The Daily Listen - January 6, 2012 - Charlotte Gainsbourg "Stage Whispers"

The Daily Listen is a brief commentary on my auditory adventures. With music, as with everything, I am claiming no critical superiority, as over the years I've learned that despite stylistic preferences, music must also sit with you at various times (time of day, season, mood, etc.) to gauge its proper impact. In other words, I may not encounter the same listening experience as you, simply because our days are managed differently.
Charlotte Gainsbourg
"Stage Whispers"
Released -- 12/2011 -- Elektra Records
http://www.charlottegainsbourg.com/

When your dad is Serge Gainsbourg, the king of French pop, and your mom is Jane Birkin, you're dealt quite a hand from the jump. And having been in the public eye for most of her life, Charlotte Gainsbourg certainly has taken full advantage with a successful acting career and more recently, outstanding musical offerings.

Having paired up with Beck on her previous effort, 2009's "IRM," Gainsbourg is back with the double-LP, "Stage Whispers." The first half of which focuses on new studio material that is a solid continuation of "IRM." Gainsbourg effortlessly moves between glammed runway strutters and breezy cafe pop. "Stage Whispers" can be the soundtrack from Saturday night to Sunday afternoon and Gainsbourg would've been an excellent addition to the Danger Mouse, Daniel Luppi collaboration, "Rome."

The second half of "Stage Whispers" is where things get more interesting. With a stellar band in tow, Gainsbourg's cool demeanor and steady voice mix tremendously well with the fuzzed out guitars and post-disco rhythm section. The result (at times) reminds me of Patti Smith and at other the Talking Heads. The hands-down highlight though is a breathless cover of Bob Dylan's "Just Like a Woman." Akin to "Femme Fatale" by the Velvet Underground, this version is simply stunning and worth the extended listen alone.