Wednesday 30 September 2009

Personal Revelation # 1

1. I adore Leonard Cohen.

One day when I was about 15, I found a record album called Songs of Love and Hate in our local pharmacy's discount bin. In solidarity with the advancement of Canadian culture [yes, that's how I thought in those days but gimme a break, it was the early 70s], I bought it. My first thought after listening to it was "Geez, this Leonard Cohen guy can't sing worth a shit!" But his song lyrics were very intriguing and I just had to keep listening. Then I started reading his poetry and novels. And I grew to love his music, especially once he got a jazzier sound with more complex instrumentation and percussion, along with fabulous female backup singers to offset his still rather monotonous bass-baritone voice.

As he aged and matured (or perhaps as I aged and matured), I found his music got more spiritual, more political and more humorous. The man's a genius, what can I say? It's beyond me how anyone can think that Leonard Cohen can't sing or that his music is depressing. They're just not listening.



6 comments:

Renee said...

Have you heard, and I am sure you have, Hallelujah.

Love it.

Renee xoxo

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Oh yes, Renee, Hallelujah is a personal fave! I love k.d. lang's version too.

Barbara said...

OMG, yes, and "Suzanne", a 70's anthem. I love Leonard Cohen. Hallelujah gives me chills every time I hear it! He is such a poet.

yellowdoggranny said...

i owe many things to my friedship with shady lane in austin, texas, but turning me on to leonard cohen is right there at the top..I LOVE HIM...

Sarah Sullivan said...

Whoo hoo - love that one too - geesh I'm old!! Love this idea!!
Hugs, Sarah

Jaliya said...

Who cannot love The Man? ... I remember being introduced to his music when I was sixteen ... I think it was "Suzanne" that hooked me ...