Jane Birkin

You can judge artists by the company they keep. Jane Birkin, a British model who became a treasured French institution, celebrates her sixth decade by collaborating with the Smiths' Johnny Marr, Rufus Wainwright, Portishead's Beth Gibbons and many others. On Fictions, Birkin sings in English as much as she ever has. Her crisp accent sounds closer to a bohemian Mary Poppins than anything rock 'n' roll, but she makes this work to her benefit. As much actress as singer, Birkin is a narrative master who has the power to knock Tom Waits' "Alice" down from purgatory deep into hell.