Leonard Cohen (1934-2016), Legendary Canadian Singer, Songwriter, Poet, and Novelist

[MC Horoscope]

Thank you, Leonard Cohen.  I am drinking to you.

Leonard Cohen sings Suzanne.

 

[MC Horoscope]

May I make one more toast to Leonard Cohen? Passing Through.

 

[Bart]

What's a good starter album (or 3) for someone who doesn't know anything about him?

[MC Horoscope]

I would say Songs of Leonard Cohen, Songs from a Room, and Live Songs (which is not the same album as Live from London). But I am only familiar with his first 4 or 5 albums. I hope someone else chimes in.

[DaveO]

I think Dylan could accept the Nobel for literature and reference his "altered ego" brother in writing and lyrics, Leonard Cohen.

@Bart I'd listen to Leonard Cohen's music through his own albums and also sung by other artists

[sheldman]

I think as an introduction I would start with the 1975 "Best of" compilation (still available - it's the one that starts with Suzanne and Sisters of Mercy), then jump to any one of his late-period records like maybe Old Ideas (2012).  If still interested, then The Future (1992). It is possible that the accompaniment and production of any or all of them will strike you as dated, or lightweight.  Maybe true.  But you can determine whether you enjoy immersing yourself in the lyrics and the voice and then the vibe.

[Steve R.]

On 11/13/2016 at 0:15 PM, DaveO said:

I think Dylan could accept the Nobel for literature and reference his "altered ego" brother in writing and lyrics, Leonard Cohen.

@Bart I'd listen to Leonard Cohen's music through his own albums and also sung by other artists

This is sad.  One of those who I've loved listening to since the late '60s, but never got to see in person.

And I agree that he's one of the artists (like Dylan) whose material should be listened to as done by others' voices as well as his own.  And not just "Suzanne" by Judy Collins or "Bird on the Wire" by Tim Hardin.  "Tower of Song -- the Songs of Leonard Cohen" has some very good moments (its a collection of songs by other famous artists) & I really like "Famous Blue Raincoat -- the Songs of Leonard Cohen" by Jennifer Warnes as well.

[curiouskitkatt]

On 11/12/2016 at 10:04 PM, MC Horoscope said:

May I make one more toast to Leonard Cohen? Passing Through.

"Special Needs Schoolgirl Wows Audience with Voice" by Meabh Ritchie on bbc.co.uk

this is a toast to Cohen. 

Miss Kaylee Rodgers you've done well, be proud.

[dcs]

Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything.  April 12 - September 8, 2019.  Jewish Museum, New York, New York.

Quote

Opening in April 2019, the Jewish Museum presents a contemporary art exhibition inspired by the themes of Leonard Cohen’s life and work.

[curiouskitkatt]

2 hours ago, dcs said:

Leonard Cohen: A Crack in Everything.  April 12 - September 8, 2019.  Jewish Museum, New York, New York.

marking this in my calendar. I am well overdue for a visit to the city.

[DonRocks]

If Bob Dylan is in this Literature Forum (the guy won a Nobel Prize, for Pete's sake), Leonard Cohen can be too, right?

Personally, I think Serge Gainsbourg could be also.

<<Je t'aime ... Moi non plus>> translates to, "I love you ... Me neither."
 <<Je vais et je viens, entre tes reins, et je me retiens>> translates to, "I come and I go, between your loins, and I hold back."
<< Non! Maintenant viens!>> translates to, "No! Come now!"
Several prominent critics accused them of having sex during the recording - it's about the most sexual song I've ever heard, apologies to Donna Summer.