.
Danger Mouse earned critical praise last year following the release of “Ghetto Pop Life,” a collaboration with Jemini through Lex Records, an imprint of U.K.-based indie Warp.
