Rufus Wainwright
Poses
- Dreamworks Records
Release Date: 2001
Rufus Wainwright has officially made me feel old. Back in the day I had indie cred. But now, with "Poses," I have found happiness in (gasp!) piano bar fare and showtunes. Luckily I can rest easy in the fact that these are not your regular cheesy Chorus Line laments or Show Boat ballads. Wainwright brings to the to the genre a exciting deviance and sordid feel that gives each track a cheeky sense of insatiable naughtiness.
Whether its his pining for the "Rebel Prince" of his dreams, or for his cherished vices in "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk," the sometimes dark and always dramatic truth comes through: these aren't your parents showtunes. In fact on many tracks, it seems that Wainwright has created a new genre of blues, perfect for the gay set. Sure sometimes he gets down, but even then, the drama of his sadness shines through with glitter and sass. But besides the fun mischievous side, each lyric is penned with thoughtful and unique twists, making this one of the most ingenious records in recent memory.
Add to this a meaningful cover of one of his father's songs, "One Man Guy," and we have another victory for the sassiest boy in music. And thankfully I can admit, with records like this, old age isn't so horrible after all.
--Miguel Banuelos
banuelos@outersound.com
