Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos Accuses Pharrell of Lifting "Take Me Out" Riff for Paloma Faith Single

BY Gregory AdamsPublished Jan 31, 2014

Franz Ferdinand guitarist/vocalist Alex Kapranos has lobbed a plagiarism accusation Pharrell Williams's way, hinting over Twitter that the producer's "Can't Rely on You" single for English pop singer Paloma Faith borrows liberally from the Scottish post-punk troupe's breakthrough single "Take Me Out."

Earlier today (January 31), Kapranos posted the video for Faith's new single — written, produced and featuring Pharrell — along with the following message: "Hey @Pharrell — I love your tunes. If you want to borrow a riff, just ask..."

A fan later responded "maybe you could buy him a new hat once he's paid up?" referencing the somewhat infamous Mountie-style hat Williams wore to the Grammy's last week, to which Kapranos sassily quipped, "Let's hope it's a hit, then. Again."

While the track features more of an R&B feel than the old Franz Ferdinand track, Kapranos is likely referencing a snaking synth line throughout the number that sounds similar to the lead guitar lick from his own composition. You can make up your own mind on the matter by checking out the videos for both singles down below.

Neither Williams nor Faith has responded to the allegation. "Can't Rely on You," meanwhile, will be the first track on Faith's impending A Perfect Contradiction LP, which arrives March 10 through Sony Music. The single is the only collaboration with Williams, though other artists involved with the record include neo-soul vet Raphael Saadiq and R&B songwriter Andrea Martin (En Vogue, Angie Stone, Monica).

UPDATE: Kapranos has since tweeted, "@Pharrell Sometimes I forget how easily things can get exaggerated on here. I know you didn't borrow any riffs. Sorry for all the press BS."



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