Record ID 172
Artist Leonard Cohen
Title Cohen Live
Field / Genre Rock
Year Recorded 1994
Label Columbia
Pressing Aus
Rating **
Discs 1
Media CD
Date Bought 25 Dec 1994
Cost ¤0.00
Cover Name —
Review <p>Few artists have maintained such a devoted fan base for so long outside the mainstream as Leonard Cohen. With such a rich catalog, any compilation of his material is bound to invite discussion. Cohen Live opts to balance earlier material with work from his late-'80s/early-'90s period culled from two different tours. The newer songs include the lovely "Dance Me to the End of Love," the ominous "Everybody Knows," and "I'm Your Man." Cohen classics such as "Bird on a Wire," "Who By Fire?," and "Suzanne" are among the older songs. Backed by strong musicians, Cohen delivers the songs in his monotone rasp that is distinctly him. The renditions are fairly faithful to the studio versions, although the added warmth of the live performers provides an interesting contrast with Cohen's baleful persona. Cohen Live isn't necessarily essential, but fans will enjoy hearing one of the more original and enduring voices from the '60s in a different setting.</p><p>&mdash;<strong>Tom Demalon</strong></p>