Birkin, Jane: Versions Jane LP

Originally released in 1996 and now making a welcome return to wax, Versions Jane is the seventh of Birkin's rather impressive 12 studio albums. It is also one of her most revelatory as the London-born actress and singer returned to the Gainsbourg songbook to reimagine it entirely. Tracks like 'Ces Petits Riens,' 'L'Anamour,' 'Comment Te Dire Adieu' and 'Ford Mustang' are stripped back, rearranged and redelivered with emotional directness that comes from allowing some real distance from their original contexts. The result is more personal than a tribute and more honest than a covers album. An overlooked entry in Birkin's catalogue.