Across the Universe

The Beatles' 'Across the Universe', subject of a recent blog entry about Rufus Wainwright has been chosen to represent Planet Earth at the Univision Song Contest. Or something like that.

Well, apparently NASA has decided to beam the song into outer space, perhaps in the hope that it will bring world peace.

Whatever. It's a good song.

P.S: Rufus was GREAT, I highly recommend seeing him live if you get a chance. He's one of those guys who has genuine charm, wit and great legs.

Rufus Wainwright (gig)

Rufus Wainwright
State Theatre, Sydney (29th January, 2008)

Supported by Leena

The State Theatre is a vast auditorium, and for the meek singer-songwriter, the expanse must be intimidating. I feel that was the case for poor Leena, whose set felt overwhelmed. While she showed plenty of promise with glimpses of talent (particularly 'After the Rain' on the keys), there was nothing striking about her voice or instrumental prowess. Instead, it was very clear that the theatre was grander than her presence and abilities. I do hope that she will grow into performance and come back more relaxed and able to start a rapport with future audiences.

Conversely, it seems Rufus Wainwright is a born performer. Gregarious, cheeky and brimming with campness, the droll musician is one of the few people who can walk the tightrope between class and trash and not take a fall, especially in the type of clothes he chooses to wear to performances.

Wainwright has plenty of sparkle, literally and metaphorically, which he shared with his eight piece band, making the live experience richer for it. As this gig followed the issue of his recent album 'Release the Stars', most of the set revolved around a mix of the album's content. Some songs on the album I found a bit flat, but in the live setting Wainwright does a superb job of making everything seem ten times more exciting than it probably is.

The picks of the night were the jaunty 'Matinee Idol', the thumping 'Between My Legs' (with the speaking part completed by competition winner Chantal) and a rather brash version of 'Do I Disappoint You'. And I'd probably follow that with his a cappella rendition of an Irish folk song (I forget the name), which was both touching and, well, showing off his vocal talents (why am I not surprised?) as well as the 'Rufus does Judy Garland' section (see above image) in the latter part of the gig. I wish my legs were like that!

Wainwright deserved all the accolades. His banter between songs was witty and self-deprecating (before 'Leaving for Paris' he mentioned that he wrote it for the film Moulin Rouge but it was eventually dropped in the final edit of the movie, "and that was a flop so let that be a lesson") and by the end of the night he had the audience eating from his hand.

A top class performer, a must-see live even if you only have a passing interest in his music.

Gig rating: 8/10
Enjoyment rating: 10/10

Red business

Rufus Wainwright is coming to town and I'm going to see him tomorrow night at the State Theatre. What a pity, then, that I missed this competition, which was posted on his website:
"Going to a Town to see Rufus? Want to perform the spoken word part of 'Between My Legs' live on stage with Rufus? Rufus will select a special guest for all of his shows in Australia..."

The blurb goes on to read that you have to do a YouTube audition but it has to be submitted five days before the show - d'oh! missed it!

But there's a river going underground under the town... Oh bugger, I'm terrible at remembering lyrics. How does it go?
"Because there's a river
Running underground
Underneath the town towards the sea
That only I know all about
On which from this city we can flee
On which from this city we can flee"

Did I mention I'm also going to see The Phantom of the Opera in May? My flatmate bought tickets for my birthday (also in May) to thank me for spending heaps of money on The Whitlams at the Opera House gig we went to for her birthday last year.

The interesting thing is that his shows haven't sold out in Australia. The two Sydney shows are still fair game with only one (of two) Melbourne shows sold out and Perth also devoid of tickets. I wonder whether it is because he's not well-known yet here or if it has to do with festival fatigue? We've just had the Sydney Festival and the Big Day Out and a whole bunch of minor festivals (e.g. the Spirit of Soul Festival) chug through this city and his show comes at the end of the season where people have just bled money from Christmas and dozens of parties. Hmm.

Now I'm listening to 'Complainte De La Butte' that he did for the 'Moulin Rouge' soundtrack - he seems to do a lot of soundtracks. I also had 'Across the Universe' (from the film 'I am Sam') playing earlier. But I must confess I like Fiona Apple's version (for 'Pleasantville') better, but can't seem to buy it as an individual track off iTunes. Rufus will do.

With teeth

I have to get my wisdom teeth out.

Bugger.