leonardcohenforum.com

The worst ever is "don't go home with your hard-on" covered about 10-12 years ago (???) by some horrible chainsaw music band. I can't remember who it was, because usually I just turned off the radio...

Be warned!

I am not a big fan of willie nelson, but i think even his fans can feel the lack of passion in his rendition of "bird on a wire". my favorite version{actually my all-time favorite song} is lc's live version at either warsaw or montreaux{i can't remember which.} it is full of pain & despair and promise & hope. it is flawless

As I said elsewhere, I don't listen to it as an LC song but as a Shotgun Willie song when I hear his rendition. And being very familiar with Willie Nelson's music my frame of reference is completely different from yours. Hope that explains.

Before I forget to tell you, I look forward to reading the poem you've been inspired to write, Kush.

ive only heard one cover song, and that was on the film Bird On the Wire, that sucked so much...

Tim Hardin does what I regard as the best Bird on a Wire cover...

For me, the hands-down winner of worst Cohen cover would have to be Aaron Neville's take on Bird On A Wire. Granted, I think pretty much everything he's ever sung has been horrible, but to hear such a good song so thoroughly crucified is especially distressing.

Take care
-J-

I agree with Aaron Neville, but there are many awfull covers, especially on Tower Of song tribute CD. But the WORST ever must be Elton John's "I'm Your Man".

But alas, I can't forget the crime Sting did with "Sisters Of Mercy".

The worst is the Bono cover of Hallelujah. Utter crap.

I love The Pixies doing 'I Can't Forget'.

Zabka wrote:I agree and disagree with some of your choices (totally agree that Eltons version sucks!)...but...the worst ever cover over a Leonard Cohen song was my boyfriend singing "I'm Your Man". Oh the torture, but the intention of course was gorgeous. (and he looks a lot like Leonard did about 30 years ago! LOL)

I am sure you haven't heard ME singing LC songs

Mirek

For anyone who wants to hear Elton John's version I've posted it at:

http://www.oneleft.com/songs/Man.mp3

If anyone wants to hear Bono's Hallelujah let me know and I'll post it as well.

Tough call on which is worse but my nod goes to Bono (only by a skosh!).

OK, I can figure it out through its usage in context; however, do you have a sorta or actual definition that can be more definitive as to the measure of a "skosh"? I know that gnoshing suggests light snacking, right?

an itty bit

Thanks ~ that confirms my thinking.

If memory serves, two tribute albums came out in the early-to-mid nineties. One was called "I'm Your Fan" and pretty much the entire thing was brilliant. It featured Lloyd Cole doing "Chelsea Hotel," John Cale (formerly of the Velvet Underground) doing "Hallelujah," the Pixies doing "I Can't Forget," etc. The other album was (I think) called "Tower of Song" and it was the most God-awful thing I'd ever heard. It featured the Bono "Hallelujah" everyone has bashed (quite rightfully) plus crap covers by Don Henley, etc.

I guess my point is that "I'm Your Fan" is definitely worth picking up. The other one is definitely worth testing your car tires on.