Leonard Cohen (b. September 21, 1934 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) represents the quintessential marriage of extraordinary artistry and sharp, poignant intellect. Known primarily as a folk singer/songwriter, Cohen is equally a brilliant poet and novelist compared to the likes of James Joyce or Henry Miller. It was not until 1967, at which time Cohen was well in his thirties, that he released his debut album, The Songs of Leonard Cohen; by this time he was an internationally celebrated writer, and so it is that same literary base which elevates Cohen’s musical work to the heights of genius. Including such songs as “Suzanne,” “Sisters of Mercy” and “So Long, Marianne,” the album is a melancholy masterpiece of insight and observation. His next album, the dark and minimalist Songs from a Room, was released in 1969 and includes such powerful songs as the sparse classic “Bird on the Wire” and the anti-war “The Story of Isaac.” The 1970s was another highly prolific decade for Cohen, with the release of albums such as Songs of Love and Hate (1971,) Live Songs (1973,) and, after a tour of Israeli army bases during the Yom Kippur War, New Skin for the Old Ceremony (1974,) Death of a Ladies’ Man (1977,) and Recent Songs (1979.) In 1984, Cohen released the critically acclaimed Various Positions, a more modern-sounding collection of songs prominently featuring vocalist Jennifer Warnes and including the masterpiece “Hallelujah,” later famously covered by Jeff Buckley. Cohen spent a considerable amount of the 1990s in deep seclusion at a Zen Buddhist retreat in California, eventually becoming ordained as a Rinzai Zen Buddhist monk under the name Jikjan. After leaving the retreat in 1999, he began collaborating with singer/songwriter Sharon Robinson for 2001’s Ten New Songs, and in 2004 released the experimental and far less somber Dear Heather, his first collaboration with jazz singer/songwriter Anjani Thomas. Leonard Cohen – the singer/songwriter, poet, novelist and thinker – stands among the “highest and most influential echelon of songwriters,” combining a dark, explicit and bitterly ironical tone with lush and deeply romantic sensuality to discuss, like none other, such themes as love, religion, isolation, sexuality, death and beauty. For this reason Leonard Cohen remains one of the most fascinating artistic figures of our times.
Hey (insert your ego here), How are you? This is a generic message to my myspace ninjas! Not that I have many, But I do adore you all. I started this account to keep in touch with friends, family, causes and crazies, and hot chicks. I was basically going through a midlife crisis. Lots of death, poverty and depression. Its been along ride and I appreciate every ounce of "companionship" you all have given me. Even though I dont know most of you personally, I found something on your page/blog/bulletin or pics to give me some "human" connection. Shanks alot!!!
What can I say? except that you are my favourite poet, reason; you never bore me. Your words fill me with emotions, smile, laugh and wonder "Is your mind thinking what your pen is penning." Blessings to you Mr Cohen!
May Your day be one of pleasant reflection And Your week be one peace in Your Heart. As Ken once said:"By listening to more than mere words, I can learn much more than mere words can teach." HUGS Ken
Sorry People about my songs being in such bad shape, I wish God would help me some day to record them the way they desirve, I have always felt as thou they are freely given to me and don't want to make money by my testimony but it would sure be nice to hear them in good form and loving music to your ears Lord God. I just put up a new song, recorded it today and have love this one forever because you can all pray with me.. I love you Jesus Christ and if it be your will, help me make my songs what they should be some day okk.... I love you Jesus with all my heart and soul and pray that the songs and poems that I have wrote for so long now will touch other, forgive me Lord God for the ones that are not of you but have been put in my thoughts by this worlds troubles, I surly only want to serve you my God and I end this day of Prayer with all my friends on myspace, asking for your blessing in my life now that I need you so bad... Love to all who have listened to my frogy voice but I ask to come listen one more time to Pray with me,,, In your loving name Jesus Christ our Lord... AMEN and AMEN Thanks for all the freinds and alaluya to our King
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