Serge Gainsbourg´s “Percussions” album from 1964 is quite possibly the first “world music” album ever produced, using African and Caribbean rhythms for the backing of his pop and jazz songs. Among his mid-’60s recordings, Gainsbourg “Percussions” is essential Gainsbourg, enhanced by Alain Goraguer’s arrangements. The album contains the hit song “New York-USA” and “Coleur Café”. Go buy it now!!

No doubt, Serge Gainsbourg was one of the coolest motherfuckers of the 20th century. Besides shagging all major European top ladies from Brigitte Bardot to Jane Birkin in the 1960s and 70s he released some of the most outstanding records that still sound fresh and inspiring today. Think of the “The Histoire Of Melody Nelson” album, or the dopest beat from the 1960s in the proto-rap anthem “Requiem Pour Un Con”, or his collaboration with Sly & Robbie on “Aux Armes Et Cetera” (check the dub album!).

However one of the most memorable records by Gainsbourg is his 1964 released “Gainsbourg Percussions”, which quiet likely was the first ever European pop and jazz album to include a North African choir and Caribbean rhythms. The album contains the anthems “New York USA”, “Les Sambassadeurs” and the classic “Colour Café”. The vinyl was just rereleased in a 180g re-edition – a record that shouldnt be missing in any record collection. Go buy.