Aux armes et cætera (album)

Aux armes et cætera is a 1979 reggae album by Serge Gainsbourg. It marks a significant stylistic departure for Gainsbourg, incorporating reggae rhythms and instrumentation throughout. The title translates from French as "To arms, and so on," and is taken from the refrain of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.

The album's most controversial track is a reggae interpretation of La Marseillaise, also titled "Aux armes et cætera". This version sparked outrage in France among some veterans and conservatives who viewed it as disrespectful to the national anthem. Gainsbourg faced considerable backlash, including death threats. However, he defended his interpretation as a way to rejuvenate the anthem and connect it with a broader audience. He famously wore a military uniform and presented a gold record of the song to protesting veterans, stating that it was a "call to arms... for love."

Recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare providing the rhythm section, the album features other notable tracks, including "Lola Rastaquouère", "Relax Baby Be Cool" and "Vieille Canaille" (a duet with Peter Tosh). The album's success and the controversy surrounding the title track cemented its place as a landmark in both Gainsbourg's career and French popular music. Aux armes et cætera is considered a significant work in the history of reggae fusion, demonstrating a successful blend of French songwriting and Jamaican musical sensibilities.