Best of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen (CD, Mar-1988, Columbia USA)

Leonard Cohen is one of my top 5 favorite writers, music, poems, books, stories. Probably the most unique things about Leonard is his voice. You would have to hear it, rather than for me to try do describe it. My favorite and probably one of the most popular songs that people cover is "Suzanne". It was a late 60's release, as well as the other 2 I am about to mention. Also, in my top rankings are "Famous Blue Raincoat" and "Dress Rehearsal Rag". Those 3 are all available on the "Best of Leonard Cohen" CD. He has a son, Adam Cohen, who is also a recording artist. His style is much different from his father's, and I really don't care for his music. I will add to this review later when I am have all my collections in front of me.

I regret to say that I am old enough to remember when these recordings were new. OUCH!! Anyway, I still have the vinyl--remember vinyl--but haven't played it in a long time. I was a huge Leonard Cohen fan and still recall the music fondly. I used to play and sing what I thought was a fairly decent rendition of "Suzanne" which was always one of my favorie Leonard Cohen songs. A talented singer named Jennifer Warnes recorded an album of Cohen's songs back in 1986 called "Famous Blue Raincoat"--just a bit of trivia there. They were also rumored to be "an item"--just a bit of gossip. Think I'll buy the CD.

I bought this for a Canadian friend who is a Cohen fan. Cohen singing his own songs is for fans only. She had another of his CDs, but said this was THE one she really wanted. Intellectually I can appreciate Cohen as a songwriter, but musically this album does nothing for me. My friend will love it.

LEONARD COHEN is a GENIUS! His Deep, Gravely Voice Grabs you to the core! His use of words...............magical....................

Leonard Cohen used to be a high baritone maybe tenor, now hes a bass. must be a smoker or perhaps just age. anyway he makes it work, hes cooler than ever. some people might not get ALL of his songs, many are very mellow and somber. Remember that song johnny cash covered a few years ago "bird on a wire" surprisingly now thats how Leonard sounds, pretty close...but on this cd he sings it an octave higher & a little nasal. but its a must for musician people esp. singer/song writers. hes a little like Bob Dylan, even looks like him. each song is different though & a lively tune with a Celtic-tinged waltz "So Long Marianne" sounds almost like another band. as a performer hes good but as a writer/composer i think hes excellent.