Recording information: 1958 - 1984.
The Verve label's companion piece to the Serge Gainsbourg tribute album, MONSIEUR GAINSBOURG REVISITED, this 2006 compilation features original versions of the renowned French cad's songs, which are covered on the aforementioned collection by the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Cat Power, Portishead, and other left-of-the-dial pop/rock admirers. Although there are many Gainsbourg anthologies that cover similar ground, this concise, well-selected disc touches on many of his finest (and quirkiest) 1960s and '70s pop compositions, including the sensual "Je T'aime Moi Non Plus," performed with his wife at the time, Jane Birkin, and the lightly funky "L'Hotel Particulier," from his infamous concept record HISTORIE DE MELODIE NELSON. While Gainsbourg devotees will already own most of this material, THE ORIGINALS serves as a fine introduction to those unfamiliar with the suave Gallic crooner.