As I pondered possibilities for February battles, it occurred to me that some very interesting talents need to have their own hits battle each other. As of late, I've been mezmerized by a few Leonard Cohen "hits" and I think they're worthy of this experiment.
Cohen (1934-2016) had a prolific career and was truly an interesting character and you can check out his bio online if you want the full scoop. His speak-song style rubbed me the wrong way for a long time, though I truly was a fan of his compositions. He grew on me.
Let's look at three hits and vote for your favorite. One thing I appreciate about Leonard Cohen is his lyrics; they're smart and evocative...they make you think and frequently, I'm unsure of his meaning. Even better. I love a good debate. And, as he has passed, we can't ask him to clarify...
CONTENDER #1: "EVERYBODY KNOWS"
CONTENDER #2: "HALLELUJAH"
CONTENDER #3: "YOU WANT IT DARKER"
Your thoughts? Which one did you like best? Do you like Cohen's style of writing...or his delivery? Both? Come one, spill your guts. Vote below in the comments. Then check out all of the other battles that are happening today by clicking on the links below.
Toddle on back here mid-day on the 7th and we'll see how the votes tallied up. See you then!
What I want to know is: Did anyone ever see [Link> Leonard Cohen, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Pacino in the same place at the same time?
ReplyDeleteI've sometimes thought of Leonard Cohen as the poor man's Tom Waits. Or maybe it's the other way around. No. That's right. The poor man's Tom Waits. ...And vice versa.
>>... (O Captain, my Captain!)
That's one of my all-time Top Ten favorite movies. How'd you know?!
("Thanks for the stroll down Amnesia Lane.")
I'm voting for 'You Want It Darker'. I'm not sure if it's blasphemy for me to vote for that one. But if so, I will (honestly) claim ignorance before the Throne of God and then claim the sinless Sacrifice of Jesus to absolve me of all blame. And I will be forgiven because... "It Is Written".
(Did Lenny ever write a song titled 'It Is Written'?)
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
No...I never did see them in the same place. WHHHHAAAAA?
DeleteWe need to discuss this song further, by the way...so many theories in my head. Expect a text. :-)
The second one is probably the most well known, but I'm going with the first, Everybody Knows.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex! I still like Hallelujah, inspite of the fact it truly has been overdone.
DeletePersonally I've grown tired of "Hallelujah" since it's been recorded and performed to the extent of overkill. I've never heard that last song, but I'm not particularly enamored with it.
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to "Everybody Knows" since it's a pretty cool song and there are a lot of good covers that I don't get tired of hearing. It's one of my wife's favorite songs and she doesn't like much pop music.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I get it, brother...too much of a good think.
DeleteThanks for your vote, Lee!
I really really do love hallelujah by him but I do agree with Arlee that's its been overdone lately. I like all of them but I am going to go with Everybody Knows.
ReplyDeleteIt's a common thought...too much Hallelujah!
DeleteThanks, Holli!
I prefer Everybody Knows-I found that more soothing. the last one got on my nerves and i just wanted him to shut up. I like hallelujah but, I agree, it has been overdone and Everyone sings it with such reverence but this gal is not nice-she tied him to a kitchen chair and cut his hair..bad girl.
ReplyDeleteHis lyrics are great, though...ya gotta admit...
DeleteOops, I forgot: Thanks, Birgit!
DeleteI adore Leonard Cohen! I've been a fan of his since I was a teenager in the 1970s. I love all the songs you've selected, so it's hard to pick a favourite. But I'll go with "You Want It Darker?" off his final album before he died. I think of it as his truth-telling indictment of God.
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure it is an indictment...Cohen is said to have "never met a religion he didn't like." He was at an age where he was near the end of life. The argument "why does God let this happen?" is as old as...God!
DeleteBut you know what? You have to acknowledge God to argue with God. And if you recognize there is a God...well, you won't push His buttons much unless you're truly foolish.
Thank you for your vote...and Praise the Lord!
#2 does it for me!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Fran!
DeleteWhile everyone thinks that Hallelujah is overdone, it's still a good song. I also enjoyed Everybody Knows, but ultimately my vote goes to Hallelujah.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great song, that's why it's overdone!
DeleteThanks, Mary!
"You Want It Darker?" Just because it has more music in it. If someone gave me a Leonard Cohen album I would give it away. Don't like the talky style at all.
ReplyDeleteHe must have had gonads the size of tennis balls that hung down to his knees.
Mike, Mike, Mike...this is why I love ya.
DeleteThanks for the vote!
In an atypical choice (for me) i will choose YOU WANT IT DARKER. So personal.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think so, too! There's a whole discussion that can go on about that tune.
DeleteThanks, Mirka!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteaeiou
DeleteI was trying to figure out which of the many covers of Hallelujah was the one I knew the song from (never did figure it out), But then I put on You Want It Darker... and the contest was over. Number three for me!
ReplyDeleteIt's a radically cool song...thanks, Chris!
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ReplyDeleteOf course, you didn't, robo-scam...deleting soon.
DeleteHallelujah is my favorite but all three are great songs!
ReplyDeleteI agree! Thanks, Mike!
DeleteCohen isn't my cup of tea. Maybe I craving something else musically. But, I like "You Like It Darker". I can imagine Batman singing this one. I don't know which Batman, but I imagine some Batman singing it.
ReplyDeleteHe grew on me...I used to despise the talky stuff or growling lyrics of Tom Waits...I changed over time.
DeleteThanks, aisasami!
Right off the bat I eliminated "Halleliujah" because it seems that everybody and their siblings has done it. Of the two remaining songs, "Everybody Knows" moved a little better, so I'll go with that. As several others have said, I'm not much of a fan.
ReplyDeleteA lot of folks eliminated "Hallelujah!"
DeleteThanks for your vote, John!
Cherdo,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I'm so glad you came by my place to vote. I came by earlier with the intent to vote but got side tracked and all this time I thought I DID it. So, here I am ready to give your battle my full attention. :)
Cohen's speaking-singing style never appealed to me. His deep vocals almost sound creepy at times. That's why I can't go with 'Hallelujah'. I prefer Michael Bolton's cover. The other two songs are new-to-me. The last one seemed too dark sounding but the first song feature satisfied my ear enough to steal my vote. I'm going with Everybody Knows!
I'm late to the party! My guys surprised me with dinner and birthday frolicing. So, you're in!
DeleteThanks, Cathy!