Amazon.com 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
Customer Reviews:
Essential Leonard CohenOctober 15, 2008 Mrs. Ola Meawasige If you are a Leonard Cohen fan--you NEED this CD--over an hour of Leonard---and, very, very affordable! I was worried that I'd get ripped off because I'm in Canada --NOOO! I'm both impressed with the CD, the price, and the service. I got it on Amazon.com--and worried about the border stuff. Thought I'd pay 50 bucks for the border stuff(been there, done that)--Hey, I LOVE Leonard--so I'd pay whatever! I WANTED THE CD!! NOPE! The price I was quoted when I got it on the internet was the price I was charged Ola Meawasige, in Canada.
Essential Leonard CohenOctober 9, 2008 Mavis N. Prosser(Perth Western Australia) I came to the music of Leonard Cohen rather late in life and have no regrets. I feel his poetry and music deeply moving and enjoy his rich sonorous voice. My favourites from the two discs are I'm Your Man,Every body Knows and Dance Me To The End Of Love. I heard another version of Dance Me To The End Of Love while on holidays at La Maine , Cubjac, France and it remains one of my favourite romantic songs as it brings back such happy memories.
The Best from the BestOctober 3, 2008 B. Douglass(brisbane Oz) All the best songs from the Master. His beautiful lyrics can move me to tears or fill me with passion. His deep dark voice add to the hauntingly beautiful words. He never fails to move me.
This is the best CD for those that are curious about the intriguing Cohen.
Musicians viewpointAugust 4, 2008 Musician's Viewpoint(So. Cal.) Leonard Cohen isn't just great, he's a genius. He'll take you on a musical journey that explores the depths of emotions. His music makes him one of today's most important composers. If you have a taste for the best,you need to hear and enjoy Leonard Cohen.
Personal OpinionJuly 22, 2008 T. J. Mal My wife had heard one of his songs so I bought it to be nice. I was definitely impressed with the sound and his voice. Thank you for having it available to purchase.
