Du chant à la une !

"Du chant à la une !" marks the debut of the enigmatic Serge Gainsbourg, a trailblazer in the world of French music. Released in 1958, this album is a captivating blend of chanson, variété française, and early French pop and jazz influences, all wrapped up in a compact 10" vinyl format. Gainsbourg's distinctive voice and provocative lyrics are already evident in tracks like "La femme des uns sous le corps des autres" and "Le poinçonneur des Lilas," hinting at the audacious career that lay ahead.

The album opens with "Le poinçonneur des Lilas," a whimsical yet poignant song that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Tracks like "La recette de l'amour fou" and "Douze belles dans la peau" showcase Gainsbourg's knack for blending humor and romance, while "Ronsard 58" and "Friedland" demonstrate his literary influences and penchant for historical references. The inclusion of alternate takes and master first recordings adds a layer of intrigue for those eager to explore the creative process behind the final cuts.

Recorded at Studio Blanqui and cut at the Société Phonographique Philips, "Du chant à la une !" is a testament to Gainsbourg's early experimentation with sound and style. Though initially overlooked by the public, the album has since been recognized as a seminal work in Gainsbourg's discography, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of France's most iconic musicians. With a runtime of just over 35 minutes, this debut album is a quick yet memorable journey through the burgeoning genius of Serge Gainsbourg.