Negativland
Negativland is an experimental music and sound collage band originating in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their main claim to fame is the U2 lawsuit which nearly destroyed them as a band. In 1991, Negativland released a single with the title "U2" displayed in very large type on the front of the packaging. The songs within were parodies of the group U2's well-known song, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", including kazoos and extensive sampling of the original song. The song "The Letter U and the Numeral 2" features a musical backing to an extended profane rant from deejay Casey Kasem, commenting for instance "these guys are from England and who gives a shit?"
U2's label promptly sued Negativland claiming that the "U2" violated trademark protection, and the song itself violated copyright protection. Funds exhausted, Negativland settled out of court. Most copies of the single were recalled and destroyed. By the mid 90's, rap had made sampling more or less acceptable in the mainstream music world, but the single "U2" is still illegal to sell in the United States.
Negativland still exists and has released several albums including "Points", "Dispepsi", "Christianity is Stupid," "Free", "Helter Stupid", and "A Big 10-8 Place". Members host a weekly radio show called "Over The Edge" most Thursdays at midnight on KPFA.
For related topics see sound collage, fair use and intellectual property. For related music, see Evolution Control Committee, Bran Flakes, John Oswald, and People Like Us.