"The Man with the head of cabbage" : is the fourth concept album of Serge Gainsbourg after "Histoire de Melody Nelson" in 1971
Released on 11 November 1976, "L'Homme à Tête de Chou" by Serge Gainsbourg stands as a remarkable entry in the world of French popular music. This vinyl LP album, with its intriguing title translating to "The Man with the Head of Cabbage", is a concept album that demonstrates Gainsbourg's artistic ingenuity and storytelling prowess.
The Concept Behind the Album
Serge Gainsbourg was no stranger to experimentation, and "L'Homme à Tête de Chou" is a testament to his innovative spirit. Following the success of his earlier concept album "Histoire de Melody Nelson" in 1971, Gainsbourg continued his exploration of thematic storytelling through music. This time, the album revolves around the character of Tête de Chou, a peculiar and enigmatic figure.
The album tells the story of Tête de Chou, a man who becomes infatuated with a shop assistant named Marilou. His obsession ultimately leads to a tragic and fatal conclusion. Gainsbourg's lyrics and music create a vivid narrative that immerses the listener in the peculiar world of Tête de Chou, filled with desire, passion, and dark undertones.
The Production Team
Behind the scenes of this musical journey were key individuals who contributed to the album's unique sound. Produced by Philippe Lerichomme and Alan Hawkshaw, "L'Homme à Tête de Chou" benefited from their collaborative efforts. Philippe Lerichomme's production expertise and Alan Hawkshaw's musical prowess played a pivotal role in shaping the album's distinctive atmosphere.
The Vinyl LP Experience
For collectors of vinyl records, "L'Homme à Tête de Chou" in its 12" LP format is a treasure worth seeking. The album cover art features an illustration of the titular character, adding to the album's mystique. Inside the sleeve, you'll find the lyrics, allowing listeners to follow along with the narrative as Gainsbourg weaves his intricate tale through song.
The warm analog sound of vinyl adds an extra layer of nostalgia to the listening experience, enhancing the immersive quality of Gainsbourg's storytelling. Each crackle and pop on the vinyl record only adds to the ambiance of the music.
Music Genre: Chanson Francaise |
Album Production Information: The album: "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" was produced by: Philippe Lerichomme, Alan Hawkshaw |
Record Label Information: Philips 9101 097 |
Packaging: This album "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by Serge Gainsbourg |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1976 Made in France |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" |
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Inner Sleeve of "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" Album |
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Photo of "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Close-up Photo of "SERGE GAINSBOURG - L'Homme a Tete de Chou" Record Label |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Charlotte and Serge Gainsbourg are two of the most renowned and influential figures in the world of French music, cinema, and art. The father-daughter duo created a unique legacy that has left an indelible mark on French culture. Their contributions to the arts span several decades and continue to inspire new generations of artists.
Serge Gainsbourg was born in 1928 in Paris, France. He was a prolific singer-songwriter, composer, actor, and filmmaker. His music was characterized by a unique fusion of genres, including chanson, pop, jazz, reggae, and rock. He was notorious for his controversial lyrics and provocative behavior, which often attracted both criticism and admiration. Throughout his career, he released over 20 studio albums and collaborated with numerous artists, such as Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, and Vanessa Paradis.
Charlotte Gainsbourg, Serge's daughter, was born in 1971 in London, England. She is an actress, singer, and filmmaker. Her acting career started in the early 1980s, and she quickly gained recognition for her performances in various French and English-language films. In 1984, she made her musical debut with the song "Lemon Incest," which was a duet with her father. She has since released several albums and collaborated with artists such as Beck, Air, and Jarvis Cocker.
Charlotte and Serge's relationship was complex and often fraught with tension. Serge was notorious for his wild and sometimes self-destructive behavior, which sometimes put a strain on their relationship. However, they also shared a deep love and admiration for each other's work, and their collaborations were often the result of a profound artistic connection.
One of their most famous collaborations was the song "Je t'aime... moi non plus." The song was originally written for Brigitte Bardot, who refused to record it. Serge then gave the song to Jane Birkin, who recorded it with him in 1969. The song's explicit lyrics and Birkin's orgasmic moans caused a sensation and were banned by several radio stations. The controversy surrounding the song only added to its popularity, and it has since become a classic of French music.
Charlotte and Serge's collaborations were also marked by a deep emotional intensity. Their song "Charlotte For Ever" was written and performed by Serge for his daughter, and it explores the complex relationship between a father and his teenage daughter. The song was later turned into a film by Serge, which starred Charlotte in the lead role. The film was controversial and received mixed reviews, but it remains an essential part of their artistic legacy.
Another collaboration between the two was the film "Jane B. par Agnès V.," which was directed by Agnès Varda and starred both Charlotte and Jane Birkin. The film is a playful and surreal exploration of femininity, fame, and identity, and it features several songs written and performed by Serge.
Charlotte and Serge's work together demonstrates the power of art to bridge generational and cultural divides. Their collaborations brought together two different artistic sensibilities and created something new and exciting. Their work continues to inspire and influence artists across various genres and mediums.