EMI licenses lyrics for mobile game

EMI, THE record label probably best known for dropping the Sex Pistols, has decided to licence the lyrics from its extensive back catalogue as part of a new mobile phone game.

The game has been created by Hollywood Gaming and given the totally uninspiring name, Lyric EMI, but will be distributed to mobile operators by Player X.

The game works a bit like 'hangman' where players have to guess who sang a particular lyric. The list of artists whose lyrics will appear in the game should appeal to old groovers since it includes Queen, Sting, the Rolling Stones plus numerous Motown bands.

"Lyrics are a powerful and emotive art form often evoking memories from the key moments in life," said Jonathan Channon, a senior vp with EMI Music Publishing.

Yeah, right.

Sadly, lines like - Money, that's what I want - won't gert a hearing since EMI doesn't have the rights to the Beatles' songs.

Given that EMI stores are struggling to sell CDs, any new outlet for its stuff is a blessing. The games should start appearing in Q2 2007. µ