Jane Birkin died. The muse of many (singers, designers, songwriters, daughters, granddaughters) left a cool musical legacy. Mostly written by others, and sang with a little voice, her impact was impressively large. She duetted with every one from her longtime partner Serge Gainsbourg to Bryan Ferry, Beth Gibbons, daughter Charlotte, Arno Hintjens, to Franz Ferdinand.

She was the ‘mother goddess’ of all Zuchtmeisjes, every (French) singer who sang with fragility, uncertain yet determined. Sultry, but with depth and meaning. Featured here are the first song she recorded with Serge (Chanson de Slogan, from the movie they acted in), the heartbreakingly beautiful Le canari est sur le balcon (about a girl who commits suicide, but saves her pet bird), the sultry Le velours des vierges, some great duets and arabesque versions of Gainsbourg songs. Plus, her intense version of Je suis venu te dire. No, not Je t’aime…moi non plus. Still a great song about the lies we tell in bed, but as she said herself repeatedly: “When I die, that’ll be the tune they play, as I go out feet first”. We aim for a broader view.

She will be missed. She will be remembered.

 

 

Liner notes:

 

 

 

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