Theatrical Canadian songwriter Rufus Wainwright is currently working on a new opera, but as he goes about writing the music, hes taking a look back on his back catalogue with Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright. Its due out March 4 through Universal Music Canada.
The standard version of the album includes 18 career-spanning cuts, including one new tune called "Me and Liza," which was co-written with Guy Chambers. The deluxe edition comes with a bonus disc containing 16 rare tunes, including live and studio material; some of these songs have never been available on a physical release until now, including the new tune "Chic and Pointless."
See the tracklist below. Note that it includes Wainwrights cover of Leonard Cohens "Hallelujah," while his version of the Beatles "Across the Universe" is on the bonus disc.
As for that opera, its been commissioned by the Canadian Opera Company and is based on the story of Roman Emperor Hadrian and and his young lover Antinous. Wainright is working with playwright Daniel MacIvor, and the opera will premiere in Toronto in October 2018.