MGMT reach entente cordialle

Remember that MGMT fell out with Sarkozy when he started to use Kids to soundtrack his party's campaigns? (Not, I suspect, that it was his personal decision, but you get the drift.)

Everybody has kissed and made up, according to the band:

"About two months ago it was brought to our attention (through the MGMT message board) that the UMP French political party was using our song 'Kids' at rallies and posting videos of these rallies on their official website. Normally MGMT steers clear of mixing music and politics, but the fact that the UMP used our song without permission while simultaneously pushing anti-piracy legislation seemed a little wack.

"We believe that access to music benefits both the musicians and the fans, and has undoubtedly helped spread our music around the globe, while also expanding our personal musical collections. We didn't want to be "typical Americans" and sue, despite the amazing monetary benefit and chinchilla coats and Navigators it would bring. Instead we're using the settlement fee the UMP presented and donating it to artists rights organizations. Thank you France for the wonderful food. C'est bon. MGMT"

It's nice that everyone comes to a happy ending, although frankly it might have been nice to see the UMP issuing an apology rather than just throwing money at a problem to make it go away.

And is French food really so great? Or are MGMT just talking crepe? [A payment of five guineas is being sent to Barry Cryer to mark the disinterment of that joke.]