Rufus Wainwright is one of those recording artists about whom his fans always assume he is more popular than he probably is. His lushly overproduced albums — portmanteau CDs of lush, wrenching ballads and retro-glam set-pieces — are beloved by his supporters, but probably lead to head-scratching among the rest of the music-buying public. I can’t recall the last time I heard one of his songs on the radio.
But apparently Rufus is aware of that — and wants to fix it. His new album, produced by Mark Ronson, will be his “most pop album … ever,” he says. Out of the Game will be released May 1.
Not familiar with Rufus? You should be. Watch this performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Actually, if you don’t know Rufus Wainwright you should listen to “Rufus Does Judy at Carnegie Hall.” Gayest live album ever.