A Magnificent Introduction

When you’re the son of two accomplished singers, expectations could be pretty high when you release your debut album. So was the scenario for Rufus Wainwright, the son of Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle. His debut was released on this day in 1998.

Wainwright was signed to DreamWorks in 1996 and DreamWork executive Lenny Waronker (famous for signing McGarrigle, Randy Newman and Van Dyke Parks) paired the singer-songwriter with producer Jon Brion and Van Dyke Parks. They spent most of 1996 and 1997 recording over 50 songs with costs topping $700,000. No matter to Waronker, he loved what he heard and worked with all parties in determining the final twelve tracks.

The styles throughout the album were wide ranging, from operatic to baroque to chamber pop. The opener, “Foolish Love” introduces us to that gorgeous voice over top of an orchestral sound that slowly turns into a jazzy showtune. “Danny Boy”, according to biographer Kirk Lake, is a companion piece to "Foolish Love" and together they represent the start and end of a relationship between a gay and a straight man. Wainwright was so honest in his lyrics and could be witty and sorrowful all in three to four minutes.

“Beauty Mark” is an ode to his mother, Kate McGarrigle, the title referring to the beauty mark above her lip. “Matinee Idol” is about the rise and fall of an entertainment figure (inspired by River Phoenix) and “Barcelona” is about a love affair that takes place in the city of the same name.

My favorite however is “April Fools”, a cabaret rock song with bouncy swagger. An over five minute song, it never drags like so many “longer” songs. The song showcases Jim Keltner's drum performance as well as Wainwright's piano playing.

The music video, directed by Sophie Muller features the singer in Los Angeles "amidst a clique of classic opera characters" such as Madame Butterfly, attempting to prevent each of them from committing suicide. However, in each instance he arrives too late.

Fun fact: No Doubt's Gwen Stefani, a friend of Muller's, and Hole bassist Melissa Auf der Maur, a high school acquaintance and former roommate of Wainwright's, make cameo appearances.

All the songs are musical poetry. His songs have so much beauty, wit and musical inventiveness.

Van Dyke Parks (famous for his work with Brian Wilson) brings his trademark orchestral arrangements and Jon Brion (one of my production heroes) brings his eclectic sounds and ideas. All of which combines for a fantastic debut from one of the most talented singer-songwriters ever.