Charlotte Gainsbourg -
IRM (2009)
There are few female singers that really appeal to me. Most front rock bands. Someone introduced me to this recently after a brief discussion about
Beck, stating that he produced the album and co-wrote some songs (maybe all?), so I figured I'd give it a shot. Well it's pretty damn good. Charlotte has a beautiful voice (yeah that means nothing to me either, tons of women have beautiful voices but that doesn't mean I care to hear them sing). But I think what appeals to me about it is the production. I like the music, it's in line with some other things I listen to. The Beck production for the most part is not obvious, but shines on certain songs. At times, her voice reminds me of
Jennifer Charles' work in
Lovage - and the production during those moments supports it. For the most part though, she sounds nothing like Jennifer Charles. Another aspect I like is that some songs are in French, and some are in English (mostly English). F
uck me this is just really good. I think there is a good amount of variety throughout the album and that keeps it interesting. It's been getting steady play...the first was the weekend before last while cooking breakfast, then a few days later while ironing some shirts, and then further listens while commuting on the bus or sitting at work. It's just goddamn pleasant. It kind of chokes me up actually.
(I think this is the one that makes me think of Lovage most - I think you'll find it pretty obvious if you've heard Lovage)
(this is probably my favorite track on the album - it's the most Beck-like in the production)
Aw hell you know, they're all damn good...
Can I marry you, Charlotte Gainsbourg?