In these ever-changing times, the world at large is still ready to embrace new music that dares to express a different sensibility and challenge its audience’s preconceptions. Such is the case with the new album by Charlotte Gainsbourg. For her third venture into record making, the much-loved actress enlisted the aid of one of America’s most prolific and multi-gifted natural talents, Beck.
Both individuals have stayed at the very summit of their respective professions ever since they first came under public scrutiny. Charlotte’s own debut record occurred back in 1986 when at the tender age of thirteen, she sang for her father Serge Gainsbourg throughout the album Charlotte Forever. That same year, she won the “Most Promising Actress” Cesar for her role in L’Effrontée and has gone on to receive other equally prestigious awards for her subsequent acting choices. In 2006 her second album 5 :55 reached the top position in the French album charts.
Together they have come up with something unique. At times it’s bright and alluring, at others dark and disorientating –it’s a hypnotic journey into a complicated psyche that will haunt and bewitch anyone who takes the time to really listen to it. “I don’t see myself as mainstream or underground,” maintains Charlotte in reference to her musical career and I.R.M. is situated in neither camp. More precisely, it’s a penetrating voyage into the inner universe of Charlotte Gainsbourg as brought to life by a true American original –Beck- at the peak of his musical powers. This –in the words of its two protagonists- is how “I.R.M.” came to be created.
The same can be said for the album that represents the fruit of their labour. Not since the bygone days when David Bowie collaborated with Iggy Pop and Lou Reed wrote songs for Nico have two artists colluded together in a recording studio with such daring results. I.R.M. is prefaced by the release of its first single, “Heaven Can Wait” featuring a special vocal duet between Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck.
US TOUR DATES
4/7 @ Royale – Boston, MA – Tickets
4/8 @ 9:30 Club – Washington, DC – Tickets
4/9 @ Brooklyn Steel – Brooklyn, NY – Tickets
4/12 @ Coachella – Indio, CA – Tickets
4/19 @ Coachella – Indio, CA – Tickets
4/15 @ The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA – Tickets
4/17 @ El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA – Tickets
