Our favorite Wainwright is nearing the release date of his fifth full-length Release The Stars, one that he promises to be “less personal in terms of my own struggles,” a sharp turn for the otherwise candidly autobiographical crooner. So instead of chronicling his penchant for illegal substances and pretty boys, Rufus told Time Out London that “a lot of the songs are about other people, friends of mine.” Friends like Sam’s Town‘s outspoken resident Brandon Flowers.
“I don?t know him that well,” Wainwright admits, “but I wrote this song about him which is kind of hilarious ? it says he tastes like potato chips in the morning.”
They may not know each other in the biblical sense, but here they’re clearly close enough for Rufus to smell the Pringles.
[Pic via Arjan Writes]
But don’t expect “Tulsa” (the Brandon-tune’s title) to be in Wainwright’s Boléro-citing swing; this time, with Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant’s help, Rufus is bringing the dance and the rock.
Neil has been really helpful in getting a pop feel out of some of the songs,? reckons Rufus. ?Some of it is vaguely dance. It?s kind of a little more rock ?n? roll but when I say that, I mean Rufus Wainwright rock ?n? roll which is perhaps more a kind of classic rock. I have Richard Thompson playing on it and there are several long, dramatic voyages that occur, but more with a rock slant.
“Tulsa” lyrics after the jump.
You taste of potato chips in the morning.
Your face has the Marlon Brando club calling.
And who would have thought that I?d owe it all to Tulsa.
And that fat guy with the green shirt that we both signed together.
Who once he hears this song won?t live it down forever.
Your suit was the whitest thing since you know who.
I fear that the savior I have mentioned may be you.
And who would have thought that I?d owe it all to Tulsa.
And that poor girl who waited in the rain for hours to meet me (not you baby!)
Who once she hears this song won?t live it down completely.
And I owe it all to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
This is just a reminder
Of the antique shop that I want to go back to and visit when it?s open
In Tulsa, Oklahoma
Just in case you don?t appreciate this song about you.
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Is it just me or is Rufus looking especially hot in that picture. I mean, normally he comes off a little… fey. Cute but fey. That facial hair is treating him right. Come on over and sit at my table anytime, Rufus.
cannot wait for this record. even if there’s a killers tribute on it. by the way, i bet rufus knows FOR A FACT that brandon tastes like pringles. just sayin’.
i normally don’t get all the fangirl-ing over B. Flo, but i’ll admit, he does look good here (without all the make-up).
b flowers, lol at rufus looking manlier than you
*high pitched squeals of joy*
NEAT! rufus is wonderful. and i live in tulsa. who would have thought he would write a song about my fair city? can’t wait to actually hear it!
id have never thought that there was someone that would make rufus wainwright look manly, but he may as well be the brawny papertowel guy while standing next to flowers.
OK…I saw him perform this song live last year. He said it was about “a pop star you all know” and added that they had “an encounter.” But he didn’t want to say who because he wanted it to be a mystery.
Rufus’s album and Interpol’s have to be my picks for most anticipated albums to come out this year. They’ll either be amazing or total shit. Theres no in-between with those acts. Can’t wait.
it’s well known in industry circles that B.Flo likes a bit of the ol’ cock when away from his wife on tour.
shame he’s not enough of a man to admit it – even Rufus is tryna help him, so come on B.Flo -just admit you’re a fan of the bi-coastal residency……
I cannot wait for that album.
Oh yes “the idiot”, I am sure that is well-known in “industry circles”, and I am sure you are included in those circles as well. Just get a life.
I wonder who Rufus is referring to with the “you know who” part…
I’m excited to hear Ruthus’ new record…I wish people wouldn’t read into this song the way some are already starting to in regards to Brandon Flowers. Take it for the music.
i’m sure rufus’ fans couldn’t care less what he’s singing about but i’m curious, why pringles of all things? is it because once you pop, you can’t stop?
i took that picture.
i’m also the fat guy in the green shirt.
seriously.
It is a WALTZ, people ….
You will hear the; ’1,2 3, 1,2 3′, right away…
you will be blown away by the orchestration and musicality.
Which is in keeping with the aural magnificence of this entire album…
Rufus’ masterpiece (so far…)