Loudon Wainwright III has been cranking out music for more than thirty-five years. Some might know him best as the father of Rufus Wainwright. The fact is, I knew about Rufus back in the early '70's when Loudon sang "Rufus Is a Tit Man" on the live side of his "Unrequited" album. On the same side, he sings "Guru". In just over two minutes, Loudon delivers one of the most scathing, and funny, critiques of the swamis, cult messiahs, and dime-store gurus so ubiquitous at the time. He also has his serious side. "School Days" from his first album, and "Thick and Thin" from "Fame and Wealth" come to mind. Wainwright should be considered because of the substantial body of work he has produced. And he's not done.

It's nice that these reviews can be edited. I understand that "the masses" if they remember him at all, might pass him off as a one-hit wonder. But since when is the taste of "the masses" part of the criterion for getting in the HOF? If that were the case, there should be an onslaught of support for Bobby Vee, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, The Ohio Express, Fabian, and the 1910 Fruitgum Company, all owners of more than one "hit." Loudon has put out more than twenty albums. He has reached a new audience, evidenced by his latest, "Strange Weirdos: Music from and Inspired by the film Knocked Up". To add to his list of fine songs: "1994", "Primrose Hill", "So Damn Happy", "The Swimming Song", "Heaven and Mud", and last, but surely not least, the truly bizarre and mind-bending "The Man Who Couldn't Cry."

dead skunk

A good songwriter, but basically known to the masses as a one hit wonder novelty schlock.

dead skunk