Leonard Cohen Holiday Album?

[bposside]

Every holiday season (Christmas/Hannukah) I hear holiday songs by John Lennon, Bruce Springstein, Elvis, Dylan, Jimmy Durante and many many more famous
artists: although it sounds so out of character, I would be grateful for an album with Leonard Cohen's interpretations of of some of the classic holiday music.
Mr. Cohen's music is full of religious references, and his versions would be among the most unique ever recorded without any doubt. Since these songs are
played over and over every holiday season they would be a gift to posterity as well. I've emailed Mr. Cohen's manager to suggest such a project: I don't mean to be a pest, but I thought I'd put it out there in case others might feel the same way. Seriously and with all due respect, I think Mr. Cohen's "holiday album" would
be brilliant and an instant classic, almost by definition. Thanks, bposside

[mnkyface]

I second this!

[MaryB]

If there was one, it would be the only one I would play over the holidays without feeling 'enough already'

[LisaLCFan]

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

[mutti]

I agree with Lisa...

[jdhayes]

I think he could give Christmas a new relevance with his take on some of the more well-known Christmas songs.

[John Etherington]

"Paper Thin Hotel", "Silent Night", "Dress Rehearsal Rag" and what else?

[bposside]

I’m thinking that Mr. Cohen would “Cohenize” the songs so that they’d be holiday songs but also genuine Leonard Cohen songs. “Silent Night” in the style of “If It Be Your Will” would capture the reverence of the song in a way that many Leonard Cohen songs are reverent. “Jingle Bells” in the style of “Don’t Go Home with Your Hard-on” would just be fun. “The Little Drummer Boy” in the style of “Democracy” would capture the personal humility and resilience characteristic of many Cohen songs. “What Child Is This” would be another version of “Greensleeves”. Just the idea of Mr. Cohen singing holiday music brings a Cohen-like ironic humor to the project. They’d have to be songs that mean something to Mr. Cohen personally or inspire him musically- it’s hard to predict since he’s so versatile within his own style. I don’t know enough about Hannukah songs but there may be some possibilities there too. Plus he’s worked hard on tour to reach out to his fans (and restore his stolen fortune), and the commercial success of such a project as this could be a gift to Mr. Cohen from his fans as well as being a gift to Leonard Cohen fans (who enjoy holiday music). Personally, it
bugs me that there are so many popular artist covers of holiday music and Mr. Cohen's voice isn't among them. I think
he could do them so much better than most, and broaden his audience too. Thanks.

[schubert]

Talking about Christmas albums,I think last years Dylans offering was brilliant,
and yes I think Cohen doing one is a great idea.

[Hartmut]

Somebody took a joke too far ...

"Dylan, Waits, Cohen Record Christmas Album"
http://www.crystalair.com/story.php?id=201012005

[Lilifyre]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please let's not cheapen this wonderful man by having him join the crowd with cheap commercialism in this way. As a Jew, I am sickened when people like Dylan, Streisand, Neil Diamond and other famous Jewish performers put out Xmas albums. It just cheapens both traditions in a way that feels somewhat slimy and condescending to me. There are plenty of Christian artists who can do the Christmas music. Let the Jews be Jews. I'm not saying this to be anti-Christian. I can think of nothing more beautiful than an English boys choir doing such things as "Oh, Holy Night", "Carol of the Bells", "Coventry Carol", "Silent Night", "Noel", "Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful", etc. And Bing Crosby signing "White Christmas" is a classic. Various broadway stars doing things like "I'll Be Home For Christmas" or "Chestnuts Roasting..." are wonderful and perfect for the season. I just don't think it is necessary or right for someone like Leonard to do those songs. I mean, would you expect a Christmas album from Ravi Shankar????

Lili

[MaryB]

Lili,
Reading your post has put this in a completely different perspective for me. While I love everything LC, you're right - no LC singing Christmas carols (unless he wants to do it).
Warmest regards,
Mary

[bposside]

*See the "Leonard Cohen Singing Silent Night" Post (Dec. 17th) for a taste of what a Leonard Cohen Holiday Album
might sound like. I don't think Mr. Cohen is capable of commercializing holiday music. I appreciate all the comments,
and I think it would be worthwhile for artistic and asthetic reasons, andbecause many people simply genuinely enjoy holiday
music. Ok, now that I know about his version of "Silent Night" I'll stop posting and let it speak for itself. Thanks!

[musicmania]

Personally I don't think we need Leonard singing christmas songs and agree with what Lili has written. Respect to every religion please.

[Kush]

Many famous christmas songs were in fact composed by Jews in the first half of 20th century - White Christmas by Irving Berlin, Christmas Song by Mel Torme etc.

I mean, would you expect a Christmas album from Ravi Shankar????

why not, except for the fact that he may be a bit old now for that. The guy has always been musically adventurous and has always reached out to musicians of other cultures. As it happens there is indeed an album called Christmas Sitar i think its called, but by someone else.