Eau et Gaz À Tous Les Étages [DJ & Singer Version]
Pas Long Feu [DJ & Singer Version] - Serge Gainsbourg, Allen, Courtney
Marilou Reggae Dub [DJ & Singer Version]
Planteur Punch [DJ & Singer Version]
Lola Rastaquouère [English Version] - Serge Gainsbourg, Blum, Bruno
The late Serge Gainsbourg, his basso-profundo vocals marinated in cigarette smoke, was the priapic Parisian prince of the put-on, an erotic poet-philosopher who deliberately couched his most outrageous lyrics in syrupy mel... more »odies. He first achieved international notoriety with "Je t'aime, Moi Non Plus," wherein he and Jane Birkin simulated coitus, delighting horny adolescents and dirty old men everywhere. Ever the experimenter, he traveled to Jamaica in 1979 and enlisted the services of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, probably the greatest reggae rhythm section of all time, and the I-Threes, Bob Marley's female back-up trio. Gainsbourg thoroughly offended right-wingers by snarling and moaning his way through his country's national anthem, with the non-French-speaking I-Threes piping an offhand "Aux armes--et cetera" at the chorus. This two-CD reissue includes dub B-sides plus fiery new interpretations from King Stitt, Big Youth, and other superstars. But even amongst such august company, Serge rules! --Christina Roden« less
The late Serge Gainsbourg, his basso-profundo vocals marinated in cigarette smoke, was the priapic Parisian prince of the put-on, an erotic poet-philosopher who deliberately couched his most outrageous lyrics in syrupy melodies. He first achieved international notoriety with "Je t'aime, Moi Non Plus," wherein he and Jane Birkin simulated coitus, delighting horny adolescents and dirty old men everywhere. Ever the experimenter, he traveled to Jamaica in 1979 and enlisted the services of Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, probably the greatest reggae rhythm section of all time, and the I-Threes, Bob Marley's female back-up trio. Gainsbourg thoroughly offended right-wingers by snarling and moaning his way through his country's national anthem, with the non-French-speaking I-Threes piping an offhand "Aux armes--et cetera" at the chorus. This two-CD reissue includes dub B-sides plus fiery new interpretations from King Stitt, Big Youth, and other superstars. But even amongst such august company, Serge rules! --Christina Roden
CD Reviews
Gainsbourg gets a dub makeover
Mr C Coulson | Essex, UK | 03/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"To most Brits like myself Serge Gainsbourg was just some lechy bloke who sang Je T'aime with Jane Birkin. That was until I heard Aux Armes Et Caetera. Smoky and Sulty, its cool reggae grooves wash over you especially on gorgeous tracks like Daisy Temple and Lola Rastaquouere. Even if you can't speak French it's sexy stuff. Fans of the original album may be dismayed to learn that although this double CD is fundamentally the same recording, it has been given a major dub overhaul and sometimes the sound effects take the emphasis away from the vocal. But to newcomers it's great showcase for one of France's national treasures and Jamaica's finest rhythm sections."
A great record
Mr C Coulson | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE THIS RECORD. If you are into dub, or just good music in general, there are hours of fun ahead of you with this one. Serge's snaky lyrics, Sly and Robbie's amazing production and backing -- it is hard to imagine it being anything less than incredible. It a holy grail of reggae, a classic record for any genre and any country. The second disc is a complete reworking of the first - complete with dub mixes that are wonderful and DJ/Singer versions from some of the biggest stars in jamaican music. So basically you have it all in one package.Its a classic record that's been added to in a tasteful and groundshaking way."
Mellow Gold
Jeff Smith | New York, New York | 03/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I take back everything I've said about reggae. I'm a changed man. Right here on the spot I will admit to you that I have never given reggae a chance. I've blown it off, not so much based on the fact that I don't like the actual music, but more because of those annoying skinny white hippie kids in high school with the Bob Marley t-shirts. Let me say that after being sucked into this album, this gem of gems, that I stand on the edge of becoming one of those annoying skinny white hippie kids in the Bob Marley t-shirt.
!??! How can Serge Gainsbourg be so great? This is the ultimate treat. This music will chill you out like nothing else while at the same time injecting a subtle euphoric mania into your bloodstream. Serge employs all things kick back here, you will not be left unfazed. Tune in and sit back as you drift into a rhythmic cloud of tight dopamine pleasing drums, kicky smooth bass love, Serge's signature spoken word, and back up vocals that make dreams come true. You need this, I need this, the whole world needs it."
A truly great record
Jeff Smith | 04/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this record is phenomenal. one of serge's best. and one's of the best records that sly and robbie ever recorded too. its political, its sexual, its everything you want in a dub reggae recording. win friends! influence enemies! this record is magical....."
Outstanding
Mr. Music | Sydney, Australia | 05/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of Gainsbourg who aren't fond of reggae (like myself) will find that even they can't help but get swept up in the laid back vibe of this fantastic album, which turned out to be his last great one.
The second CD is pretty superflous though unless you are really into dub, which I'm not. Chances are you'll never really listen to it when you've got the album proper on the first disc. Overall the album itself is highly recommended, probably one of Serge's best five efforts."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1