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This two-disc retrospective traces the Canadian bard's musical maturity from poet and novelist who sang a little to multidimensional artist whose oracular vocals and increasingly rich arrangements are every bit as compelling as his verse. Even when Cohen came to prominence through the 1960s songcraft of "Suzanne" and "Bird on a Wire," the "folksinger" tag never really fit. Later highlights ranging from the deadpan drollery of "Tower of Song" and "Everybody Knows" to the apocalyptic anthemry of "First We Take Manhattan" and "Democracy" suggest that other labels might be more appropriate: cabaret surrealist, spiritual gadfly, sensual prophet, agent provocateur. Cohen chose the selections, drawing more than half of the 31 tracks from three landmark albums--his 1967 debut Songs of Leonard Cohen, 1988's I'm Your Man, and 1992's The Future--along with four from 2001's Ten New Songs. The collection justifies its title as deep as it goes, though it's a shame that Cohen's commercial profile couldn't justify the more elaborate box set his artistry warrants (one that would at least include lyrics and musician credits). Those who sample the consistently inspired music here might come to the conclusion that everything Cohen records is essential. --Don McLeese
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Reviews:
Cohen's Crowning acheivement...
This magnificent collection belongs in every serious songwriter's archives. Never mind that after hearing it you might never pick up your pen again. I can think of no other writer whose lyrics are more concise, piercing, bewitching, prophetic and profound.
Cohen's melodies are deceptively simple yet memorable; he surrounds himself with the creme de la creme of vocalists and backup musicians, who help to create real art...not chart-driven drivel.
This is food for the heart, for the head, for the restless soul and the weary spirit. Finally, somebody understands you...
New to Cohen
I must have spent my youth in an alternative universe because until I heard 'Everybody Knows' on PBS's Magnificent Obsession, I hadn't a clue. His lyrics are poetry (yeah yeah, I know: He's the poet laureate to the music world & beyond.) and I HATE poetry. But not this guy's stuff. You SEE what he's talking about; he puts the pictures in your head. Now I have all his stuff, music & lit.
Good collection
A friend of mine once said "Leonard Cohen is the little black dress of music."
I agree. I grew up listening to covers of his songs as well as the originals and enjoy them in both versions. His voice is soft and gravelly, it sounds a bit rough for the stylish intricacy of his lyrics. The juxtaposition is in my opinion, perfect. It puts the emphasis on the lyrics and honesty of them.
This collection is very nearly a complete collection of the best of his songs, the essential ones to introduce Cohen to a new listener, or as a collection for a fan to listen to just the very best of this very influential song writer.
I love this collection and do find it fairly timeless. My mother was a huge fan of Leonard Cohen and my teenagers both love his songs a lot too.
Extremely happy customer
This is a fantastic CD and the product was shipped super fast and in perfect shape, quicker than I can go to the store and buy!
Great Compilation, Excellent Introduction
Leonard Cohen is one of the greatest artists of the last half century, but his albums are often uneven, meaning that he is better served by compilations than many musicians. This is the only two-disc set covering his whole career except the later Dear Heather, which is probably his worst album and is not missed. Every other album is represented except the notorious Death of a Ladies' Man - a generous thirty-one tracks spread over more than two and a half hours. It is easy to quibble, and I certainly can. It puzzles me that there is only one track from Songs of Love and Hate, one of Cohen's best albums, while great works like "The Master Song" are missing. I would also remove some relatively minor cuts like "Night Comes On." Others are bothered by the inclusion of numerous recent songs, but they are among my favorites, and I am glad for them. This leads to the important point that such things are inherently subjective; the bottom line is that this is an excellent compilation by any reasonable standard. It has the best-known songs and most of the best, all chosen by Cohen himself. This will hopefully lead neophytes to more Cohen, though some will be fully satiated, and it is certainly a great place to start.
