It was a bit of a surprise to say the least when US singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright announced his intention to recreate Judy Garland???s famous 1961 album, Judy at Carnegie Hall. Not only was the singer to recreate the album song-for-song, but he also arranged to do so in the same venue: the prestigious and legendary Carnegie Hall. While some predicted a disaster--Garland???s selection of tunes, after all, are not what you???d describe as Wainwright???s "bag"???-the night turned out to be an unprecedented success, underlining the singer???s versatility and his ability to put on a genuinely engaging show. For those that couldn???t/didn???t make it, Live at Carnegie Hall captures the entire experience, from Wainwright???s surprisingly good takes on songs like Gershwin???s "Do It Again" to the endearing collaborations with both Garland and Wainwright families. Backed by a 40-piece orchestra, Rufus (& co.) perform the entire songlist with aplomb, dropping in some tasteful twists and subtle sexuality to boot. Now that???s entertainment! --Danny McKenna

I wasn't sure about this album, from reading the reviews on here. Got it anyway and LOVE IT. Can't stop listening to it. It's touching, greatly sung, but also very funny in parts - and very uplifting! I also have to say the actual recording sound is of amazing quality. If you hate rufus wainwright, of course don't bother, but if you like his voice and are open to some entertainment, I think you may well love it too!

Agree with all the positive reviews. Just the perfect album for a lazy Sunday. Outrageously camp, wonderfully arranged and recorded. Rufus is in fine voice throughout, delivering each number with sensitivity and effortless panache.

I just have to say as a straight guy, my partner gets a little worried when I stick this on. Maybe one for when she's out with the girls.

I have a serious problem with Rufus Wainwright. It was whilst travelling home a few years ago from Yorkshire that I tuned into Radio Two just in time to hear Wainwright singing "Oh What a World" which quickly became a firm favourite of mine. On the strength of that I bought Want One and subsequently Want Two but have to admit disappointment at much on those albums.

So when I heard Wainwright was trying to replicate a Judy Garland album recorded over 40 years ago I began to worry. My main concern is that Wainwright's gay icon status is replacing his ability as a musician and he's one of these guys that I can take so much of before I decide enough is enough.

That's certainly true on this album. I started off by listening intently with a feeling of "yes this bloke's got a great voice." But then as always it began to grate and I realised that the more I got the less I really wanted. So it took a number of attempts to get through this album.
Okay it's not at all bad but I found myself fleeing to listen to the original songs. My problem is that Wainwright doesn't have enough tonal depth in his voice to carry off more than 15 or 20 minutes material before I begin to flag and on some of these numbers he really struggles. His voice doesn't move smoothly between the registers and produces a rather guttural sound.

The proof of the pudding was always going to be his version of Over the Rainbow and it sounds more like a karaoke session. The audience seem to love it, however, and I'm sure there was plenty of glitz and glamour present.

I don't think I've ever seen a worse album cover than this .. .. is it a joke ? That face .. .. ! Really, daarling .. ..

Amazon UK sent me the regular US version with no bonus track. When I asked them to reship, they did, but it was the same version ... no bonus track on disc 2. What a ripoff!