Thursday, June 18, 2009

- Leonard Cohen: 14th July, 1968



Canadian Leonard Cohen, despite or probably because of his brooding, monotonous voice, is loved for the intensity of his songs. Along with artists like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, singer-songwriters moved to make songwriting an art form in the late 60s, their efforts were recognised when mainstream acts covered their songs.

Cohen's sessions at the BBC in 1968 offer a young artist, whose voice is fresh, delving into poetry with a richness of words and subject. Today, they show a young artist at the peak of his powers.

Cohen did a lot of work at the Beeb in 1968, but here are the four songs from the July Top Gear show hosted by John Peel. The final track of the four is a duet with British folk singer Julie Felix. I'm warning you now, this is a bit special.

Leonard Cohen's Top Gear session: 14th July, 1968

- That's no way to say goodbye
- You know who I am
- Like a bird on a wire
- So long Marianne



5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooh, more than just a little bit special. Loving it.

davyh said...

Like a bit of Len, so look forward to listening to this one, ta.

Nice new look!

entrailicus said...

Time for a (late) spring clean around the place.

So It Goes said...

Bollocks. My next post up in flames. Still love ya.

entrailicus said...

Aaaaggghhh... what have I done steve? CVan't have ruined a post, can I?

Who was John Peel?


The philosophy of this blog is a celebration of music in the spirit of the late John Peel. For those of you who want to learn more, click here.

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