Essential Leonard Cohen [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Essential Leonard Cohen [Limited Edition] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
This two-disc retrospective traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur. Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese

Tracks:

Suzanne
The Stranger Song
Sisters of Mercy
Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbyen
So Long, Marianne
Bird on a Wire
The Partisan
Famous Blue Raincoat
Chelsea Hotel No. 2
Take This Longing
Who by Fire
The Guests
Hallelujah
If It Be Your Will
Night Comes On
I'm Your Man
Everybody Knows
Tower of Song

Tracks:

Ain't No Cure for Love
Take This Waltz
First We Take Manhattan
Dance Me to the End of Love (live)
The Future
Democracy
Waiting for the Miracle
Closing Time
Anthem
In My Secret Life
Alexandra Leaving
A Thousand Kisses Deep
Love Itself

Amazon.com

This two-disc retrospective traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur. Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese

Customer Reviews:

Out From Under a Rock.......2007-07-28

If you're a Cohen fan, you'll love this album. But then, I love them all.

magnificent songwriter.......2007-02-18

I won't be able to explain Leonard Cohen the way he can explain himself. His words lay out a wonderful,descriptive picture that you just have to hear to believe. I just recently started listening to him after getting the "I'm Your Man" soundtrack. I am a little disappointed I didn't listen before.
Granted Mr. Cohen isn't the best singer, but like Bob Dylan, you look past that into the brilliance of the music.

My Favorite Canadian.......2007-02-16

How many ways can we amature reviewers write phrases that mean: He's a genius, he's talented, the songs are great! If you can think of any other acclamations, print out this review and pencil in the idiom for yourself. It will be true. bg

It is just that.......2007-02-09

For me, this is an "essential" CD. It is a really good compilation of his body of work--thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish.

Music For the Heart.......2007-02-04

Leonard Cohen's music touches my heart. The deep vibrations of his voice sooth me. This C.D pleases me to no end.

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