As superb as Rufus Wainwright's pair of Want albums were, there was a tendency for him to shove everything but the kitchen sink in. While the epic, operatic nature of the songs were stunning, it all became a bit overwhelming at times.
Going To A Town sees the boy Wainwright take a more low-key approach. Accompanied by just a piano, some subtle strings and sister Martha on backing vocals, the first single from the forthcoming Release The Stars is a low-key masterpiece. It's a beautiful, moody mediation on the current state of the USA. Nothing escapes Rufus' eye, be it New Orleans ("I'm gonna see some folks who have already been let down") or the Republican Right's rampant homophobia ("Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having love").
The resigned tone suits Wainwright perfectly, and if this is any indication, Release The Stars could well be his long promised masterpiece.
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