We recently received an advance copy of Rufus Wainright’s new album, “All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu,” and we’ve been eagerly anticipating its release, so we can start talking about it with our peers. The album title — and concept — is inspired by a line from Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 43,” which reads “All days are nights to see till I see thee…” As for “Lulu,” the artist has described her as a “dark brooding feminine power,” full of romanticism and mystery. The new music is similarly poetic, with a stately, pure and uninterrupted flow. Included among the new tracks are three interpretations of Shakespearian sonnets: “Sonnet 10,” “Sonnet 20,” and the aforementioned “Sonnet 43.” Wainwright composed music for each of the sonnets and is reportedly working with a stage director and costumer to bring the “lyrics” to life through performance art and dance on his upcoming tour.

We’re still awaiting an official music video from the new project, but in the meantime, check out one of our favorite Rufus Wainright songs and videos, “Going to a Town.” The Sophie Muller-directed clip was the first single taken from Wainright’s 2007 album, “Release the Stars.” It still stands up today as one of his classics, and one of those moments where everything just looks, sounds and feels right…

Wainright’s new album comes out this Tuesday in Canada and next month in the U.S. Read up on the new songs and find out about the singer’s upcoming tour by visiting his official website.

- TC