Le Sleaze Master

Besides champagne and Roquefort, la république française is most notable for its production of perverted artistic geniuses. Back in the day, there was the Marquis de Sade. But more recently — circa 1971 — songwriter Serge Gainsbourg seized the role of chief French freak with the release of his concept album, Histoire de Melody Nelson. The basic narrative: Monsieur Gainsbourg (unintentionally?) hits a 14-year-old girl with his Rolls Royce Silver Ghost and then proceeds to fuck her back to health. Unsurprisingly, Gainsbourg’s little chef-d’oeuvre has never seen store shelves in the States — until now.

This Monday Sweat Records will host Tribute to Serge Gainsbourg, the official Miami listening party for the Light in the Attic Records reissue of Melody Nelson. And adding to the stylishly depraved fun, there will be a special screening of rare footage, videos, and interviews. The Gallic get-together is free, but bring cash in order to score your very own copy of this epic LP about vehicular misadventure, underage sex, booze, and Gitanes.
Mon., May 25, 8 p.m., 2009