BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Tributes & covers; Leonard's songs on the soundtracks and TV
John Etherington
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by John Etherington »

Although she accompanies Leonard on his original version of "Nightingale", Anjani's own version is an extremely rare case of a cover improving on the original. I love both versions, but Anjani's version is heartbreaking and beautiful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsmjUGHJNns
hansr
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by hansr »

My favorite cover since a couple of months: Little Screams I can't forget.
https://vimeo.com/259733203

Hans
Last edited by hansr on Fri May 21, 2021 8:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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HugoD
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by HugoD »

For me Henk Hofstede and his Avalanche quartet are the perfect tribute band. Henk Hofstede used to be the lead singer of the Nits (had a few hits in the 80-ties) and has, in my humble opinion, the perfect voice and feeling to perform LC songs.

Those of you who were at the LC event in Amsterdam (2016) have seen the performance of this band. I nice story that Hofstede tells regularly at performances is that he met Leonard in the early 90-ties (if I remember well) at a radio station in Brussel, LC heard Hofstede with the Nits perform live and asked them of they wanted to be the band in the next tour. Hofstede declined and said it was his worst decision ever which he stil regrets 😱.

https://youtu.be/-xbtTvGd40w

https://youtu.be/nmqDaRxuOQk
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St.Lawrence
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by St.Lawrence »

St. Lawrence band from Norway

Live at Årnes Culture Cafe 2019

If It Be Your Will
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6045WmEl_4
I've always been into self-dramatization. I intend to live forever.

Leonard Cohen
ozgreat
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by ozgreat »

I have been obtaining both Leonard's Albums, various covers and various tribute concerts and albums.

Without a doubt, though this my own personal preference, I feel the best 'non english' version of A Thousand Kisses Deep is that performed by Angélina Wismes, Des Baisers Par Milliers, in the tribute concert 'Le Pont Des Artistes #19, Hommage à Leonard Cohen', 2017.

Whilst I do not have all covers and tributes, I have a fair majority to date of what has been performed.

I would appreciate other member's thoughts on this song and in particular those sung other than in English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bkAoqD223A

Stay safe everyone.
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adamsmitt32
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by adamsmitt32 »

HI there. My favorite one is Nina Simone, "Suzanne" (1969). Originally sung by Judy Collins before Cohen could add his own grumbling vocal to proceedings, one of my favourite moments comes from Nina Simone’s emboldened performance back in 1969. It’s easy to see Cohen approving of this one.
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pe swijngedouw
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by pe swijngedouw »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QR2WB2Gyfk

i discovered this band through this cover of hallelujah, and found out that they made many more beatiful songs, like https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uG0HypButc
... precisely ...
MaryB
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by MaryB »

pe - you've found a gem.
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birminghamfan
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by birminghamfan »

I recently discovered this understated cover. Rachel Sermanni has a gorgeous voice , Ive only just discovered her , and Tom Terrell is Canadian , so probably has access to the soul of the song .. Hope the link works !

Best wishes , Steve

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85RGTDHScoQ
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pe swijngedouw
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by pe swijngedouw »

i think that Fabrizio De André was an important person in the LC history in Italy, as he translated and performed LC songs, before they were known in the original versions by LC. I absolutely adore his voice, and the kindness one feels when listening (or watching to) him.
His translations were sung by other great italian singers, like Mia Martini.

seems so long ago, nancy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL2lONPCrAg

joan of arc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMB9GfPLkOI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhcEFPWr2jI

suzanne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLb7kiXurE0
Last edited by pe swijngedouw on Wed Nov 04, 2020 3:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
... precisely ...
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pe swijngedouw
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by pe swijngedouw »

another BIG italian to me, is Roberto Vecchioni

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-WbRC4wS-4

This is his "version", but calling it a cover is not giving him enough credit : he is far too good, both as musician, singer, writer of beautiful songs
this is his way of treating a great song :

'È soltanto un albergo a Venezia
È l'albergo di quando mi ami
Quando i figli non c'erano ancora
E io solo baciavo i tuoi seni
Quando i fogli volavano in alto
Quando tutto quel poco era molto
Perché ti amavo
Oh se ti amavo
Quanto ti amavo
E la gente sorride a Venezia
Si ricorda di quando passavi
Coi pensieri che avevano fretta
E le gambe che non le mostravi
E ricorda che c'era anche un uomo
Con due occhi di un altro mattino
Perché ti amava
Oh se ti amava
Quanto di amava
E c'è un vecchio cortile a Venezia
Dove vanno a finire I ricordi
E se hai voglia di quella carezza
Ti ci porto perché sono verdi
Come gli alberi di quella sera
E la luna che c'era e non c'era
Perché mi ami
E non mi ami
Quanto mi ami
Ho imparato che il tempo è bellezza
Ho imparato anche a fare l'amore
Noi due siamo rimasti a Venezia
Siamo quelli di prima e di sempre
Ma è soltanto una scusa Venezia
Ci saremmo capiti ugualmente
Perché ti amo
Oh se ti amo
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Roberto Vecchioni
Leonard Cohen lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc
... precisely ...
Bruce Byron
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by Bruce Byron »

Here is a hauntingly melancholic version cover of 'Suzanne' that came together rather organically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8pD8zchHsQ
Cohen Unlimited
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by Cohen Unlimited »

Hi all
I am Rob, the singer in Cohen Unlimited, a 7 piece band from Ireland. we formed just over a year ago and have just finished our 3rd short tour of ireland culminating in 3 completely sold out shows, the last one in Dublins famous Sugar Club.
hoping to be back on the road May/June and thought it would be lovely to stick a track up here and see what you all think.
Rob
here's a link to Cohen Unlimited and our version of 'Treaty' our youtube channel is Cohen Unlimited.
https://youtu.be/EIurrVVvY-Y
Zimmer
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by Zimmer »

Bruce Byron wrote: Tue Nov 01, 2022 6:34 am Here is a hauntingly melancholic version cover of 'Suzanne' that came together rather organically.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8pD8zchHsQ
I am hauntingly melancholic after listening to that.
Bruce Byron
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Re: BEST COVER VERSIONS OF A LEONARD COHEN SONG OF ALL TIME

Post by Bruce Byron »

A different slant on a Leonard staple. Might cheer a few up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzEcFXkKYjo
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