There are good singers and there are great singers. In a time where there remains few truly great singers, Rufus Wainwright stands on a lonely pedestal with few others of his contemporaries. Albeit I have only seen recordings of Rufus's live performances, each and everyone of them have blown me away. An extraordinarily talented singer and songwriter, Rufus's vocal performances and self-penned lyrics are haunting, impeccable and dripping with lyrical cynicism. His nasal singing voice may have turned many away, but to me, that is what truly sets his apart from many other 'artists' out there; and I like it that way - it makes me feel special, knowing that I am one of the exclusive few for whom he sings. The fact that he is gay, and makes no bones about singing about his sexuality and the subject of his desire makes him all the more special in my mind.