Apart from the 1968 Johnny Bode's "Bordellmammas Visor", which only had some spread limited to northern Europe (see earlier post), this must be counted as the first actual erotic album. While the Bode LP came out very raw and direct, using the whole array of four letter words, this is very French and very elegant and though picturing intercourse and other sexual practice it does in a way that only the most rigid PC police would have objected against at the time. And though the LP itself never was a top seller internationally, the "Je T'aime" 45 became a world wide hit. Musically the album offers typical contemporary French jazzy pop, smooth and melodic. I'm not very conversant in the French language, so my direct understanding of the lyrics is very limited, but taking part of some translations it seems most of it deals with erotica in some form. And even if I can't fully enjoy all the lyrics, the gist is made perfectly clear by Birkin's titillating vocals...and you don't have to be litterate to understand the title song's mouning message. As a whole the album has a timeless quality and could fit perfectly even for modern love meetings or close mingling. Favorite track - "Jane B" taking Chopin to the next level. The audio on this US press is top-notch - big and clear, providing very good listening. Issued and reissued on vinyl and CD all over the world through the years, also 8-track and cassette. Premiere French as "Jane Birkin & Serge Gainsbourg" (Fontana 885 545 MY), UK (Fontana STL 5493). French 2003 CD on Fontana (548 428-2) came with one bonus track. First US had label as shown here in a glossy cover. (YZÄ*) (GZÅ*) (ÄXÅH*) (FÄV*)
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