Search - Leonard Cohen :: Cohen Live

Classic Cohen

Glen C. Creason | Los Angeles, Ca. United States | 11/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A recent viewing of the superb "I'm Your Man" inspired me to go back to hear the master in his absolute prime. By any standards Leonard Cohen is on a short list of the greatest living songwriters on terra firma. Back in the days when I could sit cross-legged I listened with reverence to his first album as a wannabee hippie and ever since his songs have taught and inspired me without fail. Here in the Twenty-first century I am still "discovering" songs I missed the first time through, including "Heart With No Companion" and "Ballad of the Absent Mare." Like Twain said about his father "the older I get, the wiser he becomes."

It's amazing that the gospel of Cohen (an aptly titled future show at UCLA) is being spread by several generations, principal among them Perla Batalla who appears here as a backup singer along with the marvelous Julie Christenson. Besides being a great songwriter Cohen became an expert producer and realized he needed more than his, brilliant songs and oak solid voice to carry a show. Like Johnny Cash, Cohen has two notes; low and lower but with the seemingly limitless ranges of Batalla and Christenson alongside him, he is able to express almost every shade and depth of emotion his songs contain. Thus, we have a collection here of true classics, performed with deep passion, in front of exhilarated crowds. It's hard to imagine a better live album in the genre.

Since this recording many of these songs have been brought to light again by contemporary singers, who apply their own stamp but hearing the master sing them from his heart demonstrates his full meaning to each. From the opening strains of a spirited "Dance Me to the End of Love" to the treasured "Suzanne" Maestro Cohen gives goosebumps, insight and wisdom in his words. The music is as good as it can ever be with the powerful voices of Christenson and Batalla working as one gorgeous, descriptive narrator. Despite going on to a stellar career Batalla and Christenson provide possibly the classiest "backup" on record. When you hear the poetry of "Joan of Arc" or "If It Be Your Wil" you are connected to a great soul and great music."

The concert to be missed

Morris's Codex | Phil-a-dump-ia, PA | 02/11/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"If you want clasic Cohen, albums that rank as some of the best music has to offer over the past 50 years, then I suggest buying Songs Of Love and Hate or Songs From A Room or New Skin. This "live" cd was recorded over a six year period and is a labor to listen to, it is one of the few cds I own (out of thousands) that I am very tempted to fast forward. All the brilliant attributes that Cohen brings in many of his previous studio albums from the early days is entirely voided in this live experience. This cd is overproduced and has a slumber like quality, heck, I would go as far as saying that it feels like Spector was behind the production (we all know Death Of A Ladies Man was lame and Leonard acknowlegdes this himself). I would recommend this cd to die hard Cohen fans who must have every cd from his carrer (like myself)."