Songs of Leonard Cohen (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Leonard Cohen was a modestly appreciated Canadian writer and poet who had the good fortune of writing the immediate ‘60s folk classic “Suzanne” at the onset of his career (and having it covered by Judy Collins among others) and landing a recording contract with Columbia Records. Though at the time of its initial release, the album’s monochromatic shades of literacy and desolation suggested it would never break past a cult following, it has since become an elegant, uncompromising classic of timeless wisdom and enduring tunes. “Suzanne” and “So Long, Marianne” are the obvious notables, though Cohen himself expressed displeasure with what he considered to be over-instrumentation (!) and excessive backing vocals. (it should be noted, however that he would employ similar strategies to his many later albums). “Master Song,” “Winter Lady,” “Stranger Song” and “Sisters Of Mercy” are a dizzying and percolating procession where the imagery and lyrical precision make for heady contemplation. Cohen’s voice is still untrained and raw, reaching for notes nearly out of reach. However, this rustic homeliness brings forth the imperfect humanity of the songs. The 2007 re-master includes two tracks, “Store Room” and “Blessed Is the Memory” from the album’s original sessions with producer John Hammond, who left the sessions due to illness. They are worthy, if unspectacular, additions to the original collection that fit quite comfortably alongside the John Simon produced tracks.