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1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Better than Dylan May 09, 2009
This is possibly one of the best albums every made period. Leonard Cohen's best work. This album has everything, amazing lyrics, great guitar pieces, great vocals and everyting just goes together perfectly. Truly amazing for our time and all times.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
A Shiver Inducing Masterwork Mar 04, 2009
7 reviews?!? I'd like to think the lack of reviews for this album merely indicates the difficulty of expressing in words the profound impact of these songs, a task perhaps only fit for the wordsmith Mr. Cohen himself. This album touches a sensitive nerve with me every time I listen to it, and it's one of the few that can reduce me to tears again and again. Not only does it strike a chord with me again and again, but it somehow manages to escalate in impact and profundity with each listen as the mysteries contained within reveal themselves gradually. Perhaps not everyone will feel this way, but there's something about Cohen's ability to convey very complex feelings and human conundrums through abstract yet direct poetics, and sparse but exacting musical backing which cuts me to the quick.
While Cohen has had a consistently strong career, always creating excellent material of a standard other artists would be lucky to even come close to, this first album is arguably his strongest. Each album is strong in its own way, and comparing them misses the point, but this album manages to move me more than any of the others (Songs of Love and Hate and Songs From a Room come close). This may just be personal bias or preference, this being my introduction to Mr. Cohen, and having heard it at a time and place that left me open to its devastating impact. But I challenge anyone to listen with an open mind to "One of us cannot be wrong" and defy them to keep from shivering or all out weeping. Listen to "Sisters of mercy" and you can't deny being buoyed by its sense of sensual deification and grace. Listen to "The stranger song" and try not to be intrigued by the mysteries like "...a highway, curling just like smoke above his shoulder." I could go on, but again, there's only so much one can say about this incredible album. It would take the words of Mr. Cohen himself to convey the emotional impact these songs can have on an interested mind and an open heart.
Just a word about the remastered version: Sound quality is top notch and a marked improvement over the old CD version, with the sparse arrangements coming forward, filling and leaving space perfectly. The bonus tracks are a very nice addition and a pleasure to hear, though they are somewhat less "necessary" than any of the original songs. Either way, a great buy and a very worthwhile replacement of the old columbia CD.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Basic Cohen Feb 18, 2009
This album was responsible for my learning arpeggio's on my guitar. I like poetry and Leonard Cohen's words and music, though not always understood somehow evoked emotions that inspired me to learn and play his songs. In trying to understand the words he wrote I found meanings in the songs that were my own, probably the basis of all good poetry. The music itself uses a lot of minor keys which emphsises sadness, reflections on those things lost, pain and the whole range of emotions associated with love. Still an easy listening cd.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
AGREE/DISAGREE Jun 11, 2008
A great album to be sure. And everyone loves the same ole' favorites, Suzanne, Hey that's no way to say goodbye, etc, But . . . I wonder why so few seem to notice, One Of Us Cannot Be Wrong?
I'd like to think he had to veil the song with some light humorous coverings, just so he could relate and share his feelings. Otherwise the hopelessness and tragedy he is describing is too painful to re-live.
If you love deeply, then you also hurt deeply. Would I recommend it? No. It's something few can handle. And why there is such a casual and uncommitted attitude (about love) today. Would I do it again? I'd have no choice.
Listen to it again. Listen to the truth of how it feels to be SO passionately in love with someone that you'd do almost anything for.
Oh you stand there so nice in your blizzard of ice,
Oh please let me come into the storm.
These lines are essential. Knowing the danger, he still begs to be accepted. Knowing that just seeing her without her clothes, could freeze him, like it did the eskimo, he still wants in.
And every other character displays similar conditions of helplessness. There are such perfect descriptions of her effect, and power, over each one.
Don't be misled by the whistling and cries at the end, they are simply the sound of insanity.
Doesn't this song touch a sensitive nerve on anyone else?
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
The beginning of the majestic Leonard.... May 08, 2008
This was Leonard Cohen's first album, and it's an amazing album. It's filled with some of his best songs ever, songs that sound new everytime you listen to him. It starts with one of his signature songs, Suzanne. Surprisingly, it's not about a lost love or a current love, but a woman of impeccable taste and hospitality. I especially love The Stranger Song, which grows more brooding and profound every time I listen to it. Sisters of Mercy, So Long, Marianne, and Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye are three other songs that are truly endearing. This is the beginning of the amazing journey for Cohen, as most of his work has been surprisingly consistent and always worth listening to. Many times when an artist has a great debut, he burns out afterwards. Not Leonard. He's aging most gracefully.
An interesting note to cinema buffs. Many of these songs are featured in Robert Altman's masterful McCabe and Mrs. Miller, and the song Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye is featured in Werner Herzog's Fata Morgana.
Essential listening from one of Canada's greatest men.
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