- Artist
- Rufus Wainwright
- Label
- Geffen
- Release date
- 14th May 2007
- Genre
- Pop/rock/folk
Fifth album of ambitious, orchestral folk and pop from Loudon Wainwright III's son spells commercial breakthrough
While a critics' darling and friend to the stars, huge commercial success has eluded Rufus Wainwright. Openly gay, flamboyant and in thrall to Verdi and Schubert, the quandary is that his theatrical folk echoes more Nick Cave or Tom Waits than the brazenly camp Mika or Scissor Sisters. As with those earthier types, however, Wainwright inspires devotion. The broad orchestral sweep of previous album Want Two, while not chart radio-friendly, is a word of mouth phenomenon.
Here, Release The Stars also has nothing your local builder might hum, but executive producer Neil Tennant has reined in the excesses of Wainwright oft-termed "baroque 'n' roll" and "popera" to help create a more human collection of understated grandeur. Wainwright's wearily resigned Jeff Buckley-esque tone lovingly caresses his ever-witty writing: see stunning US protest song Going To A Town, delivered as a break-up lament with its killer pay-off "I'm so tired of you America". The move from unique talent to global megastar probably starts here.
More to try: Antony & The Johnsons: I Am A Bird Now Jeff Buckley: Grace Arcade Fire: Funeral Richard Hawley: Coles Corner
