Video: Rufus Wainwright – “Out of the Game”

Rufus Wainwright released the video for “Out of the Game”, the first single off his upcoming album of the same title, out May 1st via Decca. It features Helena Bonham Carter as a “dowdy librarian”, who has to endure a variety of character transformations courtesy of Wainwright. He becomes a skit-wearing alcoholic, and two other main leads — one looks like he ravaged Thom Yorke’s wardrobe, and the other looks like a laid-black slacker. Plenty of personality, just like his music.

The track is more of a chugging rocker than the string-laden ballads we’ve come to expect, likely a product of Mark Ronson’s collaborative work. A gospel choir and old-timey rock ‘n’ roll collide for a smooth-moving, twangy good time. Wainwright has let loose a bit, and enjoyably so… just like the librarian he loves to amuse.

The past year or so has been a dramatic time for Wainwright; he welcomed his daughter Viva to the world, experienced the death of his mother (and talented songwriter) Kate McGarrigle, and got engaged to his partner Jorn Weisbrodt. For the lyrically intimate singer/songwriter, these experiences and many more are sure to bleed into Out of the Game.

Rufus Wainwright tour:

May 09- Brooklyn Academy of Music – New York, NY
May 11 -Fox Theatre – Oakland, CA
May 12 – Orpheum Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
May 13 – Humphreys – San Diego, CA
June 30 – The Power Center – Ann Arbor, MI

Pre-order the album here.

And one of my personal favorites, from 2007’s Release the Stars:

MP3: Rufus Wainwright – Going To A Town

Official Site / BUY