I’m listening to Rufus Wainwright.
I very rarely post about him, but really, he is my number one. nobody else, musically, has ever meant more to me. considering how long he’s been around in relative mainstream, I haven’t been a fan very long. but for a majority of my 20s he was… a huge influence on me.
his lyrics, obviously. they’re intimately personal, intelligent, funny, clever and poetic. his voice is the most beautiful voice. comforting, interesting, versatile… stunning. but mostly it’s his unbridled passion for everything he does that grips me. he does poppy music, he does soft ballads, frivolous fun music and heavy meaningful music… he’s even written a fucking /opera/ for fuck’s sake. and when you watch him perform it’s just… magic. his humility and presence and talent all just come together and it blows you away. just… off your feet. it’s incredible.
I remember seeing him in Edinburgh. it was my first time seeing him, and I was so stressed out that day because the ash clouds had hit and I didn’t know if I’d be able to get home. but at the show I didn’t think about that. I just sat there and it was as if my ears were drinking up his voice. it absolutely filled me up. it sounds silly when you try to put words to it, but it was a profound feeling. he played The Art Teacher, and I cried.
so yeah. rufus wainwright.
never heard him? do yourself a favour and youtube these songs. it’s a selection that’ll show you a range - with the added benefit of being some of my favourites.
1) the art teacher
2) cigarettes & chocolate milk
3) world war III
4) between my legs
5) bitter tears
6) albatross