franz-ferdinand-7

Did Pharrell steal Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" riff for Paloma Faith song? Did FF steal it from Led Zeppelin?

by Bill Pearis

Franz Ferdinand @ Glasslands (more by P Squared)
Franz Ferdinand @ Glasslands

Franz Ferdinand’s Alex Kapranos is a little miffed that the riff in Paloma Faith’s new single “I Can’t Rely on You” bears a little resemblance to “Take Me Out.” (Via P4k.) He took to twitter to call out the song’s writer, producer and featured performer — Grammy-winner Pharrell. “Hey @Pharrell – I love your tunes. If you want to borrow a riff, just ask…”

The resemblance is definitely there, though I don’t know that I would’ve noticed if it hadn’t been pointed out to me. Also I probably would’ve never heard this song at all if it weren’t for this. That said, I’m not sure he should really be throwing stones here. “Take Me Out,” much as I love it, has a riff that owes more than a little to Led Zeppelin‘s “Trampled Underfoot.”

Stravinsky said “lesser artists borrow, great artists steal.” Listen to the trickle-down theory in action, below…

Paloma Faith – Can’t Rely on You

Franz Ferdinand – Take Me Out

Led Zeppelin – Trampled under foot