via//chicago

np: "gay messiah" - rufus wainwright

everytime i listen to Rufus, i start to wonder why i don't do it more often. he's one of those artists that i rarely find myself "in the mood" for, but whenever i do - i kick myself for not getting in that mood more often. i could seriously listen to Rufus sing a telephone book and i would enjoy the hell out of it, there aren't many singers who i could say the same for. i used to think that i could listen to any song that Chris Cornell provided the vocals for (hell, i even bought that solo album) but it seems Audioslave has managed to wean me of that particular habit.
i can't say i've been a long-time fan of Rufus, though i'd always enjoyed what i'd heard of his work. last year a friend hooked me up with a great mix of his stuff and i realized how much i had been missing. many dismiss the overblown theatrics of his work, but i think he's one of the few artists out there that can pull those kinds of things off. from his more intimate moments to the full-blown orchestral showstoppers, Rufus can own any song he takes on. except maybe "Hallelujah", but really - who can touch Jeff?
anyway, i'm listening tonight to prepare for the Wainwright and Ben Folds show at Ravinia later this week. i'd much rather have caught Ben back in the "Five" days, but i hear he can still put on one hell of a show. totally not feeling that last album though dude, the Scissor Sisters can do Elton far better than you ever will - so don't even try. i haven't been to Ravinia for years, so i'm very excited to be hitting this wonderful venue up again. let's just hope for great weather.