In the three years since the release of his lavish 2007 studio album, Release The Stars, Rufus Wainwright has put out two live records—including a recording of his elaborate tribute to Judy Garland’s famous Carnegie Hall concert—written a poorly received opera, and lost his mother, Kate McGarrigle, to cancer. Wainwright’s new LP All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu was recorded shortly before McGarrigle died, and it’s an understandably somber affair, performed by Wainwright alone with his piano and his thoughts. On some songs—like “Martha,” a direct address to his sister—Wainwright sings about his frazzled state of mind, and pleads for calm.