Essential Leonard Cohen
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 more
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CDs. The Essential Leonard Cohen |
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Essential
Track Listing: (DISC 1:), (DISC 2:), 1. Ain't No Cure For Love, 1. Suzanne, 2. Stranger Song, The, 2. Take This... |
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ProductReviews94/100 (67 Reviews)
Recent Reviews
- 5/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Oct-15-2008
- Essential Leonard Cohen
If you are a Leonard Cohen fan--you NEED this CD--over an hour of Leonard---and, very, very affordable!I was worried that I'd get ripped off because I'm in Canada --NOOO!I'm both impressed with the CD, the price, and the service.I got it...
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- 5/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Oct-09-2008
- Essential Leonard Cohen
I came to the music of Leonard Cohen rather late in life and have no regrets. I feel his poetry and music deeply moving and enjoy his rich sonorous voice. My favourites from the two discs are I'm Your Man,Every body Knows and Dance Me To...
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- 5/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Oct-03-2008
- The Best from the Best
All the best songs from the Master. His beautiful lyrics can move me to tears or fill me with passion. His deep dark voice add to the hauntingly beautiful words. He never fails to move me.This is the best CD for those that are curious...
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- 5/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Aug-04-2008
- Musicians viewpoint
Leonard Cohen isn't just great, he's a genius. He'll take you on a musical journey that explores the depths of emotions. His musicmakes him one of today's most important composers. If you have a tastefor the best,you need to hear and...
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Selected Reviews
- 5/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Oct-15-2008
- Essential Leonard Cohen
If you are a Leonard Cohen fan--you NEED this CD--over an hour of Leonard---and, very, very affordable!I was worried that I'd get ripped off because I'm in Canada --NOOO!I'm both impressed with the CD, the price, and the service.I got it...
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- 3/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: Apr-01-2004
- The Duality of Leonard Cohen
The underlying problem with any kind of comprehensive Leonard Cohen Best Of album will be the two Cohens, pre 1980 and post 1980. I dislike his slow folky early period but love almost all of the "I'm Your Man" and after records....
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- 2/5
- From: Amazon
- Posted: May-02-2006
- Remastered?
And what for? I'd have expected some noise reduction in the songs of the first CD (for example, try The Partisan). The original recordings were noisy. This remastered version keeps all the noise, but now the sound is even poorer than in...
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