Which "lesser known" songs do you wish Leonard would play?

[ronnievv]

I think it would be a gas if he sang Memories, I can just see it a 74 year old man walking up to the tallest and the blondest girl .......oh please.

Well I'm tall and blonde... and I'd be ecstatic if the choosen one would be me... get the picture?

[UrPal]

I'm with a lot of UrPal's choice and to manage the disappointment of it not happening I think I will sit this out.

Thanks, t'otherside.

It occurs to me on reflection that the thing about the existing and long established setlist, and why acceding to some of these requests might be inappropriate, is addressed quite neatly in the Uncut magazine quotation mentioned elsewhere:

" The older Cohen becomes, the better he inhabits these graceful, profound songs."

The songs used are well chosen not only for being unquestionable classics but also dealing in themes which suit Leonard Cohen's current age.

The previous comments about Memories demonstrate how some of the songs left out better fit a younger Leonard.

I wouldn't want to go to a Leonard Cohen gig where he became a Tom Jones "Leave Your Hat On" type character for the night. I hope he wouldn't want to becaome that persona either.

My alternative setlist would also have the disadvantage of being less "grand thematic" and more individualistically emotional in nature. Whilst it might suit a small venue, it'd be difficult to work in a big hall.

[Resonater]

UrPal,

With the UnCut article in mind, why not amend your list to focus on those songs which you think Leonard could easily carry off at this stage in his life?

My original post was especially aimed at those cities/people lucky enough to see Leonard both in 2008 and again here in 2009. Obviously, we Americans are getting to see the tour for the first time this Spring, but in the case of some European cities, they may be getting a return visit this year, and it would seem appropriate to sprinkle in at least a couple of songs not played in those cities in 2008. Hence my original post.

I must say that I love seeing which songs seem to be high on peoples' lists!

[burningviolin]

C'mon who's with me for a revival of JAZZ POLICE!!

Seriously though I'd like to hear anything the man has to sing! Joan of Arc or Lover Lover Lover haven't been included up to now though or even Night comes on.

[somewhat_nifty]

The songs used are well chosen not only for being unquestionable classics but also dealing in themes which suit Leonard Cohen's current age.

The previous comments about Memories demonstrate how some of the songs left out better fit a younger Leonard.

I wouldn't want to go to a Leonard Cohen gig where he became a Tom Jones "Leave Your Hat On" type character for the night. I hope he wouldn't want to becaome that persona either.

I thought the whole point of Memories is that it is just that - a memory - it's not something about the here and now so it's not really a question of a 74 year old trying to chat up a high school girl! But I agree it's from a period of his life that he's probably moved on from, I suppose it was more of a fantasy suggestion. I think the upbeat songs are good in a concert atmosphere though - I equally would have loved to see him do Do I Have To Dance All Night, but I accept it ain't gonna happen!

[UrPal]

If a 74 year old gentleman of manners would now feel comfortable thrusting himself headlong into the lines "I walked up to the tallest and the blondest girl, I said, "Look, you don't know me now but very soon you will!"" then I'm all for it too If he can skip off stage like a 5 year old then maybe he would be up for it after all?

I'm certainly not dissing the notion of Memories being performed or questioning its fantastickness. Same goes for "Don't Go Home With Your Hard On", which made a fine and appropriate closing song at the Came So Far For Beauty tribute shows. It would make a welcome change (I wouldn't go so far as to suggest relief) from I Tried To Leave You & Whither Thou Goest.

Perhaps after 150 gigs, or whatever it will be by the time LC ventures back to Europe for a second exciting instalment, he'll feel able to let his hair down (what's left of it ) and have some fun. In which case, I guess you never know.

With the UnCut article in mind, why not amend your list to focus on those songs which you think Leonard could easily carry off at this stage in his life?

Yeah, good idea. I think only the first two would be open to question as they seem to me to involve a young man in contemplation of an older woman. Even they'd be fine as long as Lenny doesn't fear the possibility of being labelled "Lordy Midnight" in response

[Womanfromaroom]

Oh, I think he is having fun all right; it just shows in a very subtle way so far! But, well, I definitely wouldn't mind having some more of the very typical "young Leonard" songs, either! Leonard certainly still has got the posture and the attitude to make them work without appearing ridiculous in any way, on the contrary!

[somewhat_nifty]

Oh, I think he is having fun all right; it just shows in a very subtle way so far! But, well, I definitely wouldn't mind having some more of the very typical "young Leonard" songs, either! Leonard certainly still has got the posture and the attitude to make them work without appearing ridiculous in any way, on the contrary!

Well quite

I'd like to see him do Sing Another Song, Boys as a closer, I reckon it would sound great coming from the older Leonard.

[theotherside]

Thanks UrPal, think I understood most of that. I just got a little bored with the six 6 times I heard the same songs and rather hoped that the old dog might learn a new trick or recapture some that he once had that managed to please. Your list captured some of my favourites and if he choses to harvest big revenues from big arenas fine, he harvests more grands thematically. Let's sing another song Boy etc ..... There is a grave danger that the comment by Malcolm McLaren around "ever feel that you've been...." starts to fit this circus. Come on Leonard something fresh please

[Actually]

I've been too lazy to look through all those pages right now, so I'm sorry, if it's been mentioned before in this context - I think songs like Diamonds in the mine or Leaving green sleeves or Is this what you wanted would be pretty interesting because of the "screaming"...

[mnkyface]

C'mon who's with me for a revival of JAZZ POLICE!!

I am SO there.

[friscogrl]

Actually, when I saw this thread the songs that came to mind were the ones you mentioned. I love the screaming, especially in the studio version of One of Us Cannot be Wrong. It sounds like he's wondering around the studio singing and screaming! Another one would be Sing Another Boys but I think Leonard's screaming days are behind him now.

Frisco

[Actually]

Oh Frisco, you're right! What on earth made me forget about listing those?
Well, I know he's not 40 anymore, but just imagine dreams coming true, wouldn't it be cool to hear a (still good-looking) 70-something scream like that on stage?

And please, NO Jazz Police! I'd rather not say it, but that's one of the most annoying songs ever

[friscogrl]

Actually I know what you mean about Jazz Police! I know some people like it but EWWW! Soon as I hear the beginning of that grating intro I have to skip it! The only other song of his that I feel simiarily about is The Lost Canadian. Other than those I love them all! BTW great avatar!

Frisco

[lizzytysh]

I would love to see and hear "Jazz Police" ~ I think they'd have a great time doing it. A fun song for them. I like the other suggestions, as well.

Still, when I see comments like this, my only thoughts are "What an ingrate!" and "What some others would do to have the privilege of seeing Leonard six times, as so many of us are to see him at all. There were many many years, when we thought we would never see him again. Perhaps, it's time for you to remain home and give someone else a chance":

. . . I just got a little bored with the six 6 times I heard the same songs and rather hoped that the old dog might learn a new trick or recapture some that he once had that managed to please. . . . There is a grave danger that the comment by Malcolm McLaren around "ever feel that you've been...." starts to fit this circus. Come on Leonard something fresh please.

... and "What an ingrate!"



~ Lizzy