One of music's great recluses has returned after disappearing for a half decade. Fresh out of a 5 year stint in a Buddhist monastery and a bizarre court case where a former manager stole his retirement money, Leonard Cohen is selling out shows worldwide by reforming his catalog around a varied 9-piece backing band. His recently released double disc set Live In London brilliantly documents his return.
Playing a little of everything from his stunning 1967 debut record on, Leonard keep these tunes intimate while giving them an arena filling, layered sound. Even as brilliant as the songs themselves are, nothing shines on this record like his calm, humble personality and his dark humor. One song starts with him talking about how he spent time studying religion and philosophy but "cheerfulness keeps breaking through". The crowd hangs on his every word and he repeatedly thanks them and refers to them as his friends. This guy has charisma on a Barack Obama scale.
Quick tangent: I can see why most good live records are recorded in England. They know exactly when to clap and when to listen. No random yelling during soft songs. They allow the performer to speak between tunes. This cannot happen in the US. Someday, I will make a pilgrimage to London just to go to shows. Someday.
"Everybody Knows" is a highlight; over a dark, driving baseline, he softly rants about how screwed the world is. On the other hand, "Hallelujah" is a angelic blast of gospel folk; he reclaims one of rock's most covered songs as his own. Some tracks, particularly "I Tried To Leave You", are a series of solos linked by short choruses. This record isn't a solo show - he allows every member of the band to shine and individually acknowledges them more times than I've ever heard.
Whether you are a fan or taking a first listen to Cohen's catalog, this is a powerful performance. It is doubtful that a better live record will be released this year.
(Leonard - would it trouble you too much to play a show in Florida? Please? I'll pay anything!)
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