Or a post clarifying why exactly I’m so obsessed with the Wainwright family. First of all, as musicians, they are all so good in different ways. Their voices and styles of music are actually pretty different from each other, but at the same time they’re all such great songwriters. So, when when you love all of their music separately, you can’t help but obsess over all the songs they write about each other! Loudon (known as Gordondon in some circles) and Kate were together just long enough to produce two insanely talented children and a bunch of bitter, sad songs about each other. Then their kids grew up and joined in, writing some great songs about their parents. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone be so candid about any relationships, let alone those with their family.
Lots of songs were written about Rufus and Martha throughout their childhood and teen years. Loudon’s songs in particular are so undisguised and personal:
So of course, when the kids grew up, they had to write some hard hitting (and not so kind) songs about their dad in return. My favorite is Martha’s masterpiece, Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole (below).
But they do still love each other, which means that sometimes they sing together (and it’s the best thing ever)!
And in addition to all that songwriting, they still have time to do things like knit each other sweaters and bake ski shaped gingerbread cookies together.
Further listening: Loudon Wainwright III- Pretty Little Martha, Rufus is a Tit Man, Hitting You, Lullaby, Dilated to Meet You, Mr. Guilty, Your Mother and I, When You Leave, The Days That We Die, Our Own War. Martha Wainwright- Hearts Club Band, In the Middle of the Night. Rufus Wainwright- Little Sister, Beauty Mark. McGarrigles- Go Leave, Blues in D, First Born Son, I Eat Dinner. McGarrigle/Wainwright Christmas Show- In The Bleak Midwinter.
You know what, I thought your article was awesome in the sense that after reading/watching/listening to it, my idea of the Wainwrights completely changed.
Actually, to say that is a lie because prior to reading this, I never knew there were an entire clan that’s related to Rufus (whom I am sometimes in the mood for, but thought was just downright cynical)
I love stumbling upon music so thanks for the post. Just now I wrote a post on music I adore as well (She & Him and Amy Macdonald?), so check it out if you would like! http://syrupyteacup.blogspot.com/2010/03/musing-music.html