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Rating: 
Summary: Initials S.G.
Review: If you can't read French and are interested in learning more about Serge Gainsbourg, by all means pick this up instead of Alan Clayson's "View From The Exterior". The simple reason being, Clayson can't write. "Exterior" is an unbearable read due to Clayson's self-satasfied pretentiousness. Simmons offers nothing of the kind. If anything, it's like reading an elaborate magazine article. No surprize, Simmons is a rock journalist. But where Clayson was more concerned with voicing his far-from-humble opinions, Simmons gets down to the business of Serge Gainsbourg. The good, the bad & the ugly.Though only a 139 pages in length, FISTFUL OF GIGANTES is an honest, concise and informative document of a very complex personality. Interviews with the likes of Jane Birkin and those in the know, neither demonize nor deify. Simmons' style is informal to say the least, but she never let's it get in the way of her subject. In fact, it's far more intimate than many biographies I've read. What makes this so readable is the author's obvious curiousty for her subject. Her bare bones approach allows Gainsborg, rather than the author to be the sensationalist. So, if you failed all your French classes or never had the oppurtunity of being an exchange student, let FISTFUL OF GITANTES's act as your interpreter. She even translates the song titles for you. My only reservation is that it was over far too soon. As they say, "time flies"...
Rating: 
Summary: Thank you Ms. Simmons!
Review: Must-read biography of one of the most fascinating men in 20th century music. I've not read the Clayson biography, but after reading A Fistful of Gitanes, I don't have any need to read another Gainsbourg biography (in English at least)! The writing is interesting and draws you in. Also many insights from interviews with Jane Birkin (Gainsbourg's ex-wife). Also recommended are Evgenie Sokolov and Gilles Verlant's biography of Gainsbourg (in French). *thumbs way way up!*
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