I'm hoping to check out Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man, a documentary directed by Lian Lunson and released early this summer. It features covers by various artists ranging from Nick Cave to Rufus Wainwright and Linda Thompson, plus Cohen singing with U2. The guy is hilarious, very dramatic, and has been haunting the artsy music scene since 1967.
Cohen (b. 9/21/1934 in Montreal) has at least two kids, but until now, remains unmarried. Most people have probably heard Cohen songs on the radio, on an album, or on a movie soundtrack, whether they know it or not. I like his deep-voiced talk-singing approach. Back in the Boho days, he cut "Suzanne;" and let's not forget "Chelsea Hotel No. 2," about his dalliance with Janis Joplin. "Bird on the Wire" is another big one, and I've always loved the sound of "Everybody Knows," a wicked good song, indeed. Last time I heard "Everybody Knows" was while driving around with my friend Bill in San Antonio and thereabouts. Funny how music and memory intersect so precisely. As for the Hotel Chelsea, that's an intersection I'll write more about later, no doubt.
Today's Rune: Breakthrough.
Ciao!
4 comments:
It's amazing you should mention him. Just last weekend, I finally found out that Cohen wrote one of my favorite Billy Joel songs, Light as the Breeze.
I had picked up the sexual metaphors in the song (it's hard not to), but I though Billy Joel wrote it. I was praising Joel's brilliance at actually being able to use the words, "resplendent chemise," in lyrics and not have it sound strange. Then, I found out that it was all Cohen!
Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows" is classic. You either love the guy, or hate him. He's a very talented song writer.
Another singer that the critics either adore or hate is Brian Ferry. Another cool singer, if you ask me.
Ditto. Leonard C.=Cool.
Hey all,
Thanks for the comments! Love Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music, too.
Cheers,
E'
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