Vanessa, Hanayo

"Vanessa Paradis is just another reason for us to thank France. She has mystery and rebellion all bottled up in what looks like an innocent appearance -- but that's surely all a façade," says Askmen.com, and they're spot on. With the whole Kate Moss/drugs-situation, my thoughts wandered to Vanessa who, as you all know, is romantically involved with former Moss-beau Johnny Depp. They have kids, she models for Chanel. Paradis was once a party-girl, like Moss (Vanessa is two years older than Kate), but has settled down now. Without losing her 'mystery and rebellion'-air, I'd say. Kate Moss should've taken example.
Anyways, Vanessa has had a recording career that took off with the mega-hit Joe Le Taxi, that had her making an album under the wings of Lenny Kravitz and, yes, one written by Serge Gainsbourg. Off of that album, very Gainsbourgian titled Variations sur le même t'aime, comes Flagrant Delire.

Hear Here.

Joe le Taxi has been covered a few times, by Berlin-based Stereo Total (sung by a man), and by Japanese cult-star Hanayo. Her version became best known when 2 Many DJ's included it on their As Heard On Radio Soulwax-mixalbum. It's taken from her The Gift album, the nasty techno-beats were produced by Jurgen Paape. Dirty, but sweet.

Hear here.