I Don’t Like Leonard Cohen’s Voice
But I Love His Lyrics — My Favorite Covers
I suppose I should have some guilt, but I do love Leonard Cohen’s lyrics and his music. I just want to hear other people sing his music.
Today’s story highlights some unexpected and iconic songs: there really is something for everyone! Alternative giants, The Jesus and Mary Chain, to chart-topping vocalist, Michael Buble, to obscure Norwegian and other European acts to the extraordinary, sensual American duo The Civil Wars.
I listened to this for 3 seconds and immediately said out loud: “Yes. Done. I don’t even need to hear anymore.” Of course, I did keep listening and I’m pretty sure I blushed at some point.
This is instantly recognizable as The Jesus and Mary Chain. But even better? Their take on Leonard Cohen’s “Tower of Song” encapsulates one of my favorite places that Jim and William Reid reside: straddling the sultry line JUST right.
Not pounding rock ‘n roll, heavy distortion, or their slowest, most ethereal sound either. This is the Reid Brothers other trademark vibe: slow-building, ultra sexy, almost dragging, teasing. Bloody hell! This one is S-T-E-A-M-Y!
Michael Buble takes this Leonard Cohen classic and delivers one hell of a sexy performance. Michael knows EXACTLY what he’s doing. “I’m Your Man” works perfectly in his capable hands.
The big band only adds to the sexiness of the lyrics and the entire endeavor. In fact, I rarely post songs with the lyrics incorporated into the video. But am making an exception for this one. Because these lyrics? They never fail to leave me speechless.
I devoted an entire story to British late 80s/early 90s alternative band, The House of Love, so I am partial to their sound. If you are a fan (or just familiar with ) The House of Love, you will instantly recognize Terry Bickers’ delicate guitar-work and Guy Chadwick’s vocal delivery.
I think this subtle version of “Who By Fire” could get passed over for something flashier. I celebrate The House of Love’s interpretation: its quietness, its questioning, its loneliness with just a little pluckiness. And I love the small break at the end with brief burst of sound trailing into nothingness.
For those who thought you it couldn’t get much hotter than Michael Buble’s “I’m Your Man.” You’re wrong.
The Civil Wars’ “Dance Me to the End of Love” tops every other pick. It’s certainly swoony and romantic from the first moment. But it keeps building.
The final minute is one of the most intimate 60 seconds or so that I’ve discovered on YouTube. The electricity, the chemistry jumps through the screen.
I can only imagine what this must have felt like for the audience...and for The Civil Wars’ Joy Williams and John Paul White. Exquisite, passionate, and sensual. You can’t NOT watch these two perform.
Sometimes music is subjective and sometimes it’s not. Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” is the best cover of Leonard Cohen’s most iconic song. Period.
From there it’s simply a matter of taste. In the end I couldn’t pick my next favorite, so I’m calling it a tie for the SECOND best version of “Hallelujah.”
I admit that everyone might not appreciate Rufus Wainwright’s tone. I happen to love it, so I enjoy his cover immensely.
If this version of “Hallelujah” was only sung by Kurt Nilsen, I suspect it would slightly top Rufus Wainwright’s. Take a listen.
There are 4 singers on this particular version and everybody has a lovely voice. In fact, the harmonies are gorgeous. But I promise — even if you don’t know Kurt or his voice before listening to this song, just listen. You’ll KNOW which voice is his.
It’s the best one. You’ll know.
And like the rest of us, you’ll ask the cosmos: when will Kurt Nilsen make a cut of this entire song solo?
“Okay, this is the weirdest thing and I LOVE IT!” That is exactly what I uttered in the final moments upon hearing this particular version by Steen Jorgensen for the first time.
By sheer blind luck I found this version of “Who By Fire” while working on today’s story. It is intense, melodic, a bit strange, and absolutely mesmerizing. There is a wackiness to it, but everyone is so earnest, sincere, and committed. Somehow it REALLY works. I dig the little undercurrent of dance beat and the sharp strings at the end. A fascinating cover!
I LOVE that such a diverse selection of groups and genres can sing Leonard Cohen’s music beautifully and uniquely. You can feel and hear the admiration, the respect that each musician has regarding Leonard’s lyrics and music. Such a spectrum of interpretations of one man’s music!
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Thank you for reading this story
I know you are busy and have lots of ways you could be spending your time. You using your time to read my work means the world to me — my sincerest thanks!
