New book on 'I'm Your Fan' and Leonard covers

[the3penguins]

On September 3, I've got a book coming out in the 33 1/3 series. If you're not familiar, it's a popular series of short books about a classic album. In 100+ books, they've never done a Leonard Cohen album. They still haven't exactly (and someone should!) but mine is the closest they've come.

The album I wrote about: 1991's tribute album I'm Your Fan: The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Best known now for John Cale's "Hallelujah" - the one Jeff Buckley heard first - but there's so much more to that story. And the book expands into the entire history of Leonard Cohen covers, and the history of tribute albums too.

In fact, there's a chapter on a person you all will know well - Jarkko! I initially contacted him on Allan Showalter's recommendation just to get some info on his database of LC covers, but he had such a great story of a fan turned confidant that I ended up writing an entire section on him. He was an enormous help in a million other ways too as I was researching.

The book is available for preorder at various links I've collected here (these are all US, but it should be available elsewhere too). http://www.covermesongs.com/about-ray-padgett

I hope you'll check it out, and I'm happy to answer any questions about it!

- Ray

[jarkko]

[Joe Way]

I'm about 2/3 rds of the way through this book and enjoying it very much. Talks much about the late Hal Willner and tribute albums in general and how Les Inrockuptibles chose the musicians and songs. Also how John Cale's version of "Hallelujah" lead to its overwhelming success. I recommend it.

Joe

[Joe Way]

Finished the book this morning-the end is not as good as the beginning as it talks more about tribute albums in general and several individuals who have specialized in tribute albums. However it is worth getting for the entire chapter devoted to our webmaster and the history of his relationship to Leonard! Also mentions Jarkko's extensive cover collection. He quotes Leonard at the 2012 Helsinki concert:

"There was someone from this town that began a website called 'The Leonard Cohen Files.' Through his efforts my work was kept alive for all these years. The man's name is Jarkko Arjatsalo. I want to thank him for the spectacular effort he has made on my behalf. I am deeply grateful."