 | |
List Price: $15.93 | | Label: Sony
Salesrank: 491
Released: October 22, 2002 |
| Our Price: $11.30 |
| Used Price: $10.95 |
|
| Media: Audio CD |
|
Editorial Review:
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
Essential Leonard Cohen Reviews:
The Collectible Cohen 
2009-12-19 - An excellent compendium of Leonard Cohen's work, despite its complete omission of the DEATH of a LADIES' MAN album and arguable underrepresentation of several others. Unless you're a hardcore fan, The ESSENTIAL LEONARD COHEN will do; if you're not a fan at all, it qualifies as an essential purchase.
Excellent buy, great music
2009-12-17 - I had never heard Leonard Cohen's music before but stumbled upon it while trying to find something else. Ordered the CDs and I am a fan. Great music at a great price.
Very Satisfied
2009-12-05 - I am extremely pleased with this purchase. It was delivered in a timely manner and the cost was lower than I anticipated. I am a new customer to Amazon.com but am sure that I'll be making many more purchases in the future! The item I bought this first time was a Leonard Cohen C.D.
Leonard Cohen
2009-10-13 - This CD came in fast and in condition that was listed. I am impressed on the speed.
Like his unique sound.
2009-09-09 - I have enjoyed Leonard Cohen's unique sound. Nice mellow music to listen to while driving.
