Rufus Wainwright

In June 2006, Rufus recreated Judy Garland's legendary 1961 performance. It's cover-song cabaret! It's musical drag! It's ... the gayest thing ever, and who better to do it than the queen of all that is gritty, witty and gay? Like the best drag artists, Rufus doesn't just impersonate Judy, he taps into the essence of her allure, drawing out their similarities (bold vocals; a stage presence equal parts anguish and panache) even as he puts his campy stamp on her oeuvre. He nails "Over the Rainbow," of course, but it's his soaring "How Long Has This Been Going On" that made our heartstrings zing.

Since Rufus Wainwright has small interest in contemporary pop music as it is usually
defined, it's a relief to hear him essay the show tunes and Tin Pan Alley chestnuts of this
tribute album, which reproduces the entirety of a beloved 1961 concert by the ultimate
gay icon, Judy Garland. They expand his melodic compass, plus the lyrics are good — even
the more obscure numbers are of Ira Gershwin and Noel Coward caliber. Wainw... More >