Sarah McLachlan Criticized as Inconsistent Witness at Copyright Case

By IAN BAILEY -- Canadian Press

VANCOUVER -- Superstar singer Sarah McLachlan got poor reviews for her work as a witness on Wednesday by a lawyer who claimed she changed her story while testifying in a copyright case.

Jonathan Simkin began his closing arguments in the civil case that has dragged the performer into court over claims she should have given more cash and credit to a man who worked on her debut album.

"On some issues, Ms. McLachlan literally changed her position four or five times, starting from the examination for discovery and carrying through to the trial," Simkin told a B.C. Supreme Court.

Simkin noted that McLachlan and other defendants previously praised Darryl Neudorf, the softspoken producer who is suing her, as an honest, nice guy.

"Now we come to trial and he's an ego monster," said Simkin.

Justice Bruce Cohen is hearing the case without a jury. He is expected to hear about six days of closing arguments from both sides before retiring to write his judgement. The case began in November.

Neudorf, 34, wants more compensation for his work on four songs featured in the 1988 album, Touch.

The album launched a career that has seen McLachlan become one of North America's most popular singers.

The songs are Steaming, Vox, Sad Clown and Strange World. Neudorf  is credited on Touch's sleeve for "pre-production
co-ordination and production assistance."

Neudorf has been paid about $3,000 for his efforts. If he wins this case, a second trial would be held to calculate specific damages.

McLachlan, 30, and other witnesses from her label -- also named in Neudorf's suit -- have rejected the producer's claim, suggesting that he is over-inflating his 1988 work on the album.

Simkin ran through a series of alleged McLachlan inconsistencies in her recollections of her work with Neudorf.

For example, he said McLachlan's testimony has ranged between agreeing that Neudorf helped out on the songs to denying he played any significant role.

"We get to trial and suddenly her writing process is a solitary process," said Simkin.

There was no sign of McLachlan in court on Wednesday. Previously, the singer has attended the trial, drawing crowds of teenaged fans eager for an autograph or a peek at the singer.

A group of youngsters came looking for her Wednesday, but left when they found she was not there.

McLachlan is reportedly busy dealing with the release next week of her new album, Mirror Ball.

She is also preparing for a third Lilith Fair tour of female singers across North America, starting in July. After the 35-show tour, McLachlan has said she will be taking some time off to start a family with her husband.