[a fool in paradise]

Music companies have NEVER respected songwriters’ or performers’ intellectual property rights.

They outright stole ownership on song publishing (even from the Beatles and Rolling Stones) and even when artists retained ownership, they did not pay them the money owed (send in an auditor and you'll always find unpaid money).

[misterrob]

I respect the artist’s rights first and foremost and yes, the record companies are Satan’s minions but the principle holds true.