The fourth album by Mick Harvey focusing on the French songwriting genius Serge Gainsbourg. Sort of an answer or the 'she' part to the 'he' "Intoxicated Man" that was his first tribute album of Gainsbourg songs. "Intoxicated Women" focuses on songs that women sang under the guidance of Gainsbourg. So for the France Gall, Brigitte Bardot, Jane Birkin, and one song ("Striptease") famously covered by Juliette Gréco as well as Nico before her Velvet Underground adventure.
Mick Harvey is a man of taste and sophistication, and it clearly shows on these four albums devoted to Gainsbourg's music. The beauty of this project is that he doesn't follow the originals like a science paper, but as an artist with pen on hand doing a still-life. It's an interpretation of Gainsbourg's work and is not meant to be the last word of this genius' life or work. The focus on songs that were sung by other women is an interesting choice. Gainsbourg was very much the professional songwriter, who wanted to have hits, but yet he always remained a strong voice or representation, even when others cover his music. You can't erase the Gainsbourg identity when performing his songs. Harvey's approach is with Bad Seeds' (which he was a member for many years) technique of covering a song with the right amount of arrangement skill in conveying the full force of that music. "Intoxicated Women" is not the best of the four because, in truth, all four solo Mick Harvey albums are one work. An excellent introduction into the world of Serge Gainsbourg, and French pop music. After this, then go to the original recordings.
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