Essential Leonard Cohen

Post by **jarkko** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 12:53 am

Read the news about Leonard Cohen's forthcoming
2 CD set on the front page of http://www.leonardcohenfiles.com
Jarkko

Partisan · Post by **Partisan** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 1:30 am

Hmmm. Interesting. I seem to recall last year that this is not what was supposed to come out this year. The schedule as i remember was TNS 2001, a new live album from the 88/93 tapes this year, and maybe another studio album in 2003(with the exceedingly slim prospect of a tour). What we have here is what most of us already own. It would be a worthwhile exercise if this collection was to be SACD or DVD-A, but the label it is on does not make me think so.

I have said it once before but it bears repeating - i hope i am wrong.
p.

George.Wright · Post by **George.Wright** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 11:03 am

Time his fans had a DVD.
Georges

peter danielsen · Post by **peter danielsen** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 2:15 pm

Oh it seems a little dissapointing. I mean we already have those songs, ok they are remastered, but how much greater will that make them.

There must be lots of unpublished material that would be much more interesting.

Or how about a cd where Cohen reads poems. New and old material. Anyone who has heard him read verses live in concerts know that this is a great experience. and what about all his new poetrym, I know that I would by a cd with new poems read aloud anytime.

Post by **jarkko** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 3:03 pm

This new compilation will be released in recognition of
Leonard's career. Every album in this Legacy series is
dedicated to a noteworthy artist and contains only previously
released material, usually taken from all albums of the
artist in question. This in no way takes the place of the
new songs and poetry Leonard has been working on;
he has several projects in progress, however we don't
have any dates for the next publications.
Jarkko

Tony · Post by **Tony** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 7:48 pm

Nothing is issued for years and then within a short space of time there is a comparative deluge of releases, albeit not all new songs. What next? Perhaps a rap single of "Joan of Arc" would go nicely into the charts or maybe an acoustic version of "Death of a Ladie's Man" album.

George.Wright · Post by **George.Wright** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 3:29 am

Your right Tony, the fans deserve better than regurgitated matieral. A DVD would be a must for all who will never see him live.
Jarkko, Lennie needs to do better.
Georges

johann · Post by **johann** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 5:29 am

George,

We are all well aware that you want a DVD...You've told Leonard countless times to produce one for you...So give it a rest, will you?

George.Wright · Post by **George.Wright** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 2:22 pm

Chill out, if you ask you shall recieve
Georges

tomsakic · Post by **tomsakic** » Mon Sep 02, 2002 6:35 pm

The Partisan is right...
The Book Of Longing?
Cohen Live Vol. 2
new studio album...
DVD?

it is 1 year from Ten New Songs, my friends...
tom.

what about 1985 tour compilation, or 1972. Or 1975, 1976?

glyn · Post by **glyn** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 4:49 pm

Another compilation? How does he spend all that money?

constantsorrow · Post by **constantsorrow** » Tue Sep 03, 2002 7:09 pm

All Cohen albums should be digitally remastered. This "Essential" collection do not presents unreleased stuff, which is quite disapointing. And I think those cds are a little bit expensive (?) ...

At least, Columbia should released a box set that mix released/unreleased stuff... Like the "Biograph" 3CD set for Bob Dylan (I bought recently the SBM version digitally remastered and the sound quality is really an upgrade to the previous releases).

But I definitely don't want a Cohen Live vol. 2 (tour 88-93). We know what Leonard sounds in this period, why not released a concert from 1972, 1974 or 1985 instead?

And yes a SACD or DVD-audio would be amazing but I'm afraid Leonard is not enough important for the music market to deserve it. Anyway, let's wait...

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Thu Sep 05, 2002 11:04 am

There are a number of fortunate ones here who do have all/most of Leonard's music. However, I'm thinking of all those worldwide who don't....and for whom making a decision on which one they must choose, in order to afford/save for, will be made considerably easier by the title alone, "Essential Cohen." With Leonard being a part of the decision-making, they'll be getting what is, from his perspective as well. Plus, the liner notes that Marie has mentioned promise to be excellent! I can't recall the title of what I read by the one who will be writing them, but I do recognize his name and remember that what I read was excellent.

So, any newcomer should be able to glean the essence of Leonard through this new album. Haven't many of us tried to answer that ongoing query by newcomers to his music, "Which album/cd would you suggest I buy first?" Then, countless and conflicting answers start arriving in response, which is best/most "accessible"/most representative/most....[ad infinitum]."

I think it's a great idea! Very timely, as he continues to become better known and loved.

All good things,
Lizzytysh

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Thu Sep 05, 2002 9:24 pm

I totally agree Lizzytysh

I have similar albums by artists who would not normally be on my list of 'must haves' yet I have been curious about their material...perchance on a listening of an occasional song which has attracted my interest or because I have one album, but do not wish to buy the other 8 or 17 albums in their repertoire.
I derive pleasure from encountering essential/compilation albums from artists from my early days which, at the time, I either could not afford or had to rely on a crude tape recording from a friend's scratched LP.
I ordered a Cohen book from the bookshop the other week and the lady asked if it was the very same Leonard Cohen who sings songs.
I affirmed this.
"I have some old records" she said. "I used to listen to them...very enjoyable...I must unearth them"
I told her that he is still going strong!!!
She was intrigued.
I then tried to suggest a more recent album. Obviously I referred to the latest TNS to illustrate his recent achievement. The essential album will be a better proposition for her in this situation...
I must return and order another book

Pete

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Thu Sep 05, 2002 11:17 pm

Yes, Pete.....I have to believe some [one, whatever] from Ten New Songs will be included as essential, as well. When I think of any given, more recent concert of his having attendees by the thousands, I'm aptly reminded that most of them are not on this site.....hence, even though many here may have most/all of his material and be actively arranging for trades, even as we speak, there are likely thousands who do not have all his material or have any idea how to get it. I had no idea that there were any sites devoted to Leonard until approximately a year ago. So, ordering off the Internet or trading weren't even considerations. I know there are many more out there just like me in that regard.

In many areas, some of his albums aren't even offered/available. So, if this is being distributed "worldwide," it more likely will be available in areas that have been previously lacking in his material, and will come as a huge blessing into any number of people's lives. And guess what. I'll be buying it myself

, will be interested in the liner notes, and how they choose to select and align the songs. For me, making Leonard more accessible to as many as possible is what it's all about.

Yes, I also have appreciated the compilations of other artists....then I decide to pursue further, or just enjoy what I have. That had to be a lovely moment for you with the bookstore woman. I'd love to hear her reaction to Ten New Songs.

All good things,
Lizzytysh