Rufus Wainwright (CD) by Rufus Wainwright

0600445003927. New condition. CD. What separates Rufus Wainwright and the other second-generation singers who sprang up at the same time (Sean Lennon, Emma Townshend, and Chris Stills the most notable among them) is that Wainwright deserves to be heard regardless of his family tree; in fact, the issue of his parentage is ultimately as immaterial as that of his sexuality -- this self-titled debut cares little for the rock clichés of an earlier generation, instead heralding the arrival of a unique and compelling voice steeped most solidly in the traditions of cabaret. Like his folks, Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he's a superb songwriter, with a knack for elegantly rolling piano melodies and poignantly romantic lyrics; while the appearance of Van Dyke Parks and his trademark orchestral arrangements hints at an affinity for the pop classicism of Brian Wilson or Randy Newman, the vocals come straight out of opera, and although Wainwright is unlikely to be starring in La Boheme anytime soon, he conveys the kind of honest emotion sorely lacking in the ironic posing of many of his contemporaries. Maybe the kids are alright after all. ~ Jason Ankeny, Rovi

What separates Rufus Wainwright and the other second-generation singers who sprang up at the same time (Sean Lennon, Emma Townshend, and Chris Stills the most notable among them) is that Wainwright deserves to be heard regardless of his family tree; in fact, the issue of his parentage is ultimately as immaterial as that of his sexuality -- this self-titled debut cares little for the rock clichￃﾩs of an earlier generation, instead heralding the arrival of a unique and compelling voice steeped most solidly in the traditions of cabaret. Like his folks, Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle, he's a superb songwriter, with a knack for elegantly rolling piano melodies and poignantly romantic lyrics; while the appearance of Van Dyke Parks and his trademark orchestral arrangements hints at an affinity for the pop classicism of Brian Wilson or Randy Newman, the vocals come straight out of opera, and although Wainwright is unlikely to be starring in La Boheme anytime soon, he conveys the kind of honest emotion sorely lacking in the ironic posing of many of his contemporaries. Maybe the kids are alright after all. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

Performer	Rufus Wainwright
Music genre	Rock, Alternative
Music release type	Album
Media format	CD
Original release date	1998-06-30
Has parental advisory label	N
Number of discs	1
Track listing	Foolish Love, Danny Boy, April Fools, In My Arms, Millbrook, Baby, Beauty Mark, Barcelona, Matinee Idol, Damned Ladies, Sally Ann, Imaginary Love
Record label	Dreamworks SKG
Composer	Rufus Wainwright
Songwriter	Rufus Wainwright
Music producer	Pierre Marchand
Track name	Foolish Love, Danny Boy, April Fools, In My Arms, Millbrook, Baby, Beauty Mark, Barcelona, Matinee Idol, Damned Ladies, Sally Ann, Imaginary Love
Music media format	CD
Is edited	N
Is enhanced	N