Rufus Wainwright - Release The Stars

[BadCoverVersion]

In here we discuss all news regarding Release The Stars.

Yes I AM early I know...but I'm just too darn excited about it all. We also have the Sam Mendes documentary coming up also...oh, I wish I could've seen him doing Judy!

From www.rufuswainwright.com

Rufus Wainwright will release his fifth album, Release the Stars, on Geffen on May 15. Pet Shop Boys singer Neil Tennant executive produced the Want Two follow-up, which is Wainwright's first self-produced album. Producers Marius DeVries and Andy Bradfield mixed the record, and it features contributions from Richard Thompson, Joan Wasser (Antony and the Johnsons), and actress Siân Phillips as well.

Tracklist:

01 Do I Disappoint You
02 Going to a Town
03 Tiergarten
04 Nobody's Off the Hook
05 Between My Legs
06 Rules and Regulations
07 I'm Not Ready to Love
08 Slideshow
09 Tulsa
10 Leaving for Paris
11 Sanssouci
12 Release the Stars

I have already heard I'm Not Ready For Love and Between My Legs LIVE, both are amazing songs..Between My Legs is typically camp and controversial but also very tender and moving.

I am interested to hear if Tennant has a big influence on Rufus' sound...mmm, I like Pet Shop Boys but only in the smallest of doses...he's a wee bit serious for my liking, oh give me a fun bum boy like Andy Bell or Jimmy Somerville any day of the week.

[BadCoverVersion]

Plus here is a superb review for Rufus current live show,

Rufus Wainwright, London Palladium, London
By Ben Walsh
Published: 20 February 2007

*****
"You're all simply divine," Judy Garland gushed to her Carnegie Hall audience in 1961. "You've been amazing and so have I," Rufus Wainwright joked to the London Palladium crowd 46 years on. The 33-year-old son of folk royalty - Loudon Wainwright and Kate McGarrigle - gave a barnstorming performance of Garland's definitive stage show, widely considered to be The Wizard of Oz star's finest moment. In 1959, Garland was diagnosed with acute hepatitis and was informed that she would never sing again. However, she recovered and gave New York the ultimate comeback gig, comprising 30 knockout showtunes. It was the supreme "I am what I am" moment.

So it was a tall order for Wainwright to capture the intensity and intimacy that Garland generated. But the recovering drug addict managed it with charm, wit and pizzazz. Even his sister, Martha, who helped him out beautifully on "Stormy Weather" and "Someone to Watch Over Me", was moved to tell him, "I've never been so proud of anyone." Rufus blamed his tears on "jetlag".

The show featured the full, original score conducted by Stephen Oremus, and boasted a 36-piece orchestra. The diminutive Wainwright appeared in front of them, dressed in a gold suit, which he claimed was rather tight, adding "Oh my God, I'm wearing Judy's clothes." He started by belting out "When You're Smiling" in his strong, distinctive voice and admitted to us that this venture "is insane".

It was certainly ambitious, but Wainwright's keen humour - "we both liked gay men very much" - made sure it was never a chore. Like Garland, he provided amusing anecdotes between the songs, informing us that his dad loved Liza Minnelli as a child ("she broke his heart") and admitting that as a young boy he used to pretend to be the wicked witch melting in The Wizard of Oz.

He enacted a sumptuous version of Lerner and Loewe's "Almost Like Being in Love" and then showed off his vocal chops on "Do It Again", sung in "Judy's key". He fizzed throughout the rest of the first half, investing Gershwin's "How Long Has this Been Going On" and "The Man That Got Away" with suitable angst before ending the half with a sensational "San Francisco".

Wainwright's turn may not have been as dramatic as Judy's was, but there was a lot of love and respect here. Even Garland's daughter, Lorna Luft, got in on the act, belting out "I Could Go On Singing", from Garland's final film. "Forget your troubles c'mon get happy/ You better chase all your cares away..." A jolly triumph.

Rufus Wainwright appears at the Palladium on 25 February (08700 400 046)

[Superplasmatron]

i have a strange feeling that this album may be bad, as want one and two are very good ard hard acts to follow, I know i said they were shit but i love them now

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
i have a strange feeling that this album may be bad, as want one and two are very ard acts to follow, I know i said they were shit but i love them now

But Poses is acers also, although the last few tracks sound way dated. And his self titled has some crackers on it...Matinee Idol, Danny Boy and April Fools, what pop perfection!

I am a little apprehensive also, because the Wants are amazing...but I just can't see it being toss.

[bowieee]

I just got a ticket to see him at a very small venue. I'm so suuprised it hadn't sold out yet. i've never seen him before so I'm chockful of anticipation!

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by bowieee
I just got a ticket to see him at a very small venue. I'm so suuprised it hadn't sold out yet. i've never seen him before so I'm chockful of anticipation!

Jammy little teacake.

He is super live...his voice is stunning and he really engages with the audience, and he did nigh on half a dozen encores when I saw him, including 1 in his robe and slippers!

Where you seeing him?

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Jammy little teacake.

He is super live...his voice is stunning and he really engages with the audience, and he did nigh on half a dozen encores when I saw him, including 1 in his robe and slippers!

Where you seeing him?

In a massage parlour I hear.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
In a massage parlour I hear.

Well if that were the case no doubt you'd have a front row seat and an empty flask.

You fucking heart him.

[Brando @$$ Fat]

The only album I've heard of Wainwright's is Poses and it was one of the best things I'd ever heard. Definitely going to check this out.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by Brando @$$ Fat
The only album I've heard of Wainwright's is Poses and it was one of the best things I'd ever heard. Definitely going to check this out. want one and two are even better

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
want one and two are even better

He's absolutely right.

I know a lot of folks initially find these albums somewhat grating and campy, but if you persevere I guarantee you will grow to love them.

You should download some individual tracks and give 'em a whirl.

I recommend I Don't Know What It Is, 14th Street, Want and Movies Of Myself from One, and The Art Teacher, The One You Love, Gay Messiah and Crumb By Crumb from Two...or just listen to the lot.

Poses is good, but the Want albums are masterpieces...yeah, I said it.

[Brando @$$ Fat]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
He's absolutely right.

I know a lot of folks initially find these albums somewhat grating and campy, but if you persevere I guarantee you will grow to love them.

You should download some individual tracks and give 'em a whirl.

I recommend I Don't Know What It Is, 14th Street, Want and Movies Of Myself from One, and The Art Teacher, The One You Love, Gay Messiah and Crumb By Crumb from Two...or just listen to the lot.

Poses is good, but the Want albums are masterpieces...yeah, I said it.

In that case, I'm going to have to make some space on my CD shelf for Rufus Wainwright. I love it when I discover new music.

[Psychocandy]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
He's absolutely right.

I know a lot of folks initially find these albums somewhat grating and campy, but if you persevere I guarantee you will grow to love them.

You should download some individual tracks and give 'em a whirl.

I recommend I Don't Know What It Is, 14th Street, Want and Movies Of Myself from One, and The Art Teacher, The One You Love, Gay Messiah and Crumb By Crumb from Two...or just listen to the lot.

Poses is good, but the Want albums are masterpieces...yeah, I said it.

You didn't mention Go Or Go Ahead...for shame. :confused:

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Psychocandy
You didn't mention Go Or Go Ahead...for shame. :confused:

It's not one I'd recommend straight off...like Dinner At Eight. I dunno, it seems like bit of an intense one to plunge straight in with. That probably makes no sense...mmm.

[bowieee]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Jammy little teacake.

He is super live...his voice is stunning and he really engages with the audience, and he did nigh on half a dozen encores when I saw him, including 1 in his robe and slippers!

Where you seeing him?

I'm seeing him at the Belly Up tavern in Solana beach which is a tiny place compared to where he normally would be playing. Funny enough the night before that show I'm seeing Tv on the radio at the same place. It's been a dry spell for good shows as of late and then all of a sudden gigs began to pour. April is going to be a cheery month.

Roy.......................

So that's why it said towel optional on the bottom of my ticket.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by bowieee
I'm seeing him at the Belly Up tavern in Solana beach which is a tiny place compared to where he normally would be playing. Funny enough the night before that show I'm seeing Tv on the radio at the same place. It's been a dry spell for good shows as of late and then all of a sudden gigs began to pour. April is going to be a cheery month.

Roy.......................

So that's why it said towel optional on the bottom of my ticket.

Oh tv on the radio are amazing live, I saw them thanks to some retard I know, she likes rufus too, wierd coincidence

[Superplasmatron]

belly up tavern, ha ha

[bowieee]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
Oh tv on the radio are amazing live, I saw them thanks to some retard I know, she likes rufus too, wierd coincidence

Yeah this is my fourth time seeing them and I still get excited just thinking about it. I don't think seeing them live will ever get old.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
Oh tv on the radio are amazing live, I saw them thanks to some retard I know, she likes rufus too, wierd coincidence

She sounds like a complete genius...you should bake her cakes and brush her hair.

TVOTR AND Rufus in an intimate venue within the space of a couple of days...bowieee, you are quite the lucky ol' dog. I can't wait for both to come round my neck of the woods again.

[BadCoverVersion]

He's playing The Old Vic in May, I might have to book tickets...they go on sale tomorrow. Why is he not playing Manchester???

:( :confused:

[bowieee]

I just heard this whole album live and as the late great Steve irwin would say... it's a Beaut!

[The Heart Collector]

I liked the album but I can definitely say that I'm much more of a fan of the "Poses" style (especially that title track) than this whole epic gay queen thing he's got going on since the Want albums.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
I liked the album but I can definitely say that I'm much more of a fan of the "Poses" style (especially that title track) than this whole epic gay queen thing he's got going on since the Want albums. track 4 off the hook is acers

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
I liked the album but I can definitely say that I'm much more of a fan of the "Poses" style (especially that title track) than this whole epic gay queen thing he's got going on since the Want albums. [/B]

Everything pales in comparison to the Want albums...and this.

God forbid he flaunt his sexuality! He's hardly a queen, just a proud queer. From my personal experience, most people who aren't acquainted with his music are surprised to find out he's gay...and that's after um listening to tracks from Want.

Anyway, if Rufus is an example, then the world needs MORE epic queens.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
the world needs MORE epic queens.

no it does not!!!!!
and whoever listened to him a thought he was straight must have either not been listening or just retarded, that said i love rufus and don't think hes a queen just a campy poof

[The Heart Collector]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
Everything pales in comparison to the Want albums...and this.

God forbid he flaunt his sexuality! He's hardly a queen, just a proud queer. From my personal experience, most people who aren't acquainted with his music are surprised to find out he's gay...and that's after um listening to tracks from Want.

Anyway, if Rufus is an example, then the world needs MORE epic queens.

I'm speaking about the arrangements. I'd rather have a simple arrangement like the title track in "Poses" than, say, "I Don't Know What It Is", in terms of emotional resonance. I don't care about his sexuality, I care about this Broadway shit he's pulling.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
I'm speaking about the arrangements. I'd rather have a simple arrangement like the title track in "Poses" than, say, "I Don't Know What It Is", in terms of emotional resonance. I don't care about his sexuality, I care about this Broadway shit he's pulling.

if you don'y care about him being gay, did you call him epic queen,

god forbid that an artist should progress or use there talent to its fullest, maybe it would be better if all music sounded stipped and minamal, common there are more emotions in life than sadness, maybe we should go back to beating sticks and screaming(actualy the last boredoms album was rad)
Rufus is developing and blosoming asa songwritter and though songs like poses are awsome, the album is probaly his worst efort thus far,

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis

Rufus is developing and blosoming asa songwritter and though songs like poses are awsome, the album is probaly his worst efort thus far

I'd agree with that actually. Plus I think I Don't Know What It Is is one of the best pop songs, ever...period

I love his more theatrical compositions...there's nobody else doing shit like that today. Whereas I could name a dozen singer/songwriters going the Poses route...the majority not a patch on Rufus, but even so.

[bowieee]

Rufus is evolving as an artist. Nowdays so many singer/songwriters just get stuck in the ritual of their sound they have carved for themselves. Rufus keeps going off in new directions and best of all he does it well.

Now it took me forever to become a Rufus fan since it took a long time for me to forgive him for blatently stealing the way john Cale covered Hallilujiah and getting famous off of it. When I finally buckled to everyone telling me how great he is, it was way past his poses phase. So I guess I can't identify with how someone feels who has been a fan from the starting line but to me, he's an artist in the truest sense.

The title track of the new album has got to be one of the best songs of the year.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by bowieee
Rufus is evolving as an artist. Nowdays so many singer/songwriters just get stuck in the ritual of their sound they have carved for themselves. Rufus keeps going off in new directions and best of all he does it well.

Now it took me forever to become a Rufus fan since it took a long time for me to forgive him for blatently stealing the way john Cale covered Hallilujiah and getting famous off of it. When I finally buckled to everyone telling me how great he is, it was way past his poses phase. So I guess I can't identify with how someone feels who has been a fan from the starting line but to me, he's an artist in the truest sense.

The title track of the new album has got to be one of the best songs of the year. he never got famous for coviering it, jeff buckley did, and rufus wanted to skull fuck his corpse, it took me to get used to his winey voice and sluping in breaths

[bowieee]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
he never got famous for coviering it, jeff buckley did, and rufus wanted to skull fuck his corpse, it took me to get used to his winey voice and sluping in breaths

Are you telling me that the Shrek soundtrack didn't get him a huge fan base? It was right about then that his career shot up into space.

It's like what happened to iron and wine because of the Garden State soundtrack.

[The Heart Collector]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
if you don'y care about him being gay, did you call him epic queen,

god forbid that an artist should progress or use there talent to its fullest, maybe it would be better if all music sounded stipped and minamal, common there are more emotions in life than sadness, maybe we should go back to beating sticks and screaming(actualy the last boredoms album was rad)
Rufus is developing and blosoming asa songwritter and though songs like poses are awsome, the album is probaly his worst efort thus far,

I'm not sure why you're still not getting it: The problem is those overblown arrangements he has, it has nothing to do with 'sadness'. It's the same reason why I can't listen to Scott Walker's old solo albums: the MUSIC behind the singing/lyrics can get pretty ridiculous. I just DON'T LIKE THAT SHIT. ITS NOT MY THING.

And what do you mean 'god forbid that an artist should use their talent to their fullest'? What the fuck are you talking about? "more complicated" + "more ambitious" doesn't mean you're using your talent to your fullest. It's not like Poses and the s/t are minimal albums either, jesus christ. What, Jeff Buckley wasn't using his talent to the fullest in Hallelujah because he didn't have an orchestra backing him? FUCK NO, SON.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by Roy L Dennis
he never got famous for coviering it, jeff buckley did, and rufus wanted to skull fuck his corpse, it took me to get used to his winey voice and sluping in breaths

His appearance on the Shrek s/t certainly didn't HINDER his career, and I know plenty of people who know him only for that one lousy cover version. And singing a song as a tribute to somebody you admire is hardly 'skull fucking'...hmm.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by The Heart Collector
I'm not sure why you're still not getting it: The problem is those overblown arrangements he has, it has nothing to do with 'sadness'. It's the same reason why I can't listen to Scott Walker's old solo albums: the MUSIC behind the singing/lyrics can get pretty ridiculous. I just DON'T LIKE THAT SHIT. ITS NOT MY THING.

I would describe the arrangements as grand or dramatic rather than overblown...certainly not ridiculous.

Also referring to his career post-Poses as the whole 'epic gay queen' thing suggests you ARE bringing his sexuality into it...like it or not.

If that shit isn't your thing then fair enough, but to dismiss it as Broadway or ridiculous just seems plain wrong to me, hence this debate.

Oh and can this remain a DEBATE please, lets not let it develop into a SLANGING MATCH.

Thanks.

[BadCoverVersion]

Originally posted by bowieee
Now it took me forever to become a Rufus fan since it took a long time for me to forgive him for blatently stealing the way john Cale covered Hallilujiah and getting famous off of it.

I disagree that Rufus 'stole' the arrangement...primarily because his own arrangements are so fucking impressive and seemingly effortless. Had he wanted to truly put his own personal stamp on the song I don't think it would have been a problem to do so...instead I think he just preferred to sing it simple, a la Buckley and Cale. It's just a fluke that he is now pretty well known for that particular version...but lets face it, how many people believe Buckley actually wrote the song? A fair few I reckon.

I imagine if anyone were to ask Rufus about it, he'd pay credit to both musicians in a heartbeat. He tends to wear his influences on his sleeve...Cohen, Buckley, Lennon etc.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by bowieee
Are you telling me that the Shrek soundtrack didn't get him a huge fan base? It was right about then that his career shot up into space.

It's like what happened to iron and wine because of the Garden State soundtrack.

he has known cohen since he was a child, and cohen loves him, in the i'm your man doc, he says "the wainrights are breathing newlife into my songs" I think that the john cale vesion rules anyway, I just love cales voice.

[bowieee]

Originally posted by BadCoverVersion
I disagree that Rufus 'stole' the arrangement...primarily because his own arrangements are so fucking impressive and seemingly effortless. Had he wanted to truly put his own personal stamp on the song I don't think it would have been a problem to do so...instead I think he just preferred to sing it simple, a la Buckley and Cale. It's just a fluke that he is now pretty well known for that particular version...but lets face it, how many people believe Buckley actually wrote the song? A fair few I reckon.

I imagine if anyone were to ask Rufus about it, he'd pay credit to both musicians in a heartbeat. He tends to wear his influences on his sleeve...Cohen, Buckley, Lennon etc.

True, and I realize this now but back then I had walled myself up with ignorance on the man because I was pouting due to being a huge john Cale fan and wanting him to get the credit due. Since then I've seen that I was being an idiot and I've grown to love everything the man does.

[Superplasmatron]

Originally posted by bowieee
True, and I realize this now but back then I had walled myself up with ignorance on the man because I was pouting due to being a huge john Cale fan and wanting him to get the credit due. Since then I've seen that I was being an idiot and I've grown to love everything the man does.

it jazz let it flow ron