Just watched some Gainsbourg vids today - are Gainsbourg and MES on the same wavelength or what?

Two heavy drinking, chainsmoking sloppy dressers, proud owners of a deeply lined kisser, fixed in a state of perpetual boredom. Two restless raw naturals that can't be bothered with such trivialities like looking glamorous, being friendly to the press or singing properly.

Two unlikely icons of cool that are nevertheless all about the music. And fine music they got too, each in his own field: mixing the bizarre, the traditional, the exotic with "pop" tunes and drawing influences from all over the place. And of course they both dabble(d) in electronica.

Serge Gainsbourg


Mark E Smith


How does one classify such artists?

MES should cover the "Melody Nelson" album in it's entirety.That I'd love to hear.

The distinctions I would draw would be mainly that Gainsbourg enjoyed considerable mainstream success in France, but the commonalities are there. Serge certainly trod an uncompromising line of musical style.
Gainsbourg was a prolific collaborator with other artists, and what were seen as some of his more unusual collaborations produced some of his greatest successes (eg with Jane Birkin).
However, MES enjoys a pint and a smoke while Serge liked a Gitane and a Pastis.
Il n'y a rien de plus a dire.
;)
BTW I notice that currently winning this poll is "Who is this MES character?" Ah, the joys of anonymous voting...

You could say they are both misanthropic.
Both compulsively involve a series of romantic partners in their music.

Mind you, Serge went shit in his later years - I don't much like RPTLC but it pisses on You're Under Arrest

Good thread, 2 of my fave artists!