Published
Tue, Aug 4, 2015, 14:05
- The major label took exception to the phrase "Now That's What I Call..." in the record's title.
The sleeves of Optimo Music's forthcoming post-punk compilation will be destroyed after the label received a cease and desist letter from Sony.
Sony's objection to the compilation's original title, Now That's What I Call DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82), which it says infringed its copyrighted Now That's What I Call Music! series. Optimo Music head JD Twitch told RA: "I couldn't reach agreement with Sony to modify the existing sleeves that was either satisfactory to them or cost effective to me, so the original sleeves will be destroyed." He says the process cost "several thousand pounds," adding: "While the whole thing has been a nightmare and extremely annoying, really, the only person I am angry with is myself for not even considering it might be an issue. I totally appreciate that Sony are perfectly entitled to vigorously pursue copyright infringement." Sony is yet to respond to RA's request for comment.
The repackaged compilation, now titled [Cease & Desist] DIY! (Cult Classics From The Post-Punk Era 1978-82), will see release on October 30th. As previously reported, the compilation pulls together weird and rare post-punk music from the late '70s and early '80s. The 16-track double-vinyl version comes with detailed notes of each track written by JD Twitch, as well as an introduction by Dan Selzer.