New Skin For The Old Ceremony...

smccallon · Post by **smccallon** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 10:33 pm

Hello everyone. As I prepare for the Leonard Cohen Convention this June, I am finally purchasing all the Cohen albums I do not have. I just acquired "New Skin For The Old Ceremony" yesterday and like everyone new Cohen album I get, the newest becomes my favorite. The very first song "Is This What You Wanted" is fabulous. This song by itself is unlike anything else he ever did. The bass of the song holding all the interesting drum sounds together and Cohen's great imagery of himself and a woman. This has to be one of my favorite songs of his.
While I was listening to this album I was thinking about how much better "Death of A Ladies' Man" would have sounded with this kind of production. All the instruments used on "New Skin" weave together so well in a much better way than the "Death" album did. "A Singer Must Die" is another song that I love. The singer on trial. That is an image I cannot get out of my mind.
Overall, when I listen to this album I feel like it is the quintessential relationship album. The wit, bits of sarcasm ("I was Rin-Tin-Tin"), humor, and melancholy yet haunted positive outlook give a clear picture. Even the cover of the album seems a bit sarcastic to me because the album seems chalk full of past remembrances and former love. The war between men and women ("There Is A War") yet the embrace of the cover is a nice juxtaposition.
I had heard most of the songs on this album in live forms from other albums but the studio versions are highly impressive.
Only three more albums to get: "Songs of Leonard Cohen," "Song of Love and Hate," and "Cohen: Live." I will have those before June to get my Cohenucation in!
For anyone that does not have the Leonard Cohen live album from 73' I believe, the import one from Europe, you should get it. That album is well-worth the price...

Cheers To All & See You In June,
Sean McCallon
smccallon@sbcglobal.net
http://www.geocities.com/smccallon@sbcglobal.net

Epurcelly · Post by **Epurcelly** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 11:34 pm

Hey Sean- You are in for a wonderful treat when you complete the catalog.
Songs and Songs Of Love and Hate are amazing records. Love and Hate changed my life... I know it sounds stupid but it is no lie...

infinitejest · Post by **infinitejest** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:53 pm

'avalanche' is a top tune

greenfeld69 · Post by **greenfeld69** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:56 pm

Epurcelly, you're right, Love and Hate is amazing.

The first four albums are the first four I would buy.

smccallon · Post by **smccallon** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 5:16 am

I cannot decide which album I enjoy the most anymore after having them all...

-Sean
http://www.livejournal.com/users/passthrufire

ForYourSmile · Post by **ForYourSmile** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 12:34 am

And Dear Heather, and ... I wait for more albums to decide. Unlike veteran living myths, LC continues creating new pieces of art.

New Skin ... yes, he has been my favorite in long epochs, has this John Lissauer's special sound. Love and Hate, also. I was listening to it from the bed with the subdued lights when I was a teenager, magnificent songs.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

On August 19, 1936, 68 years ago, there was murdered Federico García Lorca, poet.

lizzytysh · Post by **lizzytysh** » Fri Aug 20, 2004 1:24 am

Thank you for recognizing Federico Garcia Lorca's death, ForYourSmile. If you hadn't, Demetris would have.....and may still, only in another section. You must hold him very close to your heart, particularly with your homeland.

~ Lizz

Dylan · Post by **Dylan** » Fri Oct 29, 2004 9:49 pm

I love New Skin, especially Lover, Lover, Lover. I like the live version on Field Commander Cohen better though.

Songs Of Love and Hate was my favourite album until Dear Heather.