The INA archives have quickly become my new favourite time-zapper. Among its wonderful offerings:

This fantastic clip of Serge Gainsbourg interviewing Anna Karina, followed by a lip-synched, sun-frolicking performance of 'Sous le soleil exactement'.

Thought I'd jump on Guuzbourg's bandwagon with my favourite French duet of all time:

Anna Karina & Serge Gainsbourg Jean-Claude Brialy* - Ne Dis Rien (1967)

Another stunning track from the Anna soundtrack. Last year's Gainsbourg DVD release, D'Autres Nouvelles Des Etoiles is a must-own, with the video for this track a standout for me. Extraordinarily beautiful in its simplicity, it features Anna & Serge casually slowdancing whilst gazing into each other's eyes.

And for Roar, the wonderful cover by Bambou and her and Gainsbourg's son Lulu:

Lulu et Bambou - Ne Dis Rien (2001)

Bambou's sensual, breathy vocals, as well as the lyrics seeming more suitable for lovers, does give this a bit of a Nancy & Frank vibe. Nonetheless, it's not much of a stretch to forget that and find it a sweet expression of mother/son closeness (that still sounds a bit off, doesn't it? I give up). A lovely update, tastefully arranged and the type of cover I'm always happy to hear. It does justice to the original, never stomping all over the original feel and thus taking away from it. A fresh take, lovingly executed like this one, can both renew your ears to the finer points you love in the original, and make you glad to hear another version of a favourite.

Buy: Anna Film & Soundtrack

*Originally mistakenly credited as Anna Karina & Serge Gainsbourg. Jean-Claude Brialy performs the duet with Anna Karina in the film and on the soundtrack, while the version in the video described is performed by Karina and Gainsbourg.

French kitsch king Claude and a young Jodie perform the Gainsbourg & Bardot classic on late 70s French TV, making it corny and more than a little creepy.

(Pic credit: Last.FM)

(Pic credit: Last.FM)

Gal Costa - Desafinado (Índia, 1973)

I've had my lazy day, now it's time for you Northern Hemisphere-ers to lounge around. Allow me to provide your soundtrack. Night-night.