I maintain that Leonard Cohen's final album and death set in motion a series of events that are unparalleled in the modern world. Trump's election happened on November 8th, 2016; the Coronavirus pandemic began roughly three years later; we've had increased divisions across party lines - and most every line - ever since. "You Want It Darker?" Leonard asked. 'Watch this."
I can definitely get behind the idea that he was some sort of cosmic force holding all things together! Guess he always did have a good sense of humour about things, but that is all darker indeed!
Thank you for this moving tribute to a true one-of-a-kind artist. This album has been a great gift to me too. I’m very grateful to have seen him in 2009 on a beautiful summer’s night in a vineyard in Australia. The best concert sound I’ve ever heard and a transcendent experience from a man of immense depth and humour, and a brilliant band.
Thanks for this great write-up of an amazing album. I remember thinking at the time (and later wrote it down, citing it again in this week's Bill Callahan piece) that if Cohen's voice got any deeper than it was on this album, he would disappear into it. But we never got to find out.
Can I also make a shout out for Solange's A Seat at the Table as another great 2016 mmoment?
I enjoyed that piece, I'm going to spend some time with Bill Callahan this afternoon after reading it - you've really sold me on his songs! I only know him from his guest feature on Gena Rose Bruce's glorious Deep Is The Way.
And once I've listened to him, I'll check out that Solange album as it's another one I'm not familiar with so thank you for the tip-offs!
I maintain that Leonard Cohen's final album and death set in motion a series of events that are unparalleled in the modern world. Trump's election happened on November 8th, 2016; the Coronavirus pandemic began roughly three years later; we've had increased divisions across party lines - and most every line - ever since. "You Want It Darker?" Leonard asked. 'Watch this."
Then he died.
Damn, Lenny.
I can definitely get behind the idea that he was some sort of cosmic force holding all things together! Guess he always did have a good sense of humour about things, but that is all darker indeed!
Thank you for this moving tribute to a true one-of-a-kind artist. This album has been a great gift to me too. I’m very grateful to have seen him in 2009 on a beautiful summer’s night in a vineyard in Australia. The best concert sound I’ve ever heard and a transcendent experience from a man of immense depth and humour, and a brilliant band.
That sounds like a wonderful night that you spent with him, I’m glad that you got to experience it!
Thanks for this great write-up of an amazing album. I remember thinking at the time (and later wrote it down, citing it again in this week's Bill Callahan piece) that if Cohen's voice got any deeper than it was on this album, he would disappear into it. But we never got to find out.
Can I also make a shout out for Solange's A Seat at the Table as another great 2016 mmoment?
I enjoyed that piece, I'm going to spend some time with Bill Callahan this afternoon after reading it - you've really sold me on his songs! I only know him from his guest feature on Gena Rose Bruce's glorious Deep Is The Way.
And once I've listened to him, I'll check out that Solange album as it's another one I'm not familiar with so thank you for the tip-offs!
Here's Callahan covering Cohen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kuf-Z6TpEFQ
Oh nice, thanks! I'll take a listen