Where most compilations fail, this one succeeds. Rather than trying to paint a picture of Gainsbourg's entire output, "Comic Strip" focuses on the artist's output from the late 60s, the period most regard as his peak.While there are a few arguably important songs from the late 60s that are absent here, the track selection is excellent overall. 'Comic Strip' and 'Bonnie and Clyde' highlight Gainsbourg's work with Brigitte Bardot. 'Requiem pour un Con' is a timeless wonder. But what really impresses about this CD is that it does not try to merely provide a greatest hits package. Lesser known songs such as 'Ford Mustang' and 'Un Poison Violent' are welcome additions.And as the album progresses we get Gainsbourg's late 60s output, accented by his collaboration with Jane Birkin in 'Soixante-Neuf Année Erotique.' There were a plethora or songs that Gainsbourg wrote very other artists, so his value is doubly important. 'Les Sucettes' and 'Sous le Soleil Exactement' are great examples, and the inclusion of his own versions are very welcome indeed.This is a wonderful overview of the peak of the most influential French songwriter ever, a man who still casts a large shadow of influence over modern day French, American, and British artists. A very smart buy to become familiar with his work....

* track list in comments
* bonus: ''Popular Music in Contemporary France'' (e-book)