Gainsbourg the Biography by Gilles Verlant

The cover of Gainsbourg by Gilles Verlant

Is it fair that the publisher of this book gives it a review? Probably not. But then again I think this is probably the most amazing biography on Serge Gainsbourg. The author, Gilles Verlant, spent over 100 hours interviewing Gainsbourg as well as his family, friends, and other incredible french music/film artists from the 1950's till the early 1990's. 

And without a doubt it is the best (and maybe only) book in English that covers the French pop music world in such wonderful detail.  More then half of the book is oral history of Gainsbourg and French pop/film world.  Verlant is very much part of that world, and his access to the French pop stars, Serge's family, and various people around the music world at that time is pretty amazing.  Also in this book you get some of Gainsbourg's brilliant lyrics wonderfully translated by Paul Knobloch.