My Favourite Rufus Wainwright
I’ve been trying for ages to get a couple of my friends (they know who they are) to appreciate the genius of Rufus Wainwright. Constant forced indoctrination via the sound system in my car has produced polite interest, so I feel that a more sophisticated solution is required. About six months ago a good friend published a playlist called ‘My Favourite Jason Mraz’, to introduce me to the artist of the same name. I downloaded it, and still listen to it at least once a week. Building on the success of that playlist in embedding some great tunes into the darkest recesses of my brain, here is ‘My Favourite Rufus Wainwright’.
California
Probably one of the most mainstream tunes on this playlist, this song made it to my top ten entirely because of it’s catchy melody. The words don’t make a great deal of sense to me, but that’s half the fun of listening to Rufus. Try listening to it in the car on a sunny day and not singing along – it’s a bit like putting a fruit pastille in your mouth without chewing it.
Between My Legs
The off-beats and the syncopation made this quite difficult to listen to on a treadmill – take that as a challenge if you will – but it would be like running to the Dogtanian theme (one for all and all for one – Muskerhounds are always ready and all that). It’s the intelligent orchestration that makes this track stand out for me, subtle use of supporting vocals, at least until the end. Check out the dodgy YouTube videos of Dawn French doing the voiceover.
Release the Stars
The title track from Rufus’ newest album, features great use of the wind section, something prevalent in a lot of this list, but it’s the political subtext that makes me love this song. It’s a bit subtle, but those who need to ‘get it’ will do. The one you’re most likely to be singing after only one play through. Best line? ‘The more that you fight, the more they will scrutinise and realise just your size, and believe me, you are no match for the public that has seen the whites of your eyes’. Inspired.
Oh What a World
I’ve already been banging on about the great orchestrations on this playlist, but this track tops them all. From the faintly familiar vocal opening (where have I heard that before?) to a blatant and unashamed recapitulation that smacks you in the face – oh, yep, there it is, Torvill and Dean. And just so you know I’m not a complete halfwit, I know it’s Ravel, but I can’t help the mental images… When the brass and strings open up at 2:43 you have to turn the volume up and just admire the balls it takes to do something like this.
I Don’t Know What It Is
Possibly my favourite one to sing to in the car – every time I listen to this I read something else into the lyrics. I also like the train ending (’I was hoping the train was my big number’…). Particularly enjoyed playing that at full volume on my iPod in Montreal – while waiting for a train. Bit sad really…
Gay Messiah
Elton John, the Scissor Sisters, Alex Parks, everyone’s gay these days – and Rufus is no exception. Not many people have the guts to sing about it with quite so much wit however. This song features possibly my favourite line in a song, ever:
No it will not be me,
Rufus the Baptist I be
And the line that follows it, although you’ll have to download it to know what that is as my Mum may one day read this. Not that many pop songs get written in 6/8 either, which puts another tick in the ‘this guy’s a clever sausage’ box.
Go or Go Ahead
Starts slowly, beautiful, light arrangement, great vocals, builds gradually to a unison crescendo for a big chorus, I don’t know the words, but the melody and the depth of sound tell me the story on their own.
Do I Disappoint You
I find it slightly surprising given the ‘verging on world music’ approach, that this is one of the most accessible songs on the playlist. It’s certainly the one I was singing along to first when I got my first Rufus album (Release The Stars). After a while the novelty has worn off and it’s probably one that I’m more likely to skip through these days, but the brass part alone means it warrants an entry here.
Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
To really understand what this song is about you need to know the background – I can’t be bothered to summarise here so why don’t you turn off your TV set and go out and do something less boring instead. No, sorry, nervous twitch, I really mean why don’t you read about Rufus on Wikipedia.
Beautiful Child
A completely unashamed saving of the best till last – like roast potatoes at the end of a stunning Sunday lunch. Great lyrics, great singability, incredible orchestrations, this is undoubtedly My Favourite Rufus Wainwright.
Enjoy!
Where’s ‘Old Whore’s Diet’?
I’m sensing that’s a rhetorical question, but I’m going to answer it anyway! My iPod currently holds 96 Rufus songs spread over 11 albums (and I’m including randoms like the Shrek and Brokeback Mountain soundtracks). The self dictated rules of this process say you can only have ten songs on your playlist (isn’t that right Rowan?!) – and therefore it was inevitable that some classics were going to get left out. This isn’t an exhaustive list – just a taster, I have to leave some beauties for people to discover on their own…