2008 Live In London [Live]

 

 

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Live In London is a stirring celebration of Cohen's music and poetry. The sound is sublime but what makes the album so extraordinary is the interaction between the singer, musicians and audience. There's mutual appreciation between the master, the players and the fans which in the case of the latter is expressed through hearty laughter, silent reverence or rapturous applause. This affectionate atmosphere refreshes the familiar songs whilst some of them reveal new angles through effective re-arrangements, unexpected instrumental flourishes or additional/personalized lyrics. Instruments like the archilaud, banduria and laud add a spacious dimension to the sound.

From the outset the wry wit of Cohen's between-song banter establishes an intimate rapport, ameliorating the mournful or disturbing qualities in his work. His funny introduction to The Future, for example, counterbalances the song's frightening apocalyptic imagery. Leavened with humor, the concert ensures a listening experience filled with variety and emotional resonance. A Thousand Kisses Deep is performed as a spoken poem and includes more than the lyrics of the original song. Those that appear to benefit most from tweaked arrangements include Aint No Cure For Love, Bird On A Wire, Anthem with its introductory recital, Who By Fire with its long instrumental intro, the lilting Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye, In My Secret Life, Sisters of Mercy with its tender treatment and above all Hallelujah which gains new meaning and power.

The angelic female backing vocals - a Cohen trademark - are provided by Charley and Hattie Webb and Sharon Robinson who duets with Cohen on the aforementioned In My Secret Life and takes lead on the smoky Boogie Street with its eloquent sax. Exquisite throughout, these vocals bring significant depth to Take This Waltz, Tower of Song, Anthem and the prayer If It Be Your Will. The greater number of songs come from Cohen's post-1970s work, from albums like I'm Your Man, Various Positions, The Future and Ten New Songs. The latest studio album Dear Heather and the 1970s recordings Songs of Love & Hate and Death Of A Ladies Man are not represented at all whilst 1979's Recent Songs contributes only The Gypsy's Wife.

New fans and Cohen completists might wish to investigate 1979 Field Commander Cohen, recorded in 1979 and released in 2000, which contains excellent live versions of compositions from Recent Songs and New Skin for the Old Ceremony as well as the track Memories from Death of a Ladies' Man. For an artist with such a long career, relatively few live albums were released; tribute albums seem to outnumber the live ones! In its warmth and humanity, this album couldn't be more different from 1973's Live Songs, an impressive but overall cold and often harrowing recording. Live In London concludes with Whither Thou Goest, a moving blessing from the Book of Ruth. This extraordinary recording is a perfect blend of presence, voices and playing of the highest caliber. Besides the track listing, musicians, instruments and credits, the CD booklet provides full-color photographs and notes by John Aizlewood.

I have not recieved my copy yet,they sent the wrong album and the correct one has not arrived as of yet.Still waiting.

I'm thoroughly enjoying this CD. Lenard Cohen's voice is even deeper and more mellow at this stage in his career. As a recording of a live performance, the live chatter is slightly annoying but not so much as to stop me from recommending this album. If you just can't get enough Cohen, go for this one!

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4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good!
The true Leonard Cohen fans will sing along to every song!
His raspy voice delivery of every song will bring tears to your eyes!

Published 7 months ago by Roxy

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Leanord Cohen is a Canadien Icon. His music is moving and beautiful. He is simply one of the best singer / songwriters of the 20th Century.

Published 9 months ago by Daniel May

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT
I first heard this CD in a little coffee cafe. I immediatly google'd Leonard Cohen and LOVED it !!! It is a must have.

Published 17 months ago by Terri

5.0 out of 5 stars Leonard's voice has aged like fine wine
This is by far the best Leonard Cohen album ever!!! I am not usually a fan of live albums but the musical arrangements, performances and of course Leonard's incredible voice and... Read more

Published on Sep 9 2009 by C. A. Gascon

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing!
Got it yesterday afternoon, put it on last night and couldn't tear myself away from my living room chair til I'd heard all the tracks.

Published on July 5 2009 by Dyski

5.0 out of 5 stars Career Topper
The versions of the songs from this concert aren't the same as the originals, but they are done with a panache and style all their own. Read more

Published on Jun 22 2009 by Tom Moffatt

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB!!!
Some things imnprove with age, like fine wine, cheese and me! Leonard Cohen is no exception to this adage. Read more

Published on May 4 2009 by Marilyn Ambroziak

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