Amazing! Beck, MGMT + Devendra cover Leonard Cohen

Amazing! Beck, MGMT + Devendra cover Leonard Cohen

There seems to randomly be a lot of buzz about Leonard Cohen recently for no good reason as far as I can tell (other than that he is always amazing). But this is definitely the most amazing. Beck a wonderful man for doing his record club project and his Velvet Underground covers were awesome. This is just like that. Watch.

Record Club: Songs Of Leonard Cohen "Suzanne" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

Leonard Cohen Sings "Hallelujah" Live in London

Leonard Cohen Sings "Hallelujah" Live in London

Leonard Cohen Sings his Own Songs!
Leonard Cohen is the reason I am thankful every single day that Canadians exists. He recently played at the Wamu Theatre here in town. While I did not get the chance to witness the glory that surely ensued , there are enough reviews about it to where I can maybe pretend I was there. Except that reading about an amazing performance is completely terrible. Its like the Price is Right without Bob Barker, its just not the same. At least a video is a little better, right?

I have seen much of the Live in London dvd, but somehow I had yet to this song. Many of Leonard Cohen's songs are probably more well known that he is and of his songs none is more prevalent than "Hallelujah." Most people I know first heard the (ubiquitous) Jeff Buckley version (that is spectacular, I might add). This video sort of feels to me like he is taking the song back. His vocal line is much more melodic and impassioned than the album version on 1985's Various Positions. And its awesome to watch Cohen take various positions (ahem.) kneeling and rising up toward the songs euphoric chorus. An obvious plus is that the song is no longer saturated with the 80's and instead seems more forthright and sincere. The musicians and backing vocalists make themselves known and fill out Cohen's spare vocal technique but never intrude on his sincerity; a favor he returns about three and a half minutes through in taking off his hat so that the organist can have an orgasm.

Listen to Bob Dylan's Cover of "Hallelujah"
Buy Leonard Cohen Live in London

Leonard Cohen LIVE

Leonard Cohen LIVE

Today NPR reported its readership is currently at an all-time high, an impressive feat considering the state of news media recently (See, Seattle PI).

And who is surprised? NPR continuously manages to remain relevant. They have premiered several great albums this year (Andrew Bird, Laura Gibson, etc.) and now bring us Rock&Roll hall of famer Leonard Cohen's new live album.

At 72, Cohen has recently taken his enormous (and mixed) catalogue of songs on a worldwide tour. His voice still has the recognizable richness and depth, and though his style the past few decades has strayed towards the late-night-diner-crowd, this collection of songs will please any Cohen fan.

For those who haven't been introduced to Cohen's music, I would recommend skipping this album and picking up his 1968 classic, Songs of Leonard Cohen or his 1974 record New Skin for the Old Ceremony.

Or if you don't like music you could pick up some of his poetry (The Spice-Box of Earth [1961]) or one of his (sexy!) novels (Beautiful Losers [1966]). What a renaissance man (Did I mention he is an ordained buddhist monk?) Just read the wiki.

Anyways, you can stream the live album, which was recorded in London last year, at NPR Music.

And for new fans...

Leonard Cohen :: Field Commander Cohen (from New Skin for the Old Ceremony 1974)

Leonard Cohen :: Suzanne (from Songs of Leonard Cohen 1968)