The Definitive Serge Gainsbourg
Today, for the first time in the US, French icon Serge Gainsbourg’s incomparable legendary 1971 album, Histoire de Melody Nelson, is being released on Seattle’s own Light in the Attic. The clever spoken French over orchestral movements woven together with that endearing early 7o’s sound, made this album Gold back in the day and in this day and age it will be Golden. This album is essentially the story of Serge and his lover, English actress Jane Birkin, whom for the record’s sake he calls Melody Nelson…
Europeans and especially the French consider this deeply sensual and overtly sexually charged album comparable to The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band stylistically in accomplishment and popularity. Even the cover art was something back in the day - Jane is topless cuddling a doll with two buttons of her jeans undone. Absolutely scandalous for the time but kind of sweet now.
Interestingly, the April issue of Vogue magazine arrived in my mailbox today as well. Vogue ran a story on the half sisters, Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon, aptly entitled, Skinny Genes. Charlotte is the daughter of Serge & Jane, and Lou is the daughter of Jane and Jacques Doillon, the French film director Jane left Serge for in 1980. Serge & Jane were all about the sexual revolution, weren’t they?
Back to the details. As a bonus along with the album, LITA is giving us a sweet little booklet with a rare interview with the artist, Serge Gainsbourg, himself. It also includes historical essays, lyrics (in English) and cool artwork by Drew Christie.
Here’s a link to the opening track, “Melody,” to give you a little feel for Serge Gainsbourg:
http://www.4shared.com/file/
Check out the album. It is so different from what you’d expect. Definitely a fabulous backdrop to an intensely private occasion.
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