SONGS AND COVER OF OLD IDEAS

[somewhat_nifty]

I'm really liking the cover! Given that album covers have not been LC's strong point (apart from SOLAH of course ), this is top notch

[Jonnie Falafel]

I am liking the titles and I see "Lullaby" is there! The cover is garish - I am not liking the cover. Reminds me of how I felt about the cover of Dylans "Shot of Love" - Perhaps it's meant to be surprising.

[liverpoolken]

...the track i can't wait to hear.....'i tuned my old banjo'...thanks to mr sakic for the late night reminder.......

[John Etherington]

Like Jonnie, my first reaction was that the cover was garish, and a long way from the black & whites, sepia tones and subdued colours that we're used to. What were bright reds and greens doing on a Leonard Cohen cover? (then I noticed the shadows...). I've quickly reconciled myself to it, guessing that it's a statement on Leonard's part. I had similar reactions when I first saw "Songs of Love and Hate" and "The Future", but quickly adapted to those too.

[Roy]

I thought there was going to be an alternate version of I Can't Make Hills from Book of Longing on Old Ideas. I think I heard the other version on 1HeckofaGuy.

[Jonnie Falafel]

I was looking for statements too & you are right John, the shadows are strong and emphatic. then we have LC in repose, writing(?) or reading in the bright sun light. Will ponder some more.

[Goldin]

I thought there was going to be an alternate version of I Can't Make Hills from Book of Longing on Old Ideas. I think I heard the other version on 1HeckofaGuy.

This is a tune from 2006 radio broadcast.

[phillip]

wow cant wait too exciting!

[holydove]

I think the cover is beautiful, esp. the photo of Leonard sitting in the old wooden chair in the backyard/garden, with his black tie & shades! And I like the strong colors, esp. the red & black together - very wakeful & striking!

[phillip]

I think the cover is beautiful, esp. the photo of Leonard sitting in the old wooden chair in the backyard/garden, with his black tie & shades! And I like the strong colors, esp. the red & black together - very wakeful & striking!

he is cool thats for sure

[John Etherington]

It's interesting that Leonard has included "Crazy To Love You" - a song that we know from Anjani's "Blue Alert" album.

[Cheshire gal]

I think this is a beautiful cover.

I wonder if Leonard is perhaps suggesting that he is in the 'Sunshine' of his life/career after being in the 'Shadows' for such a long time. Finally he is getting the recognition that he so richly deserves.

[LisaLCFan]

I wonder if Leonard is perhaps suggesting that he is in the 'Sunshine' of his life/career after being in the 'Shadows' for such a long time. Finally he is getting the recognition that he so richly deserves.

I was just thinking something along these lines (very nice idea, Marie!), but I was thinking about Leonard himself: he has been so open about the darkness/depression that plagued him most of his life, but that no longer afflicts him, and perhaps this cover also represents his sunnier disposition. I love the brightness and positivity that flows from it!

[Cheshire gal]

Yes Lisa I see what you mean. Your interpretation of this cover is a better one. I am so glad Leonard is over his depression. His music makes us all feel so happy and it is almost impossible not to feel cheerful listening to anything he does. He is our psychiatrist

[B4real]

Marie and Lisa and all,

I think you both have great ideas about the meaning of this cover but this thought just struck me:



Firstly, the strong graphic colours of black, red and white will always attract your attention - especially red on a green background - they are the complimentary colours to each other and when placed side by side each colour makes the other colour stronger in hue. There is repetition of colour with black in Leonard's attire and the black shadow and they are centrally placed for emphasis. The duplicated shadow in red is there for one of two reasons: a hidden meaning or to punch out the red more for attention but it actually takes your eye away from Leonard and pulls your vision to the edge of the pic - hence me thinking there could be a hidden meaning for placing it there. (cover it up with your hand and you'll see what I mean). There is an overall 'gemini' feeling about this scene: a mysterious calmness and an arousal of the senses with an abundance of the red colour. Maybe that shadowy repeated photographer figure is a pregnant Lorca. Have you noticed how Leonard's shadow is in harmony with it and the negative space between them is almost parallel. It has been planned that way for a reason. Or maybe because I am a visual artist I tend to see things that way.