
It is easy to draw parallels between Cohen and Bob Dylan. Both are are of Jewish ancestry. Though born 7 years apart (1934 & 1941, respectively), they span the same era and began their careers in the troubled 60s. Both wrote ballads, folk, and protest songs. Neither can really sing, but rather talk their way through the lyrics. Both are rather reclusive. For my money, Cohen is the better poet, perhaps even the greatest poet of the rock era --Dylan and Lennon notwithstanding. [NB: Cohen was born in Canada.]
Cohen is more well-known and respected in Europe, at least partially due to the fact that Columbia Records did not properly promote his work, e.g., declining to release his Various Positions album in the U.S., which BTW contains his most well-known song "Hallelujah." I discovered Cohen myself while listening to the radio --in Germany. I heard "Dance me to the end of love," also on Various Positions, and promptly called the radio station. Even if you've never heard of Leonard Cohen, you've no doubt heard his music performed by others. His music has been featured in several Hollywood movies, most notably Robert Altman's McCabe and Mrs. Miller
Want to discover Leonard? The best place to start is The Best of Leonard Cohen
No comments:
Post a Comment