Out of the Game

{{Quote box|quote=I just want to make something that you love, driving around in your car listening or losing your mind to on a dance floor. Something to serenade us through these very, very troubling times.|source=Wainwright on his goal for the album{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rufus-wainwright-working-with-mark-ronson-on-poppy-new-album-20110520|title=Rufus Wainwright Working With Mark Ronson on Poppy New Album|date=May 20, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|issn=0035-791X|first=Simon|last=Vozick-Levinson}}|align=right|width=300px}}

Wainwright and Ronson began recording the album in New York in May 2011. Gigwise.com reported then that former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows had been invited to contribute to the recording sessions.{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/63284/Rufus-Wainwright-Recording-Danceable-Album-With-Mark-Ronson|title=Rufus Wainwright Recording 'Danceable' Album With Mark Ronson|first=Jason|last=Gregory|date=May 20, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2011|publisher=Gigwise.com|archive-date=August 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821104806/http://www.gigwise.com/news/63284/Rufus-Wainwright-Recording-Danceable-Album-With-Mark-Ronson|url-status=live}} Wainwright also revealed that the album would contain the "poppiest" music in his repertoire to date, with the "main objective" that it should mostly be "danceable". In May 2011, Rolling Stone reported that candidate tracks for the final release included a tribute to Wainwright's late mother, Kate McGarrigle, called "Candles", "I'm Out of the Game", about "giving up stardom", and a song about Montauk, New York (where Wainwright and his partner have a house). Wainwright shared that his daughter Viva influenced the album, stating: "There's nothing like impressing a little girl – nothing quite as lovely, and sometimes nothing quite as difficult. I've written three songs about her already." Following May recording sessions, Wainwright participated in a five-night residency at the Royal Opera House in London to promote the release of his compilation box set House of Rufus. He took the summer off to spend time with Viva and resumed recording in the fall of 2011.

Wainwright told Rolling Stone in October 2011 that he and Ronson were recording in Brooklyn with the Dap-Kings, a process he described as "fantastic".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/rufus-wainwright-reviving-his-familys-annual-christmas-concert-20111026|title=Rufus Wainwright Reviving His Family's Annual Christmas Concert|first=Matthew|last=Perpetua|date=October 26, 2011|access-date=December 6, 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|publisher=Wenner Media|issn=0035-791X}} Sean Michaels of The Guardian reported in December 2011 that Wainwright and Ronson were mixing the album after less than two months of recording and that Out of the Game would be released in the spring of 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/dec/07/rufus-wainwright-mark-ronson|title=Rufus Wainwright getting 'manly' with Mark Ronson on new album|first=Sean|last=Michaels|date=December 7, 2011|access-date=December 7, 2011|work=The Guardian|issn=0261-3077|oclc=60623878|location=London, United Kingdom|archive-date=December 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204011645/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/dec/07/rufus-wainwright-mark-ronson|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://stereogum.com/897482/progress-report-rufus-wainwright/franchises/progress-report/|first=T. Cole|last=Rachel|title=Progress Report: Rufus Wainwright|date=December 6, 2011|access-date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Stereogum|archive-date=December 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208023831/http://stereogum.com/897482/progress-report-rufus-wainwright/franchises/progress-report/|url-status=live}} Wainwright described the collection as "manly", "sexy" and his "most sort of 'pop' and commercially viable, radio-friendly work". He also revealed that guest artists appearing on the album included his sister Martha Wainwright, Sean Lennon, the alternative rock band Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and Thomas "Doveman" Bartlett.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2011/12/23/rufus-wainwright-teams-up-with-mark-ronson-for-new-album-out-of-the-game/|title=Rufus Wainwright teams up with Mark Ronson for new album Out of the Game|date=December 23, 2011|access-date=December 26, 2011|first=Brendan|last=Kelly|work=The Gazette|location=Montreal, Quebec, Canada|publisher=Postmedia Network|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502060550/http://blogs.montrealgazette.com/2011/12/23/rufus-wainwright-teams-up-with-mark-ronson-for-new-album-out-of-the-game/|url-status=live}} According to Ronson, mixing with Tom Elmhirst completed on December 15.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamMarkRonson/status/147333831727382528|title=Twitter / @iamMarkRonson: last day of mixing @rufuswainwright with Tom Elmhirst. it is my best work, hands down|first=Mark|last=Ronson|author-link=Mark Ronson|date=December 15, 2011|access-date=January 28, 2012|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211120003/https://twitter.com/iamMarkRonson/status/147333831727382528|url-status=live}} Recording and mixing took place at Dunham Sound in Brooklyn and Sear Sound in Manhattan.{{cite journal|journal=Mojo|page=77|first=Danny|last=Eccleston|title=The Uptown Boys|date=February 2012|location=London, United Kingdom|issn=1351-0193}} It was revealed in February 2012 that Miike Snow's Andrew Wyatt had also contributed to Out of the Game;{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/4144426|title=Rufus Wainwright to release Mark Ronson-produced album|date=February 2, 2012|access-date=February 25, 2012|first=Luke|last=Slater|publisher=Drowned in Sound|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104024825/http://drownedinsound.com/news/4144426|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/article/rufus-wainwright-sets-release-for-pop-album/|title=Rufus Wainwright sets release for 'pop' album|access-date=February 22, 2012|date=February 1, 2012|work=Complete Music Update|archive-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516102714/http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/article/rufus-wainwright-sets-release-for-pop-album/|url-status=live}} later that month, Drowned in Sound revealed that Yeah Yeah Yeahs guitarist Nick Zinner would also appear on the album.{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/4144522-rufus-wainwright-reveals-a-teasing-taster-of-his-new-mark-ronson-produced-album|title=Rufus Wainwright reveals a teasing taster of his new Mark Ronson-produced album|first=Sean|last=Adams|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|publisher=Drowned in Sound|archive-date=February 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223015804/http://drownedinsound.com/news/4144522-rufus-wainwright-reveals-a-teasing-taster-of-his-new-mark-ronson-produced-album|url-status=dead}}

According to Wainwright, he provided to Ronson demo recordings of tracks nearly one year prior to production.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17816463|title=Rufus Wainwright: Helena Bonham Carter 'stalked' me at my gigs|date=April 23, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012|publisher=BBC News|archive-date=April 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425152155/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17816463|url-status=live}}

Image:Helena Bonham Carter (Berlin Film Festival 2011) 3 cropped.jpg.]]

In March 2011, Wainwright performed "Out of the Game" at the Hope North Ping-Pong Ball, a fundraiser for the Uganda boarding school dedicated to educating orphans and young refugees.{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2011/03/28/rufus-wainwright-hope-north-ping-pong-ball/|title=Rufus Wainwright Performs New Song at Hope North Benefit in New York|date=March 28, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2011|publisher=Spinner|first=Alex|last=Suskind|archive-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120516150719/http://www.spinner.com/2011/03/28/rufus-wainwright-hope-north-ping-pong-ball/|url-status=live}} The album received attention in December 2011 when Wainwright appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and performed the French version of "O Holy Night" with The Roots.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/nonstop-sound/Video--136003403.html|title=Video: Rufus Wainwright and the Roots Get into the Holiday Spirit|date=December 21, 2011|access-date=January 28, 2012|first=Michael|last=Tedder|publisher=NBCUniversal|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052946/http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/nonstop-sound/Video--136003403.html|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2011/12/20/tivo-party-tonight-mariachi-el-bronx-the-kooks-rufus-wainwright-the-joy-formidable/|title=TiVo Party Tonight: Mariachi El Bronx, The Kooks, Rufus Wainwright, The Joy Formidable|journal=Magnet|date=December 20, 2011|access-date=January 28, 2012|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052928/http://www.magnetmagazine.com/2011/12/20/tivo-party-tonight-mariachi-el-bronx-the-kooks-rufus-wainwright-the-joy-formidable/|url-status=live}} In late 2011 and early 2012 several publications included Out of the Game on their lists of most anticipated releases for 2012.Sources:

• {{cite news|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/more-albums-for-2012/story-fn6ci0vj-1226236661968|title=12 more albums for 2012|date=January 4, 2012|work=The Advertiser|location=Adelaide, South Australia|publisher=News Limited|access-date=January 28, 2012}}
• {{cite journal|url=https://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=148&title=10_pop_albums_you_absolutely_have_to_hea_2012&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1|title=8 Pop Albums You Have To Hear In 2012|first=Priya|last=Elan|journal=NME|publisher=IPC Media|issn=0028-6362|date=January 4, 2012|access-date=January 28, 2012|location=United Kingdom|archive-date=January 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113074824/http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=148&title=10_pop_albums_you_absolutely_have_to_hea_2012&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/sounds+2012/5961778/story.html|title=Hot sounds of 2012|date=January 7, 2012|first=Ben|last=Kaplan|access-date=January 28, 2012|work=The Vancouver Sun|publisher=Postmedia Network|issn=0832-1299|location=Vancouver, British Columbia|archive-date=February 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216071250/http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/sounds+2012/5961778/story.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/274179/20111230/lana-del-rey-madonna-10-anticipated-albums.htm|work=International Business Times|first=Peggy|last=Truong|title=Lana Del Rey, Madonna and the 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2012|access-date=January 28, 2012|date=December 29, 2011|publisher=The International Business Times}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} "Montauk" was featured as KCRW's "Today's Top Tune" on February 17, 2012, marking the song's world premiere.{{cite web|url=http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/tu/tu120217rufus_wainwright_mon|title=Rufus Wainwright: Montauk|publisher=KCRW|date=February 17, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2012|location=Santa Monica, California|archive-date=February 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120220213029/http://www.kcrw.com/music/programs/tu/tu120217rufus_wainwright_mon|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/18/rufus-wainwright-montauk_n_1286271.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false|title=Rufus Wainwright's 'Montauk': First Song Off Forthcoming Album, 'Out Of The Game,' Debuts (Audio)|work=The Huffington Post|date=February 18, 2012|access-date=February 20, 2012|archive-date=January 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111142606/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/18/rufus-wainwright-montauk_n_1286271.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false|url-status=live}} Several days later, Drowned in Sound released an exclusive album "teaser" video offering music samples, photo shoot footage, and clips featuring Wainwright and Ronson. Drowned in Sound also revealed that "Out of the Game" would be the first single from the album and would be available for purchase on March 16 via iTunes and April 16 via Decca/Polydor. Ronson posted a long excerpt from "Out of the Game" on his Tumblr page on February 22.{{cite web|url=http://iammarkronson.tumblr.com/post/18086708335|title=Out Of The Game!|first=Mark|last=Ronson|author-link=Mark Ronson|publisher=Tumblr|access-date=February 24, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224000650/http://iammarkronson.tumblr.com/post/18086708335|archive-date=February 24, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://stereogum.com/958231/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game/mp3s/|title=Rufus Wainwright – "Out Of The Game"|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=February 24, 2012|publisher=Stereogum|archive-date=February 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227042835/http://stereogum.com/958231/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game/mp3s|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/rufus-wainwright/out-of-the-game/62321/|title=Rufus Wainwright: "Out Of The Game"|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=February 24, 2012|first=Andrew|last=Winistorfer|journal=Prefix|archive-date=January 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111142233/http://www.prefixmag.com/media/rufus-wainwright/out-of-the-game/62321/|url-status=live}} The album's cover art was revealed on Facebook and Wainwright's official site on February 28.{{cite web|url=http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx#2b042ae6-9780-44dc-8358-c8e038aa81b6:655465 |title=Out Of The Game Album Cover Revealed |access-date=March 1, 2012 |date=February 28, 2012 |publisher=rufuswainwright.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222084705/http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx |archive-date=February 22, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/26901684/gay-singer-socially-networks-his-new-album-art|title=Gay singer socially networks his new album art|date=March 1, 2012|access-date=March 2, 2012|publisher=ChicagoPride.com|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306013409/http://chicago.gopride.com/news/article.cfm/articleid/26901684/gay-singer-socially-networks-his-new-album-art|url-status=live}} "Out of the Game" premiered in the United Kingdom on February 29 when Wainwright appeared on the Jo Whiley Show on BBC Radio 2.{{cite web|url=http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx#2b042ae6-9780-44dc-8358-c8e038aa81b6:655486 |title=Rufus & Out Of The Game On BBC 2 |publisher=rufuswainwright.com |date=February 28, 2012 |access-date=March 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222084705/http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx |archive-date=February 22, 2011 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01c9gw8|title=Jo chats to Ben Howard and Rufus Wainwright|publisher=BBC Radio 2|access-date=March 1, 2012|archive-date=March 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308005850/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01c9gw8|url-status=live}} The song was made available on YouTube soon after.{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2012/03/02/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook|title=Rufus Wainwright 'Out of the Game' -- Piano Man Unveils New Song|first=Theo|last=Spielberg|publisher=Spinner|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 3, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/RufusWainwrightVEVO#p/a/u/0/pasAk-MVJRs|title=Rufus Wainwright – Out Of The Game (Audio)|date=February 29, 2012|access-date=March 3, 2012|publisher=YouTube|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307085615/http://www.youtube.com/user/RufusWainwrightVEVO#p/a/u/0/pasAk-MVJRs|url-status=live}}

The music video for "Out of the Game" was filmed in the Library of the Zoological Society of London in early March.{{cite web|url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/12/February/24Rufus_Wainwright_Hitting_The_Road_For_New_Album.shtml|title=Rufus Wainwright Hitting The Road For New Album|date=February 24, 2012|access-date=February 25, 2012|publisher=antiMusic.com|archive-date=February 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120226020751/http://www.antimusic.com/news/12/February/24Rufus_Wainwright_Hitting_The_Road_For_New_Album.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/62393|title=Rufus Wainwright unveils first track from Mark Ronson produced album – audio|date=March 2, 2012|access-date=March 3, 2012|journal=NME|publisher=IPC Media|issn=0028-6362|location=United Kingdom|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307050114/http://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/62393|url-status=live}} It features actress Helena Bonham Carter, a friend of Wainwright's, as a "straight-laced librarian driven into a lustful frenzy" by Wainwright's multiple personalities.Sources:

• {{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-helena-bonham-carter_n_1399200.html|title=Rufus Wainwright, 'Out Of The Game': New Video Stars Helena Bonham Carter As Naughty Librarian|first=Crystal|last=Bell|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2012|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404173554/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-helena-bonham-carter_n_1399200.html|url-status=live}}
• {{cite journal|url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-helena-bonham-carter-out-of-the-game/|title=Rufus Wainwright releases video for 'Out of the Game,' featuring Helena Bonham Carter: Watch it here!|first=Ray|last=Rahman|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2012|journal=Entertainment Weekly|issn=1049-0434|archive-date=April 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406172222/http://music-mix.ew.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-helena-bonham-carter-out-of-the-game/|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/bonham-carter-strips-off-for-wainwrights-new-video_1302352|publisher=Contactmusic.com|title=Rufus Wainwright – Bonham Carter Strips Off For Wainwright's New Video|date=March 9, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2012|archive-date=March 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310233814/http://www.contactmusic.com/news/bonham-carter-strips-off-for-wainwrights-new-video_1302352|url-status=live}} His personas include a "debonaire" man wearing a fedora, a woman (Wainwright in drag), and a "drugged-out Sonic Youth-obsessed dope fiend".{{cite web|url=http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-video-helena-bonham-carter/|title=Rufus Wainwright, 'Out of the Game' Video: Helena Bonham Carter Plays Librarian|first=Cameron|last=Matthews|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 4, 2012|publisher=Spinner|archive-date=April 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404222146/http://www.spinner.com/2012/04/03/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-video-helena-bonham-carter/|url-status=live}} Bonham Carter lip syncs to Wainwright's lyrics throughout the video; by the end she is lying in the bed dressed in a lace corset, having succumbed to the passion exuded by Wainwright's characters. The music video received mixed critical reception; many reviewers offered commentary on Wainwright's use of drag and noted that his characters appear to have sex with one another.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.phillymag.com/gphilly/2012/04/05/watch-rufus-wainwright-drag/|title=Watch: Rufus Wainwright in Drag|access-date=April 27, 2012|date=April 5, 2012|first=Natalie Hope|last=McDonald|work=Philadelphia|publisher=Metrocorp|location=Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|issn=0031-7233|archive-date=May 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510032056/http://blogs.phillymag.com/gphilly/2012/04/05/watch-rufus-wainwright-drag/|url-status=live}} Rich Lopez of the Dallas Voice thought Carter "anchored" the music video and found Wainwright's performance "distracting".{{cite news|url=http://www.dallasvoice.com/watch-rufus-wainwrights-out-game-10105970.html|title=Watch: Rufus Wainwright's "Out of the Game"|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012|first=Rich|last=Lopez|work=Dallas Voice|publisher=Voice Publishing Company, Inc.|location=Dallas, Texas|archive-date=April 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120409021449/http://www.dallasvoice.com/watch-rufus-wainwrights-out-game-10105970.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Out of the Game Tour}}

To promote the album, Wainwright began touring in April 2012. He performed songs from the album during a six-date European tour including performances in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Spain.{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/check-out-rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game/|title=Check Out: Rufus Wainwright – "Out of the Game"|date=February 23, 2012|access-date=February 25, 2012|first=Michael|last=Roffman|publisher=Consequence of Sound|archive-date=February 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225032737/http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/check-out-rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game/|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/60708|title=Rufus Wainwright to play Mark Ronson produced songs at London show|date=November 30, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2011|journal=NME|publisher=IPC Media|issn=0028-6362|location=United Kingdom|archive-date=February 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203071429/http://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/60708|url-status=live}} Wainwright also performed at the Sundance London Music and Film Festival on April 29.{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/04/rufus-wainwright-announces-summer-tour-dates/|title=Rufus Wainwright announces summer tour dates|first=Alex|last=Young|access-date=April 27, 2012|date=April 24, 2012|publisher=Consequence of Sound|archive-date=November 18, 2012|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1353277091GKKBSDOVHN?url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/04/rufus-wainwright-announces-summer-tour-dates/|url-status=live}} Another mini-tour is scheduled from May 9–13 and will feature performances in Brooklyn and three cities in California (Oakland, Los Angeles, San Diego).{{cite web|url=http://www.soundspike.com/story/3891/rufus-wainwright-lines-up-spring-mini-tour/|title=Rufus Wainwright lines up spring mini-tour|first=Tjames|last=Madison|access-date=February 25, 2012|date=February 23, 2012|publisher=Sound Spike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225034143/http://www.soundspike.com/story/3891/rufus-wainwright-lines-up-spring-mini-tour/|archive-date=February 25, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite journal|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/02/rufus-wainwright-announces-new-york-california-sho.html|title=Rufus Wainwright Announces New York, California Shows|first=Tyler|last=Kane|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=February 29, 2012|journal=Paste|publisher=Wolfgang's Vault|issn=1540-3106|archive-date=March 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302010232/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/02/rufus-wainwright-announces-new-york-california-sho.html|url-status=live}} Wainwright will return to Europe for concerts in Spain, Israel and Portugal in June 2012.{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/rufus-wainwright-schedules-world-tour-dates/|title=Rufus Wainwright schedules world tour dates|first=Chris|last=Coplan|date=February 22, 2012|access-date=February 29, 2012|publisher=Consequence of Sound|archive-date=November 18, 2012|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1353280878QOFEPWVYMB?url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/rufus-wainwright-schedules-world-tour-dates/|url-status=live}} He is scheduled to perform in Dublin on July 18.{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Rufus-Wainwright-confirms-Iveagh-Gardens-show/114368.htm|title=Rufus Wainwright confirms Iveagh Gardens show|date=March 30, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012|publisher=entertainment.ie|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203080519/http://entertainment.ie/music/news/Rufus-Wainwright-confirms-Iveagh-Gardens-show/114368.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2012/0406/1224314433293.html|title=Etc|first=Lauren|last=Murphy|access-date=April 27, 2012|date=April 6, 2012|work=The Irish Times|publisher=Irish Times Trust|location=Dublin, Ireland|archive-date=April 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413182646/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2012/0406/1224314433293.html|url-status=live}} Between July 24 and August 11 he will tour throughout the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=801226|title=New Rufus Wainwright U.S. Dates|date=April 25, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012|publisher=Pollstar|first=Sarah Marie|last=Pittman|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000933/http://www.pollstar.com/news_article.aspx?ID=801226|url-status=live}} Ten concerts are scheduled in the United Kingdom between November 16 and December 14.{{cite journal|url=https://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/63210|title=Rufus Wainwright announces autumn tour – ticket details|date=April 12, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2012|journal=NME|publisher=IPC Media|issn=0028-6362|location=United Kingdom|archive-date=November 18, 2012|archive-url=http://www.freezepage.com/1353278506DCNOFQUVJC?url=http://www.nme.com/news/rufus-wainwright/63210|url-status=live}} Additional concerts are scheduled in Europe, including Belgium, Sweden, Norway and France during late November and early December.

Songs appearing on the album were influenced by the music of David Bowie, Elton John and Queen.{{cite news|url=http://hour.ca/2011/12/16/rufus-wainwright-in-the-studio-with-mark-ronson-and-the-dap-kings-new-album-out-of-the-game-due-in-may-2012/|title=Rufus Wainwright in the studio with Mark Ronson and the Dap-Kings; new album Out of the Game due in May 2012|first=Kevin|last=Laforest|date=December 16, 2011|access-date=December 26, 2011|work=Hour Community|publisher=Communications Voir|location=Montreal, Quebec, Canada|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114064558/http://hour.ca/2011/12/16/rufus-wainwright-in-the-studio-with-mark-ronson-and-the-dap-kings-new-album-out-of-the-game-due-in-may-2012/|archive-date=January 14, 2012|url-status=dead}} The opening title track, which served as the album's first single, was influenced by "YouTube obsessed" youth. Wainwright said of the track: "For the first two verses I'm complaining, but in the third verse, it's tinged with envy as well. I'd like to be that age again and that silly, that excited about idiotic things. So I'm not being insensitive, just tired." Wainwright wrote "Welcome to the Ball" years prior to the album's release for a possible Broadway musical and described the composition as "completely wild and orchestral". "Montauk", addressed to Wainwright's daughter about the home in the New York town of the same name where he and his partner live, has been described as having a "lazy, infectious carousel-like" rhythm.{{cite web|url=http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/02/new-rufus-wainwright-montauk/|title=New Rufus Wainwright: "Montauk"|first=Evan|last=Schlansky|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 25, 2012|work=American Songwriter|archive-date=February 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222165640/http://www.americansongwriter.com/2012/02/new-rufus-wainwright-montauk/|url-status=live}}

{{Album ratings

| MC = 77/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/out-of-the-game/rufus-wainwright|title=Out of the Game by Rufus Wainwright|website=Metacritic|access-date=3 October 2016|archive-date=7 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907072416/http://www.metacritic.com/music/out-of-the-game/rufus-wainwright|url-status=live}}

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1score = {{Rating|4|5}}

| rev2 = The Daily Telegraph

| rev2score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/9215024/Rufus-Wainwright-Out-of-the-Game-CD-review.html|title=Rufus Wainwright Out of the Game, CD review|first=Neil|last=McCormick|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=April 30, 2012|work=The Daily Telegraph|issn=0307-1235|oclc=49632006|location=London, United Kingdom|archive-date=April 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426175159/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/9215024/Rufus-Wainwright-Out-of-the-Game-CD-review.html|url-status=live}}

| rev3 = Drowned in Sound

| rev3score = 6/10{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/16955/reviews/4144799|title=Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game|first=Hayden|last=Woolley|date=April 19, 2012|access-date=April 30, 2012|publisher=Drowned in Sound|archive-date=April 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422010332/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/16955/reviews/4144799|url-status=dead}}

| rev4 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev4score = A−{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2012/05/03/out-game-review-rufus-wainwright/|title=Out of the Game (2012)|first=Mikael|last=Wood|date=May 3, 2012|access-date=September 8, 2012|work=Entertainment|publisher=Time Inc|location=New York City, United States|archive-date=July 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703010718/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20590223,00.html|url-status=live}}

| rev5 = The Guardian

| rev5score = {{rating|4|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/apr/19/rufus-wainwright-out-of-review|title=Rufus Wainwright: Out of the Game – review|first=Caroline|last=Sullivan|date=April 19, 2012|access-date=April 30, 2012|work=The Guardian|location=London, United Kingdom|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=October 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011223307/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/apr/19/rufus-wainwright-out-of-review|url-status=live}}

| rev6 = The Independent

| rev6Score = {{rating|3|5}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-polydor-7661363.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220524/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game-polydor-7661363.html |archive-date=2022-05-24 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Album: Rufus Wainwright, Out of the Game (Polydor)|first=Andy|last=Gill|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=April 30, 2012|publisher=Independent Print Limited|work=The Independent|location=London, United Kingdom|issn=0951-9467|oclc=185201487}}

| rev7 = Paste

| rev7score = 9/10{{cite web|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/05/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game.html|title=Rufus Wainwright: Out of the Game|first=Holly|last=Gleason|date=May 1, 2012|access-date=June 1, 2012|work=Paste|archive-date=May 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511024121/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2012/05/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game.html|url-status=live}}

| rev8 = Pitchfork

| rev8score = 6.8/10{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16516-out-of-the-game/|title=Rufus Wainwright: Out of the Game|first=Mark|last=Pytlik|date=April 18, 2012|access-date=April 30, 2012|website=Pitchfork|archive-date=May 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502141601/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16516-out-of-the-game/|url-status=live}}

| noprose =

}}

Following the premiere of "Montauk", which received mixed reception, several reviewers noted the rolling arpeggio-driven, ballad nature of the song contrary to Wainwright's description of the album as pop music.Sources:

• {{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/check-out-rufus-wainwright-montauk/|title=Check Out: Rufus Wainwright – "Montauk"|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|first=Chris|last=Coplan|publisher=Consequence of Sound|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224025219/http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/02/check-out-rufus-wainwright-montauk/|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=https://stereogum.com/955941/rufus-wainwright-montauk/mp3s/|title=Rufus Wainwright – "Montauk"|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|publisher=Stereogum|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224065429/http://stereogum.com/955941/rufus-wainwright-montauk/mp3s|url-status=live}}
• {{cite web|url=http://www.ology.com/music/doot-doot-doo-rufus-wainwrights-new-song-montauk/02212012|title=Doot Doot Doo With Rufus Wainwright's New Song "Montauk"|first=Brett|last=Warner|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|publisher=Oology|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223175841/http://www.ology.com/music/doot-doot-doo-rufus-wainwrights-new-song-montauk/02212012|archive-date=February 23, 2012}}
• {{cite journal|url=http://www.prefixmag.com/media/rufus-wainwright/montauk/62229/|title=Rufus Wainwright: "Montauk"|date=February 21, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2012|first=Andrew|last=Winistorfer|journal=Prefix|archive-date=February 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223032924/http://www.prefixmag.com/media/rufus-wainwright/montauk/62229/|url-status=live}} After Ronson posted "Out of the Game" on his Tumblr page, Andrew Winistorfer of Prefix magazine wrote that Wainwright is imagined on Mark Ronson's Tumblr as though he belonged to the Rat Pack, a "slick crooner with some old-timey backing music". Winistorfer felt "Out of the Game" was a more accurate of Wainwright's description of the album as being "pop music". The Huffington Post{{'s}} Mallika Rao complimented both "Montauk" and "Out of the Game" prior to the album's release.{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game_n_1318351.html|title=Rufus Wainwright Releases 'Out Of The Game,' Title Track Off Forthcoming Album (Audio)|first=Mallika|last=Rao|date=March 3, 2012|access-date=March 5, 2012|work=The Huffington Post|archive-date=March 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315003727/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/rufus-wainwright-out-of-the-game_n_1318351.html|url-status=live}}

In the April 2012 issue of German Rolling Stone magazine reviewer Arne Willander concluded about the album: "The sheer brilliance leaves us exhausted: We have listened to a genius."Rolling Stone magazine (German edition), April 2012 issue, page 67, "Alles blüht"

Image:Rufus Wainwright Met Opera 2010 Shankbone.jpg in 2010]]

All tracks written by Rufus Wainwright.

1. "Out of the Game" – 4:06
2. "Jericho" – 3:44
3. "Rashida" – 3:00
4. "Barbara" – 3:56
5. "Welcome to the Ball" – 3:26
6. "Montauk" – 3:57
7. "Bitter Tears" – 3:32
8. "Respectable Dive" – 4:55
9. "Perfect Man" – 3:58
10. "Sometimes You Need" – 3:21
11. "Song of You" – 4:51
12. "Candles" – 7:42

;iTunes bonus track

13. "WWIII" (co-written with Guy Chambers) – 3:56

{{Div col}}

• Alala – engineer
• Tom Arndt – release coordinator
• Victor Axelrod – organ, piano, synthesizer
• Ben Baptie – engineer, mixing assistant
• Jodie Barnes – stylist
• Pat Barry – creative director
• Thomas Bartlett – Fender Rhodes, organ, piano, synthesizer
• Charysse Blackman – backing vocals
• Angee Blake – backing vocals
• Stuart Bogie – tenor saxophone
• Thomas Brenneck – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, ukulele
• David Budge – drums
• Nels Cline – electric guitar
• Ross Cullum – A&R
• Rose Elinor Dougall – backing vocals
• Tom Elmhirst – mixing
• Ian Hendrickson-Smith – baritone saxophone
• Barry J. Holmes – photography
• Ted Jensen – mastering
• Joshua Blair – drum engineering
• Cheri Keating – groomer
• Kevin Keys – backing vocals
• Sean Lennon – acoustic guitar
• Michael Leonhart – cornet, flugelhorn, mellophone, trumpet
• Anna McGarrigle – accordion
• Vaughan Merrick – engineer, Pro-Tools
• Evelyn Morgan – A&R, production coordination
• Nick Movshon – bass guitar, drums, percussion
• Jenni Muldaur – backing vocals
• Al O'Connell – engineer, vocal engineer
• Julian Peploe – art direction, design
• Lucy Wainwright Roche – backing vocals
• Mark Ronson – bass guitar, drum programming, producer
• Anthony Rossomando – guitar
• Rutger – groomer
• Oliver Schrage – release coordinator
• Homer Steinweiss – drums
• Chaim Tannenbaum – backing vocals
• David Thomas – stylist
• Ted Tuthill – assistant
• Tina Tyrell – photography
• Loudon Wainwright III – backing vocals
• Martha Wainwright – backing vocals
• Rufus Wainwright – acoustic guitar, composer, piano, synthesizer, vocals
• Sloan Wainwright – backing vocals
• Andrew Wyatt – backing vocals
• Nick Zinner – electric guitar

{{div col end}}

Immediately following release in the United Kingdom, the album earned a midweek position of number two, equaling the initial success of Wainwright's 2007 album Release the Stars and surpassing the peak position of his previous studio album All Days Are Nights: Songs for Lulu (2010).{{cite journal|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1049333&c=1|title=Midweek Charts: XL's White set to earn chart stripes|first=Paul|last=Williams|date=April 25, 2012|access-date=April 26, 2012|journal=Music Week|location=United Kingdom|issn=0265-1548|archive-date=May 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504034809/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1049333&c=1|url-status=live}}

Overall, Out of the Game charted in 17 countries, including top 10 positions in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

• Australia – April 20, 2012 (CD, deluxe edition, digital download)
• United Kingdom – April 23, 2012 (CD, deluxe edition, digital download, LP){{cite web|url=http://www.7digital.com/artist/rufus-wainwright/release/out-of-the-game|title=Out Of The Game by Rufus Wainwright|publisher=7digital|access-date=February 15, 2012|location=London, United Kingdom|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204104208/http://www.7digital.com/artist/rufus-wainwright/release/out-of-the-game|archive-date=February 4, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Canada – April 24, 2012
• United States – May 1, 2012

Release history adapted from Wainwright's official site.{{cite web|url=http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx#2b042ae6-9780-44dc-8358-c8e038aa81b6:654045 |title=Pre-Order 'Out of the Game' |date=January 31, 2012 |access-date=February 15, 2012 |publisher=rufuswainwright.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222084705/http://www.rufuswainwright.com/news/default.aspx |archive-date=February 22, 2011 }}

• Kate & Anna McGarrigle, duo consisting of Anna McGarrigle and Wainwright's mother, Kate McGarrigle
• Martha Wainwright discography
• Wilco discography

{{Clear}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.deccarecords.com/artist/releases/release.aspx?pid=64250&aid=34108 Out of the Game] at Decca Records
• [http://www.vevo.com/watch/rufus-wainwright/out-of-the-game-teaser/USUV71200157 Video: "Out of the Game" (Teaser)] at Vevo

{{Rufus Wainwright}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2012 albums

Category:Albums produced by Mark Ronson

Category:Decca Records albums

Category:Polydor Records albums

Category:Rufus Wainwright albums