leonardcohenforum.com

Thanks for the speedy replies! I'll be going out tomorrow to buy some cd's and wasn't sure if I'd have to wait a few days before someone responded.

Vicomtesse - I'm actually 28, I just live in a musical bubble where I've listened to the same ten bands for over a decade and ignored everything else. Only a few different artists manage to sneak their way inside, and LC is the most recent. Thanks for the recommendations...I'm looking forward to hearing a full album after more than a decade of only knowing 2 songs from a movie. Thanks again for the input!

MaryB - Awesome. That thread was just what I needed. Unfortunately I can't check out the Amazon samples, because this laptop has no sound. Heh. But I've got more than enough info to figure out what I should buy first, thanks to your thread link and Vicomtesse's response. Hopefully the store will have whichever one I decide on. Thanks for replying.

Scott,

Let us know what it was you chose to buy. Hoping to hear from you!

Best regards,
Mary

Woo!
I ended up grabbing I'm Your Man, and I'm liking it a whole lot. It's not really what I was expecting. I thought it would be a lot of quiet, depressing-ish songs...but many are actually...I don't want to say 'upbeat', but definitely not depressing. I'm very glad I bought it though.

Are there any albums where it's just LC and an acoustic? I'd love something like that. (Though to be honest I'm not even sure if he plays guitar or not. Lol. I'm such an LC noob.)
But yes, I'm definitely happy with my first purchase. Thanks again for the help!

Hi Scott,
28yrs! you're still a baby from where I am!
The songs I suggested to you were all singles not albums so you will be able to hear most of them on 'You Tube'.
The early ones: 'Suzanne' (a lady he knew in Montreal), 'Marianne' (a lover when he lived in Greece back in the 60's and Who incidently was at the Barcelona concert on Leonards birthday) and 'Sisters of Mercy' are all acoustic. I think they are all from 'Songs of Leonard Cohen' from the late 60's, which we have on vinyl somewhere.
Look through this site as there are many links to interviews and videos of LC.
There are also many discussions as to why, how, where, who and what gave him inspiration to write the songs. Some of it is a bit highbrow but LC's poetry provokes passion; it's probably because his songs are so passionate.
I have been listening to LC for 40 years with simplistic ignorance until I found this site (through my husband). I am just begining to learn so much about the origins and inspirations of his songs myself. I realise that you can enjoy them on so many levels. He has a way of what seems a simple expression but can have so many meanings.
He describes his songs as personal and autobiographical and I think in one way or another we can identify with them.
Vicomtesse

Wow.
I am insanely in love with the song Suzanne right now. This is exactly the kind of stuff I was hoping to find from him. I didn't think anything could beat Everybody Knows for me, but...wow. Is it unhealthy to listen to the same tune on repeat for hours?
I don't care, I'm doin' it! Lol. Thanks so much for mentioning it. It's not often that I stumble across a new favorite song, so this is great. I'll continue my search after a few dozen more listenings. I know what you mean about his songs being passionate. It's crazy how few artists these days have that kind of 'soul' in their music. This guy is fantastic.

Scott,

It feels so goooooood to hear reactions like yours as you 'discover' LC. You will find many, many, many........more such treasures as you continue your search. Your enthusiasm made my day !

Best regards,
Mary

Scotticus wrote:... Is it unhealthy to listen to the same tune on repeat for hours? ...

Not at all ! I do that quite often with one of his albums and I'm still very alive and kicking !
You should try Field Commander Cohen, it's my favourite live album, with exquisite songs such as The Window, Lover Lover Lover, The Stranger Song. If you consider some investment, there's a great 5cd box on the market (The Collection) which is really worthwhile to start with.
Inne

.

Hello all!

I am new to the forum, got into Leonard Cohen about two years ago, almost three years now, I have all of his albums and books now and can't wait for the next album to come out. I first got into Leonard Cohen after hearing Everybody Knows at my mothers house, I believe that The Favourite Game is better then Beautiful Losers, though that may be because I read it at such an age that its youthful lyricism made an impact on me. I am currently doing A levels and hope to go to university in September.

Thats about all.

Pleasure to meet you all.
ADAM

Hi Adam,
Welcome to the forum. I'm still quite new here myself. I got into LC when I was your age; introduced by my husband; many years ago now!
I am always amazed at how many young people are fans of LC but then again good music and lyrics should be enjoyed by all.
I am just satisfied to know that there are some young people out there who have the intelligence to listen to songs that are thoughtfully written and sung and not covers by 5 minute wonders off the X Factor.
best Wishes
Vicomtesse

hi Vicomtesse, thanks for the welcome.

When I look at what some of my contemporaries are listening to I do just wonder "why" I admit, but I try not to be toojudgemental, everyone has their own tastes I suppose, but really now x factor? What is the point?

Mary B. You responded to a post of mine on a different thread but this seems to be a much more appropriate place to post a response; thank you for your welcome and kind words. I have been reading the forum for a while but what made me want to sign up and get involved was the kindness and friendliness of everyone here. A rare community on an internet forum from my experience.

Adam,

You're quite welcome. Just read your interpretation of 'The Faith' - beautiful, insightful, and well written, so I want to reiterate - it's so nice to have you here. Good luck with your university entrance exams. I'm not an expert, but after reading your interpretation, you should do well.

Best regards,
Mary

Good morning from Houston....
This is Cathy, a long time fan and beautiful loser coming back. I look forward to getting to know you again.

Hi To all
Joining in from Prescott, AZ
Addicted to LC and needing a support group!

Hello Everyone,
Just saw this site recently. I’ve read some of the discussions of the lyrics of Cohen’s songs on one of the threads and was astounded by the many ingenious interpretations.

A book store chain is closing a store by my place. I was strolling through and I saw 1 copy of The Essential Leonard Cohen on a shelf for 50% off. You would have been much safer getting between a mother grizzly and her cubs than getting between me and that CD.

I was introduced to Cohen by a girlfriend in ’79 or ’80. On the same night I first heard Dave Brubeck and David Bromberg’s music. It was the most memorable night of music in my life that didn’t involve being at a concert. I’m still having flashbacks 30 years later. I owe her a great debt for that evening.

The artistry of each was obvious even to me. Brubeck was much too heavy jazz for me. I really enjoy Bromberg but it was Cohen that has haunted me ever since. I remember that night I kept telling her that Cohen wasn’t a songwriter he was a poet. Which she thought funny coming from me; I’m analytical. Intellectually I wouldn’t know a poet if they sat on me and really don’t get into poetry. Cohen wasn’t talking to my brain that night he was having a conversation with my soul. The bum! It was interesting to find out later that he was indeed a poet too. I never had a chance to see the man in concert. I hope I do one day.

I just thought I’d say hi. Many people still don’t know who Cohen is and many just don’t like his music, so it’s nice to see this site. Thinking about, it I have never met anyone who “kinda’ likes” Cohen or” thinks he’s OK”, it seems to be all or nothing. I vote all!

humbled