leonard cohen

More, More, More?

Oct 152012

I’ve long been a skeptic regarding the musical value of Leonard Cohen, but I’ve always liked the song “Suzanne.”

As a Beatles diehard who’s never been a big fan of vocal jazz music, I did make an effort to check out Nina Simone shortly after reading that a section of “Michelle” was lifted/inspired by one of her songs. Anything I’ve heard from her is OK. It’s got that jazz singing thing I usually don’t like.

This marriage of “Suzanne” with Nina Simone, however, is a revelation. I suspect the dashiki-wearing band factors into my enjoyment. Nevertheless, is there more like this?

Perhaps there’s an artist who has never otherwise impressed you yet who has one performance that’s caused you to seek recommendations of possibly more similar charms. Who might that be and what’s the one track that’s raised your curiosity? Maybe we can help.

Please Explain: Leonard Cohen

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Feb 142011

In a world that’s already given us Bob Dylan and Dustin Hoffman, why is Leonard Cohen celebrated as a rock ‘n roll treasure?

I enjoy Leonard Cohen in small doses, especially songs from Songs of Leonard Cohen, his debut, which should have been entitled Suzanne and 9 Other Songs That Have Essentially the Same Melody as Suzanne. I like the way his music was used to haunting effect through Robert Altman‘s McCabe and Mrs. Miller. I know he’s a hipster and a lover and a poet and all that. He’s made love to many of rock’s most-beautiful, least-talented hipster women – in candlelight, no less! The jacket he wore during his 1970 Isle of Wight appearance is something I could study for hours. I even get his appeal as a cult artist, but is he actually something more than that? Do you experience a deeper level of appreciation that I’m missing? Should I feel the world would be a better place if the music of Leonard Cohen was running through more people’s heads?