Aimee Mann Sues Universal Music For $8 Million Over Ultimate Collection

LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts) - Singer-songwriter Aimee Mann filed an $8 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group in Los Angeles Superior Court over last year's compilation album, Aimee Mann Ultimate Collection.

Mann claims in the suit that her recording contract states that Universal was "not permitted to repackage records embodying masters of plaintiff's songs without plaintiff's prior written consent." Her contract was originally with Imago in 1992, which was bought by Geffen in 1995, which was then folded into Universal in 2000 after she already terminated her contract with them in 1999.

The suit also states that Universal is not permitted to use photos, biographical material, or likeness or other identifications concerning Mann in the exploitation of her masters without her consent, and that the label can not publicize the masters without her permission.

Though, on Sept. 12, 2000, Universal released a 20-track "unauthorized," according to Mann, compilation of her songs, including Til' Tuesday's "Voices Carry," "Everything's Different Now," and "Sign of Love," and solo songs such as "You're With Stupid," "Amateur," "All Over Now." Some of the tracks were live, promotional singles, studio outtakes, or songs that just didn't make it onto albums. She claims that this compilation contained "songs which were never intended for commercial exploitation, songs from other record companies, and songs from a band in which she was not the solo artist."

Mann, who is suing for breach of contract, misappropriation of name and likeness, common law unfair competition, violation of Lanham Act, and violation of business and professional code 17200, is seeking at least $8 million.