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Leonard Cohen, part 2

In honor of Leonard Cohen's 40 year longevity with Legacy Records, many of the songs that made him an icon are included in three re-releases, available on April 24th.

Songs of Leonard Cohen is the happier of two CDs covered in this review. Opening with his famous Suzanne, the half crazed woman leads Leonard to the river to feed him tea and oranges from China prior to an evening of love. The poet, Cohen, paints a vivid picture.

So Long, Marianne is a tune that stays with you. You'll find yourself singing the lyrics long after the CD player has been shut off.

Ever notice how many of Mr. Cohen's titles are the names of women? Winter Lady reminds me of movie scenes of Lara in frozen Russia.

This CD offers two bonus tracks: Store Room and Blessed Is The Memory.

Songs from a Room is a much more somber collection of Cohen's early work. Here he laments war, old loves lost, drugs, and unhappy family situations. However, there is one exception: Tonight Will Be Fine, implies that all's going to be just dandy after the lights are turned off. This CD also contains two bonus tracks.

If this is your initiation into the music of Leonard Cohen, welcome. You're in for an ear full of amazing poetry.