Magnetic machine music

Death is one of the most universal inspirations for art. Near-death experiences are pretty darn close.

Charlotte Gainsbourg’s “IRM,” produced by Beck, mixes the angst of her experience with tantalizing hints of flowery French pop.

After learning that she had suffered a brain hemorrhage, Gainsbourg continued to receive scans months after being cleared (IRM is the French arrangement of MRI). This experience shapes the sounds of the album, with mechanical buzzing and whirring sounds permeating the title track and “Master’s Hand.”

Gainsbourg’s primary collaborator Beck influences much of the sound of “IRM.” He writes most of the songs, plays the majority of the instruments and occasionally joins in on the vocals. His characteristic funky drumbeats and acoustic guitars lighten the album and keep it from drifting into the morose.

Although sometimes dark, “IRM” is often touching and shows that Gainsbourg is a jack of all trades.