After twenty years, Mick Harvey decided to return to Serge Gainsbourg. The third album of covers titled Delirium Tremens came out last year, and now we already have the fourth edition – Intoxicated Women. Supposedly, this is the final act of reinterpretation of Gainsbourg. By the way, the first piece of mosaic was created in 1995 ( Intoxicated Man).
Dynamics of heterosexual relationships realized through duets and dedications inspired by women makes Intoxicated Women a strong closing part of the music story about interpretation. It is not easy to do a cover that also respects the original. We live in the world where everything is a copy or a simulation of something other than itself, so it should be applauded when the reproduction is at least glorious. Personal mark makes emulation almost unique.
All Day Suckers is not a duet, and it was originally written for Frances Gail, which is not a coincidence. Here, Harvey operates both as a man and a woman, exuding his forte in the role play. Annie loves all those suckers is a verse that showcases how Harvey’s interpretation of the ideas such a muses and femme fatale is fluid and playful. The song is ironic dialogue between the poet and his muse. Besides this song, Lost Loves is the only other number on the record that is not a duet.
When it comes to duets, my favorites include: Striptease with Andrea Schroeder and Sensuelle et Sans Suite with Lindelle Jayne Spruyt. Female vocals remarkably resemble Anita Lane, one of the most sensual collaborators of Mick Harvey.
The exuberant The Homely Ones is a rhythm driven tune with Xante Waite, while Pervert’s Song almost does not bring the original song to memory. The crown of the album is Cargo Cult from the legendary album Historie de Melody Nelson.
Intoxicated Women is Harvey’s interpretative collection that radiates alacrity. It is clear that the singer has put a lot of effort to turn the original into a unique reproduction.
