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This is an excellent collection of Leonard Cohen recordings that covers the period 1967 to 2001 and shows development of his writing and distinctive vocal style. A nice accompaniment to his latest "Live in London" recording of the current concert tour where he reprises many of the same songs with an incredible band, new arrangements, and a great backup trio made up of Sharon Robinson and the "sublime" Webb sisters.
It's also a good start for people who came to Cohen late or lost their original Cohens in a conversion from vinyl to CD. Many Cohen fans will argue that Essential is Everything and I won't dispute that thought one bit. However, for a collection that showcases the breadth and depth of Cohen's work, this CD is a lovely addition and a great value. Nice mastering work and the collection does more than just hit the highlights. Rebecca Kyle, May 2009
Mr.Cohen is an understated National Treasure of Canada, and once again makes me proud of my Canadian ancestry.Greg TobkesEast Meadow, NY
Love the Cohen CD's especially the progression from his early years to later in life. Most the best ones and my favorites are included. Would highly recommend to any Cohen fan.
Leonard Cohen gets the recognition he truly deserves but I think he should be rewarded even more; but maybe with this CD set release and the more recent album by him the word will continue to spread and he will attract new fans.The first of the two CDs starts with Leonard Cohen singing so well on "Suzanne;" this ballad places Leonard squarely front and center and that's quite all right by me. Trust me. The sound effects of the electric musical instruments work very well for "First We Take Manhattan" and Leonard's excellent diction bolsters his singing even further. "First We Take Manhattan" has a sound that reminds me of a type of `80s beat; and Leonard never sings a superfluous note. "Chelsea Hotel #2" is a very sensitive melody that moves me a lot; and I really like "Who By Fire" which sports a more lush musical arrangement to accompany Leonard's singing. We also get a fine ballad in "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye;" "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" has a very well done guitar arrangement and Leonard Cohen never misses a beat.
He handles complicated tempo and key changes very well and this impresses me. "Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye" is a big highlight of the first CD. The Essential Leonard Cohen has two great CDs with a lot of songs performed with grace and sensitivity by Leonard Cohen. The second CD even ends strong with Leonard Cohen performing "Love Itself." "Love Itself" is actually quite pretty and moving and it makes a fine ending for this two CD set. I think you'll like "Tower of Song."The second CD has a few less songs but it's every bit as good. The CD opens up with Leonard performing "Ain't No Cure For Love;" "Ain't No Cure For Love" has some pretty good harmonizing on backup to bolster Leonard Cohen's singing. Leonard Cohen is a rather talented artist and this two CD set is chock full of tracks that more than amply prove it.
Listen also for "If It Be Your Will" Leonard expands his vocal range a bit to sing this tune with what sounds like a lot of minor keys and chords that are intended to touch people's innermost soles. I think Leonard's voice is quite good; it has a certain vulnerability to it that simply must endear him to many people. "Democracy" is another `80s sounding tune that is both catchy and memorable; I like the percussion on" Democracy" as Leonard does this one up right. "Who By Fire" is very nicely done and memorable at that. "I'm Your Man" has an excellent beat; and the first CD closes well with Leonard Cohen performing "Tower of Song." "Tower of Song" has quite an interesting arrangement and it fits in well with Leonard's vocalizing. There's also "Waiting For The Miracle;" and one number I always enjoy is "Closing Time." Great."In My Secret Life" is indeed a pensive, introspective ballad; and "A Thousand Kisses Deep" strikes me with its beauty. I highly recommend this for his fans if they don't have this already; and people who want a good introduction to the artistry of Leonard Cohen would do well to start with this CD set.
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