I hate refering to the onion metaphor, mainly because I don't like the word onion and i don't like the immediate thought that jumps to mind (that one of eye irritation).
Having said that... it is quite an apt metaphor to use. It is something everyone can relate to thus not excluding anyone in any elitist sort of way.
Having said that... Rufus Wainwright's new album "Release the Stars" is like unto that onion. I bought the cd on monday the 14th when it was released. I waltzed into the Virgin Megastore on Oxford St. in London and found my desired disc. As i walked to the counter to pay I heard Mr. Wainwright playing on the store's speakers. After exchanging a few words with the cashier I was saddened to hear that had I been an hour earlier I could have seen Rufus play live downstairs at that very Virgin Megastore. Sadly I was tied up in an audition which I don't think went very well...
When I first played the album on my friend's stereo in Tooting (South London) there were no songs that jumped out and grabbed me upon first impression, though I could easily tell that the standard of brilliance was there.
Rufus has created a disc full of more orchestration than his previous albums. The complexities are so vast and varied that one must take time to catch them. With the second and third and fourth play of the album the subtle details bloom out and carry the meaning of the story to an even deeper place.
The punctuation of specific vital words by a sudden burst of brass or flourish of strings is carefully placed so as to not patronises the listener.
The thoughts and ideas and philosophies Rufus writes into his beautifully sculpted songs seem to be set on a window sill to cool while the neighbors pass by and form their own opinions. These ideas are so much more resonant because they are non-judgemental. The songs have honesty and integrity.
The albums of Rufus Wainwright have been with me for the entire time I've been away from home. Every since I started studying over here in the UK, I have had his albums with me. It is the only newly written popular music I have yet to tire of. "Want Two" and "Release the Stars" were both released while I've been living over here. I've had the pleasure of seeing him twice in concert. I've never considered myself to be a true 'Fan' of any artist until Rufus. He is the one artist that I fantasise about being. I don't actually desire to be anyone apart from myself, but I find I sometimes daydream about being him.
I'm currently listening to the album for the 6th time and I don't want to leave the house, but sadly I must now brush my teeth and head out for an audition...
Having said that... it is quite an apt metaphor to use. It is something everyone can relate to thus not excluding anyone in any elitist sort of way.
Having said that... Rufus Wainwright's new album "Release the Stars" is like unto that onion. I bought the cd on monday the 14th when it was released. I waltzed into the Virgin Megastore on Oxford St. in London and found my desired disc. As i walked to the counter to pay I heard Mr. Wainwright playing on the store's speakers. After exchanging a few words with the cashier I was saddened to hear that had I been an hour earlier I could have seen Rufus play live downstairs at that very Virgin Megastore. Sadly I was tied up in an audition which I don't think went very well...
When I first played the album on my friend's stereo in Tooting (South London) there were no songs that jumped out and grabbed me upon first impression, though I could easily tell that the standard of brilliance was there.
Rufus has created a disc full of more orchestration than his previous albums. The complexities are so vast and varied that one must take time to catch them. With the second and third and fourth play of the album the subtle details bloom out and carry the meaning of the story to an even deeper place.
The punctuation of specific vital words by a sudden burst of brass or flourish of strings is carefully placed so as to not patronises the listener.
The thoughts and ideas and philosophies Rufus writes into his beautifully sculpted songs seem to be set on a window sill to cool while the neighbors pass by and form their own opinions. These ideas are so much more resonant because they are non-judgemental. The songs have honesty and integrity.
The albums of Rufus Wainwright have been with me for the entire time I've been away from home. Every since I started studying over here in the UK, I have had his albums with me. It is the only newly written popular music I have yet to tire of. "Want Two" and "Release the Stars" were both released while I've been living over here. I've had the pleasure of seeing him twice in concert. I've never considered myself to be a true 'Fan' of any artist until Rufus. He is the one artist that I fantasise about being. I don't actually desire to be anyone apart from myself, but I find I sometimes daydream about being him.
I'm currently listening to the album for the 6th time and I don't want to leave the house, but sadly I must now brush my teeth and head out for an audition...
