They've been changing album covers and songs since at least the 70s. This isn't anything new or recent, except streaming makes it a lot more convenient while also getting artists out of hot legal water like the Gorillaz change. I'm not here to defend streaming services (vampires), but changes are coming from the artist and not the service. Youtube didn't take out the spongebob sample in the Gorillaz song.

Obligatory billy woods + kenny segal's Spongebob: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83F4JpVu61k

Sure, but I think the point is that if you aren't in possession of a copy of the recording, then you will be affected by these changes whether you like it or not. If you are in possession of a copy, that copy will never be so affected.

Agreed, I was just making a comment that the changes can be from the artists and not the services.

I've been streaming music since Yahoo music, but have started to change my ways by buying vinyl or digital through the artists own site or bandcamp. It's less about my music changing and more about supporting the artists instead of the corporations taking a big cut.

It's the artist who altered the song, not the streaming service.

I've never heard of a (legal) streaming service that edits the songs submitted to its platform outside of YouTube (which can mute sections of videos that contain copyrighted audio)

Not only can't you trust them not to alter the works, you can't even trust them to keep the work available in perpetuity. Video is especially bad with this, with shows and movies randomly getting pulled and/or switching streaming platforms.

This is nothing new. Back in 1992, Beastie Boys wanted to use a Jimi Hendrix sample but couldn’t get it cleared for the album Check Your Head. They later secured the rights and were able to use the Hendrix riff on the single and music video version.

https://www.beastiemania.com/songspotlight/show.php?s=jimmyj...

I’m sure someone could find an even older example.