MP3 Masala: Beirut | Rufus Wainwright

There’s been proliferation of all things Beirut over the past few days in the blogosphere, and for good reason. Their songs waltz, they lilt, they feature trumpets, accordions and gorgeously layered, elastic vocal harmonies. I love them -- but this is undoubtedly 'cause I love Rufus Wainwright.  My favorite Wainwright’s stamp is all over Beirut’s otherwise-unique melodicism. Which is a good thing, of course. Rufus is one of those “fountainhead artists,” the rare igniter that synthesizes varied and eclectic influences to create something undeniably fresh, undeniably genius, instantly classic.

MP3 Masala: Beirut - "The Canals of Our City"
MP3 Masala: Beirut - "Mount Wroclai"
MP3 Masala: Rufus Wainwright - "Greek Song"
MP3 Masala: Rufus Wainwright - "Grey Gardens"

So, here are a couple of great Beirut tracks (more to be found at Said the Gramaphone and Yeti). But I’ll also throw in some Rufus. Just to remind you of his compositional brilliance, and to encourage you to buy each and every one of his CDs. And listen to them again. And again. And again. (Start with Poses, move to Want One, then go to his self titled debut and Want Two. Rinse and repeat.)

You can see Beirut open for Irving at Knitting Factory on May 10th, and -- aside from bumping into Rufus at The Living Room and other such LES listening rooms –- you can see him cover Judy Garland’s classic album at Carnegie Hall this June 14-15.  Rufus lovers? Beirut lovers? Lemme know.
 

Comments

[jonboy]

Rufus lover. Standing and being counted. Good picks for song postings, though I love all the albums equally!

[sharmin]

i'm a rufus lover, thanks to you amrit ;)

[Neha]

I remember when I heard "Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk" for the first time -- instant love!