by bill biss
bill biss
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Outlaw Ma Out of the Ga the Game RUFUS WAINWRIGHT
Gone is the heavily produced musical and symphon- ic structure evident in Rufus Wainwright’s previous and most recent work. In its place is a relaxed and almost 1970s vibe on Out of the Game released on May 1. This welcome change of pace is presented on the title track and several other selections. Think the Barbra Streisand “Stony End” transitional period or Sir Elton John’s “Honky Chateau.”
Produced by the ultra-hot Mark Ronson, Wainwright proves he hasn’t lost his skill for metaphorical and meaningful lyrical stories. There is also an exuberant feeling of being in love, specifically on the songs, “Welcome to the Ball,” Respectable Dive” and “Song for You.” Rufus Wainwright may be “out of the game” relationship-wise but he surely scores a touchdown here of emotionally satisfying resonance.
Do It Again SMASH PALACE Reminiscent of The Traveling Wilburys, Smash Palace has a solid vocal punch and well-played guitar licks. Do It Again released on April 24, showcases the long-standing musical skills of both Stephen and Brian Butler. Discovered 28 years ago at the legend- ary New York City nightclub, CBGB’s, Smash Palace has a blend of rock and power pop that still strikes a vibrant chord of lyrical and musical skill. Reflections of times gone by on the musical land- scape are vivid on the title track, “Do It Again.” The coldness of relationships shed light on “Sympathy Runs Deep.” There’s even an ode to The Beatles on “Can’t Make It without Her.” Do It Again is perfect for those who prefer a higher quality of mature vibes that is just right for self-reflection and the enjoyment of a fine listening experience.
22 RAGE monthly | MAY 2012 Diana Ross: Live in C Ross: Live in Central Park
The radiant Ms. Ross is captured in her prime in this never-before-released concert Live in Central Park. Broadcast in 1983, Ross gives a free concert in New York’s Central Park. She had no idea that Mother Nature in the form of a severe and windy rainstorm would lead her to cancel the second half of the show. Her determination led to her return for a complete performance the next day.
One of the amazing aspects of this DVD, out on May 15, is that the initial rained-out concert is presented as well as the complete concert the next day. As she captivates the thousands in the audience, she also gives a courageous fight against the elements. As Diana Ross is a force of nature herself, she remarked, “It took me a lifetime to get here and I’m not going anywhere!”
e-Cupid What happens when a gay man is bored with his relationship? Not enough sex or communication after seven years? That is the scenario of e-Cupid out on May 15. The film stars Houston Rhines as the discontented partner and Noah Schuffman as the unsuspecting one who doesn’t realize that some- thing is amiss. Up comes an app called e-Cupid to throw things further into turmoil and test the waters of their relationship. Is this app a godsend or quite simply a negative force in tearing a relationship apart or one bringing them back together again? A charming fantasy of intervention is provided in the guise of “Venus” portrayed in voice and a cameo appearance by Morgan Fairchild. Sorry kids, no gratuitous nudity… just two men dealing with the possible break-up of a relatively long partnership.
Marriages RODGER STREITMATTER
Entertainers such as Ricky Martin, Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard or Michael Feinstein are easily recognizable names in gay culture. Now… what are the names of their partners? Not so easy to answer? In the May 15 release of Outlaw Marriages author, Rodger Streitmatter goes back in time over the past 100 years and brings to light the hidden histories of 15 same-sex couples—long before Ellen Degeneres told the viewing public on national television, “I’m gay!” The book is aptly titled Outlaw Marriages as the couples would never think or be allowed to “come out.” Highly notable and admired gay and lesbians such as Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, Greta Garbo, Aaron Copland and others are profiled along with their respective significant “other.” An interesting and thought provoking look at gay and lesbian love through American history.
The Lowbrow Reader JAY RUTTENBERG Remember those limerick books or that Reader’s Digest you would find in the bathroom of a neigh- bor’s house? In Jay Ruttenberg’s collection of com- edy reflections based on the seriously humorous magazine, The Lowbrow Reader Editor, Ruttenberg, presents almost a whole collection of the magazine in one book. With cartoons, intelligent interviews and insanely observant observations, it’s a veritable “soup to nuts” of mild laughter to gut-wrenchingly funny. Comedy icons such as Adam Sandler, Joan Rivers, Gene Wilder and other notables are profiled. Plus, opinions fly left and right on sex, relationships, family mishaps and just plain exposés on what constitutes looking at life with a cynical smile. Cover illustrator, John Mathias, also provides a decade of “toilet gags.” Set for release on May 22; take this one to the beach or the bathroom… your call.
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