Charlotte Gainsbourg - IRM (2009)

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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). Fuck 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? :love:

@Sidewinder

have you seen Antichrist yet?....they managed to make her ugly in every way

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a compilation of the early amazing work of The Scientists....a late 70s Australian garage punk band....and a big influence on probably 80 percent of the bands i love....this makes me want to move down under

There's a lot of music i'm into and Chris Isaak is phenomenal too.:dj:

IRM was quite good, one of my top albums for 2010. To my knowledge, Beck wrote, produced, and performed everything but the vocals for IRM (Charlotte did flute on Greenwich Mean Time). It's very Modern Guilt to me.

I looked it up because I thought it was 2009...turns out it was released in France and Canada in December 2009, rest of Europe and US in January 2010. I hate when that happens...never really sure where to file it (for best of year lists and such).

I haven't...not sure I want to if she's ugly! :D

I've read the plot summary for Antichrist and it reads like an internet shock video or snuff film.

That seems like a very interesting album and an interesting review. I definitely hear very, very, clear influences from her father's work, especially from his album Histoire de Melody Nelson. If you aren't familiar with it, I think you should definitely check it out because if you like her album I bet you would like his. Another interesting fact, Beck called Histoire de Melody Nelson , "one of the greatest marriages of rock band and orchestra I've ever heard." Musical talent definitely runs in the Gainsbourg family.

Polaris by Exxasens
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Very cool album with very cool instrumentals. Proggy psychedelic sounding stuff.

Sonic Prayer by Earthless
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Another really cool prog rock album. Only 2 songs though, but the album is 40 minutes. My recommendation, if you smoke, listen to while high.

Chico Buarque - Construção

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Although I don't speak Portuguese, just by listening to this album you can tell that it was produced by a great lyricist. While he might not have the best voice, it's inflection and interaction with the music shows an introspectiveness that is found among great writers, and great lyricists. Also, the music lends itself to being accompanied by great lyrics; if you listen to the "Construção" you'll know what I mean. In fact, "Construção" is an absolutely incredible song. It ranks with Serge Gainsbourg's masterpiece, Histoire de Melody Nelson, as a beautiful representation of popular music combined with orchestra, a feat that is very difficult to achieve without coming off as melodramatic. My second favorite track is "Cotidiano", another song dominated by Buarque's melancholic voice and great use of varied instrumentation. Definitely one of my favorite Brazilian albums.

"Construção"


"Cotidiano"

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Their best album IMO

:(:(:(