Rufus Wainwright

About this product

This deluxe fan edition offers both a DVD and a live audio CD of the Milwaukee show. Not only does the set include songs from three of his studio albums: Want One, Want Two, and Release The Stars, but also a rare live performance of the song 'La Complainte De La Butte' from the Moulin Rouge sound track. Plus, the never before recorded 'Macushla' as well as three songs ('A Foggy Day' and 'If Love Were All', and 'Get Happy') first performed by Rufus at his now legendary Judy Garland shows.

The Pabst Theater Opera House is the perfect venue for Rufus in full prima donna mode. The acoustics are bright and punchy and well-suited to the simplified, dynamic of these live versions. Whilst not radically different arrangements to the studio versions, the emphasis is on Rufus! Rufus! Rufus!, that glorious tenor clear and resonant as a diving bell, with some trumpet and flugelhorn and occasional backing vocals adding colour. 'Release The Stars' is pure joy, 'Sanssouci', 'Leaving For Paris No. 2' and the combined medley 'Not Ready For Love/'Slideshow' are given most room to breathe, but the highlights might just be the 'at piano' rendition, 'If Love Were All'.