Franz Ferdinand are readying themselves to record a covers album of songs originally written by their heroes, cult US rock duo Sparks. The Scottish band met up with Sparks brothers RON and RUSSELL MAEL, and were thrilled to discover a mutual appreciation from the band who inspired them to become musicians. Franz Ferdinand frontman ALEX KAPRANOS says, "We had an amazing lunch with Sparks a few months ago and a tentative suggestion was made. It was such a great moment meeting them." Russell Mael says, "We've met with the band a few times in Los Angeles. "The original idea was to gather a dozen or so Sparks songs as sort of a stamp of approval of our band. "And they want to do one or two songs where we write and perform them together. "We hope it will happen as soon as there is a gap in both bands' schedules." He adds, "There is a similar spirit to both our bands. We take care with the lyrics to make them something special."