www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIF6f3tFxBw

On April Fool's Day I had posted my status as though I "got a little upset at work today, overreacted, and may have quit his job." I had pointed out to those who commented that it was indeed an April Fools joke, but the funny thing is I am still getting inquiries about it from relatives who are not even on facebook. I am wondering how many people at Easter Brunch are going to ask me about it. Good times!

Song Recommendations

If you like this song, I also suggest:

• Belle & Sebastian
• Fleet Foxes
• James

I also suggest the music genre:

• Baroque Pop

Click here for more info on Rufus Wainwright – Rufus Wainwright – "April Fools".

The MP3 may be purchased here…

Rufus Wainwright - Rufus Wainwright

I would have to say I was obsessed with this album when it first came out. (I believe G was equally obsessed too.) I have listened to this album start to finish possibly more than any other album in my collection. It is just so good. He's funny, honest, real… refreshing. He is the voice I hear telling me to discard all the crap society is pushing on me, all the expectations of others, and just live. I should just be who I am and live the life I wish to lead. He is an inspiration. I find the roughness of his voice beautiful and the perfect compliment to his piano.

G and I had the opportunity to see him in concert a few years ago and to meet him (in a 'meet and greet' line afterwards) and we found ourselves to be dumbfounded fans, totally speechless, though he has truly touched our hearts. I recall his live rendition of "The Consort" was particularly good.

…enough with the love letters to Rufus, and on to the songs…

I am currently reviewing the list of songs on the album, and I usually pick a favorite 5, but in this case of the 12 distinct songs (the 13th track is a reprise of "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk", so it does not count), I cannot bring myself to cut the list any shorter than 8. Even then I am tempted to just list all the songs. The album is THAT GOOD. More than any other album, I was obsessed first with one song, then another, then another, then another, and it went on for months and months. I can honestly say that between 2001 and 2003 I was obsessed with each one of these songs at one point. G and I had to have our own CDs so we didn't have to share.

Did I mention it is good yet? Great? Excellent? Remarkable? Am I beating a dead horse? Oh but don't take my word for it. Listen to the following songs and you decide!

Here are my 8 favorites from the album, with "Thriller" being my favorite.

Track 1: Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk
http://www.imeem.com/artists/rufus_wainwright/music/0HRr-Lov/rufus-wainwright-cigarettes-and-chocolate-milk/

Track 2: Greek Song
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/KQa6icMK/rufus-wainwright-greek-song/

Track 3: Poses
http://www.imeem.com/artists/rufus_wainwright/music/7_CQgXus/rufus-wainwright-poses/

Track 4: Shadows
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/5DCCRu8f/rufus-wainwright-shadows/

Track 5: California
hhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCel8QqcoXU

Track 6: The Tower of Learning
http://www.imeem.com/people/ByX9wW/music/HfnZd2c9/rufus-wainwright-the-tower-of-learning/

Track 8: The Consort
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/Q5qJYKFp/rufus-wainwright-the-consort/

Track 10: Evil Angel
http://www.imeem.com/rockmusic10/music/vbizT-Lp/rufus-wainwright-evil-angel/

PS: As I said previously when "Shadows" was my song of the day, I need to thank NPR for pointing out Rufus to me!

Click here for other album suggestions!

Click here for more info on Rufus Wainwright – "Poses".

The MP3 album may be purchased here…

Rufus Wainwright - Poses

When I first heard Rufus, it was on an NPR review of his new album Poses back in 2001. I loved his music immediately. It was a like a breathe of fresh air. A stark contrast to the 'electronic dance pop' and 'angry white boy' music that seemed to be taking over all the local radio stations.

Early in my listening this song drew me in. It really shows off the beauty of his baritone and perhaps slightly gruff voice. It also has a section where he seems to sing over himself, like the song is falling apart and then all comes together in a sort of climax and great realignment. That moment when it all came back together use to give me musical chills. I woke up today wanting to feel that goose bump moment, but alas. I've listened to it so much I am almost entirely numb to it, but perhaps it will work for some of you out there.

Click here for more info on Rufus Wainwright – Poses – "Shadows".

The MP3 may be purchased here…

Rufus Wainwright - Poses