Page 1 of 1

Uncut review of reissues

Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:22 pm
by kleinschmidt
LEONARD COHEN - REISSUES OF THE MONTH

(Columbia/ Legacy)

Stark first Stabs From The Songwriter's Songwriter

Songs Of Leonard Cohen - 4*
Songs From A Room - 3*
Songs Of Love And Hate - 4*


A sparsely furnished garret, the Bohemian Quarter, nightfall. Shadows conjoin and separate in the flickering light provided by a candle in a Dubonnet bottle, as the arguments of whores and sailors drift upwards from the street below. Monique, naked save for a Gauloise, looks up from her translation of "Les Chemins de la Liberté" to address the frowning poet hunched over his typewriter. “I’m bored with Sartre,” she pouts at him. “Make love to me, and then I’ll betray you.” Tiny briquettes of ash tumble from his cigarette as he mutters: “I’m writing another song about you. What’s your name again?”

Released between December 1967 and March 1971, the first three Leonard Cohen albums conjure up such vivid scenarios of complicated love, and pose such colossal questions (why must we live? whom should we worship? are the riddles of Man and Womankind irresolvable, or perversely blissful?) that it’s hardly surprising they’re considered Serious Works by those who appreciate the major singer-songwriters of the ’60s and ’70s. Others – let us call them heathens – accuse the Works of being (itals)too(itals) Serious: of being wrist-slittingly depressing, in fact.

Cohen’s wry compromise to the public, from a British perspective anyway, was to polarise opinion while becoming an enormous success. "Songs Of Love And Hate" was a UK Number 4 smash in 1971 (rubbing shoulders with "Sticky Fingers" and "Motown Chartbusters Vol. 5", while "Songs From A Room" (1969) climbed as high as 2 behind The Moody Blues.
A poet and novelist with a fanbase in his native Canada, Cohen was already into his thirties when he recorded his first album for Columbia/CBS.

"Songs Of Leonard Cohen" was, and remains, a significant debut – a haunting, sophisticated songbook full of absinthe-potent images. “So Long, Marianne” mentions a crucifix, a razor-blade, a “green lilac park” and, in a verse that alludes to a weirdly exquisite suicide, “your fine spider-web... fastening my ankle to a stone”. As well as a pair of exotic/erotic pièces de résistance, “Suzanne” and “Sisters Of Mercy”, the album also has the remarkable “Master Song”, where Cohen hints darkly at mind-control and sado-masochism in a series of hypnotically sinister couplets: “You met him at some temple where they take your clothes at the door/He was just a numberless man in a chair who’d just come back from the war”.

Cohen knew what he wanted, and won his argument with producer John Simon that the album should not feature drums or prominent keyboards. Cohen’s own acoustic guitar gently undulates and gallops through the stark arrangements; other than his poker-faced vocal, there’s little else going on. Here, briefly, is a flugelhorn. Over there is an instrument that sounds half-zither, half-sitar, but then it’s gone. Free of clatter, the plaintive folk melodies suggest European traditions – more Tuscany or Catalonia, perhaps, than Greenwich Village and Laurel Canyon. We can now hear, on two previously unreleased outtakes included on this remastered CD, what Cohen was so desperate to avoid: good as they are, both songs ("Store Room" and "Blessed Is The Memory") are blatantly enamoured of Dylan’s "Blonde On Blonde".

Cohen’s second album, "Songs From A Room" (issued here featuring a couple of unremarkable alternate takes), is less impressive than the debut. Fans of his most renowned tune, “Bird On A Wire”, will have to forgive this reviewer for finding it mawkish and dull, and it gets the album off to a plodding start. Other songs suffer from chronic “yoo-hoo syndrome” (“You who build the altars now...”, “You who are broken by power...”), as Cohen oversteps the line between punctilious syntax and self-parody. However, there’s terrific writing in “Lady Midnight” and “Story Of Isaac”, and also in “Seems So Long Ago, Nancy”, which recounts the fate of a girl who “wore green stockings and... slept with everyone”. Oddly, several songs are accompanied by Jew’s harp, making a twangy-chirpy sound, as though some crickets have tunnelled into the studio while Cohen sings his elegies for the slaughtered and heartbroken.

"Songs Of Love And Hate", his third album, has no crickets. It has ominous swoops of cello, some singing children, and almost no hope or comfort. It’s a brilliant album, but if you get my meaning here, it’s not to be listened to at 4am with a bottle of whisky. “Avalanche” (later recorded by Nick Cave) catapults the listener in at the deep end, with a tale of Quasimodo-esque self-loathing that has a horribly grisly finale: “It is your turn, beloved, it is your flesh that I wear.” Then comes “Last Year’s Man”, in which Cohen appears paralysed by depression and writer’s block. In the third song, “Dress Rehearsal Rag” (also appearing here in an alternate version, with an electric backing group), he heaps scorn on his work, and disgustedly sets himself the most dire challenge of all: “Now if you can manage to get your trembling fingers to behave/Why don’t you try unwrapping a stainless steel razor-blade?/That’s right, it’s come to this/It’s come to this.” Fortunately it didn’t quite.

Although a new generation of musicians would discover Cohen’s work and pay homage (REM, the Pixies and James were among those recording his songs for the 1991 tribute album "I’m Your Fan", Cohen himself worked slowly after "Songs Of Love And Hate", making only six albums between 1972 and 1988. (The second batch of remastered CDs is due for release in September.)

In 1994 he vanished into a Zen Buddhist retreat in California, emerging five years later as a formally ordained monk. Now 72, he’s recently told interviewers that his famous depression, thanks to “the neurological processes of aging”, has finally lifted.

DAVID CAVANAGH


I think I like that intro. Sounds like a Cohen novel :D

Dark, gloomy and self-loathing. This is our man. He sure don't look like it to me. And then again, he actually does:
Image

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:25 am
by lizzytysh
I don't agree with everything this reviewer wrote, but I sure enjoyed his wit throughout the review.

As my understanding is that depression tends to be rather common amongst the elderly [at least in the U.S.], Leonard may want to consider taking some credit on behalf of his meditation practices and respite at Mt. Baldy with his friend, Roshi [who surely must have passed the 100-year mark at this point], as well as his immensely satisfying love and friendship with Anjani, for the lifting of his depression.


~ Lizzy

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:29 am
by hydriot
I also liked this review. It is at least well-informed, which makes one always willing to accept another person's opinion. I particularly like the reference to the Master Song which, along with the Stranger Song, are two of my favourites though rather out of fashion these days I imagine.
lizzytysh wrote:As my understanding is that depression tends to be rather common amongst the elderly ...
Surely not? It is the young who suffer depression, as the idealism of youth is forced to prostitute itself on the altar of 'real-life'

Roshi birthday

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:28 am
by kokenpere
Lizzie



According to Wikipedia, Roshi's birthday was April 1, 1907.

(I'm sure he is not an April Fool - unless he wants to be one.)

kokenpere

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:44 am
by lizzytysh
Hi Hydriot ~

Here is something to support what you're saying; and, perhaps, what I've said, too:
Depression in Older Persons

What is depression?

We all feel sad at times. However, clinical depression is a serious matter. Clinical depression, sometimes called major depression, is a biologically based brain disorder that affects one's thoughts, feelings, behavior, and physical health. It is an "affective disorder," which means that changes in mood occur in the depressed person. When people complain that they "feel lousy", they have no interest or take no pleasure in things, have trouble sleeping, lack energy, have poor appetite, or cannot concentrate, depression is a definite possibility. Depression is second only to heart disease as a cause of disability according to the World Health Organization. Clinical depression does not discriminate -- it can develop in anyone at any age. Depression is a serious medical illness that affects more than 11.6 million Americans, including older persons, in any given year. Depression has been reported to be more common among the baby boomers than it is among those born before World War II. Unfortunately, less than one-third of the persons with clinical depression actually seek treatment for their illness. The good news, however, is that treatments for depression work -- a broad range of treatments is available and results are robust and restorative. New research findings even open the possibility for prevention of depression by identifying people very early in the course of depression or those at very high risk.

How common is depression in later life?

Depression in its many forms affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million Americans who are 65 years or older. Most older people with depression have been suffering from episodes of the illness during much of their lives. For others, depression has a first onset in late life -- even for those in their 80s and 90s. Depression in older persons is closely associated with dependency and disability and causes great suffering for the individual and the family.

Why does depression in the older population often go untreated?

Depression is a disease of the brain -- numerous studies have clearly shown that. Research has also shown that treatment changes the brain when it is effective. Nonetheless, many people think that depression is a normal part of aging. "Who wouldn’t be depressed if …" is a common thought in the face of chronic illness, loss, and social transition. Added to that is the stigma that those with depression and other serious mental disorders confront in their everyday lives. Moreover, depression comes in different sizes and shapes. Many older people and their families don't recognize the symptoms of depression, aren't aware that it is a medical illness, and don't know how it is treated. Others may mistake the symptoms of depression as signs of dementia. Also, many older people think that depression is a character flaw and are worried about being stigmatized, so they blame themselves for their illness and are too ashamed to get help. Others worry that treatment would be too costly.

What are the consequences of untreated depression in older people?

Older persons with depression rarely seek treatment for the illness. Unrecognized and untreated depression has fatal consequences in terms of both suicide and non-suicide mortality. The highest rate of suicide in the US is among older white men. Depression is the single most significant risk factor for suicide in that population. Tragically, many of those people who go on to commit suicide have reached out for help -- 20% see a doctor the day they die, 40% the week they die, and 70% in the month they die. Yet depression is frequently missed.

Are symptoms of depression different in older persons than in younger persons?

Symptoms in older persons may differ somewhat from symptoms in other populations. Depression in older people is often characterized by memory problems, confusion, social withdrawal, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, irritability, and, in some cases, delusions and hallucinations. Older depressed individuals often have severe feelings of sadness, but these feelings frequently are not acknowledged or openly shown. Sometimes, when asked if they are "depressed", the answer from persons suffering from depression is "no". "Depression without sadness" is one of those seeming paradoxes that impedes its recognition. Some general clues that someone may be suffering from depression in such cases are persistent and vague complaints and help seeking, along with frequent calling and demanding behavior.

How can clinical depression be distinguished from normal sadness and grief?

It's natural to feel grief in the face of major life changes like those so many older people experience, such as leaving a home of many years or losing a loved one. Sadness and grief are perfectly normal temporary reactions to the inevitable losses and hardships of life. Unlike normal sadness, however, clinical depression doesn't go away by itself, and lasts for months. It needs to be treated professionally. Any unresolved depression can affect the immune system, which makes the depressed individual more susceptible to other illnesses. This complication is often found in older individuals.

What causes depression in older people?

Although there is no single, definitive answer to the question of cause, many factors -- psychological, biological, environmental and genetic -- likely contribute to the development of depression. Scientists think that some people inherit a biological make-up that makes them more prone to depression. Certain brain chemicals -- like norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine -- are probably involved in major depression.

While some people become depressed for no easily identified reason, depression tends to run in families, and the vulnerability is often passed from parents to children. When such a genetic vulnerability exists, other factors like prolonged stress, loss, or a major life change can trigger the depression. For some older people, particularly those with lifelong histories of depression, the development of a disabling illness, loss of a spouse or a friend, retirement, moving out of the family home or some other stressful event may bring about the onset of a depressive episode. It should also be noted that depression can be a side effect of some medications commonly prescribed to older persons, such as medications to treat hypertension.

Are some older persons at highest risk for depression?

Older women are at a greater risk because women in general are twice as likely as men to become seriously depressed. Biological factors, like hormonal changes, may make older women more vulnerable. The stresses of maintaining relationships or caring for an ill loved one and children also fall more heavily on women, which could contribute to higher rates of depression. Unmarried and widowed individuals as well as those who lack a supportive social network also have elevated rates of depression.

Conditions such as heart attack, stroke, hip fracture, or macular degeneration and procedures such as bypass surgery are known to be associated with the development of depression. In general, depression may be suspected if recovery is delayed, treatments are refused, or problems with discharge are encountered.

Can depression in older persons be treated?

Fortunately, the prognosis is good. Once diagnosed, 80 percent of clinically depressed individuals, including older persons, can be effectively treated by medication, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or any combination of the three. The drugs are effective in a majority of people with depression. Four groups of antidepressant medications have been used to effectively treat depressive illness: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (NSRIs). Medication compliance is especially important, but can be a problem among older patients. It has been estimated that 70 percent of these patients fail to take 25 percent to 50 percent of their medication. Of course, practically all the treatments have side effects, and the choice of treatment may depend on the types of side effects that can be best tolerated by that person.

ECT may be useful in the treatment of severe depression in older adults. Unfortunately, ECT is generally underused, unavailable, or burdened with myth and misinformation about its safety and efficacy.

Psychosocial treatment plays an essential role in the care of older patients who have significant life crises, lack social support, or lack coping skills to deal with their life situations. Because large numbers of elderly people live alone, have inadequate support systems, or do not have contact with a primary care physician, special efforts are needed to locate and identity these people to provide them with needed care. There are services available to help older individuals, but the problem of clinical depression must be detected before treatment can begin.

Like diabetes or arthritis, depression is a chronic disease. Getting well is only the beginning of the challenge, staying well is the real goal. For people experiencing their first episode of depression in late life, most experts would recommend treatment for 6 months to a year after acute treatment that achieves remission. For those that have had two or three episodes during their lifetime, treatment should extend up to two years after remission. And for those with more than three recurrences of depression, treatment may be life-long. The treatment that gets someone well is the treatment that will keep that person well.

In 1999 the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. David Satcher, issued a report on mental health. His conclusions are our conclusions: mental illnesses such as depression are real; treatment works; get help.


Reviewed by Dilip V. Jeste, MD, May 2003

~ Lizzy

Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 5:49 am
by lizzytysh
Hi Kokenpere ~

Thank you for taking the time to look for Roshi's birthday. There I was wondering how I could go about finding it... as much as I sometimes seem to be becoming acclamated to this Internet world, it still sometimes eludes me entirely. I get credited for being a great researcher :wink: [and, of course, thank them for this compliment :) ]; yet, all I did was Google the key terms for the topic I was seeking information for and brought the results here.

Why did it not occur to me to do the very same thing for Roshi's birthday? I guess because he and Leonard, in their way, have always seemed so remote from this electronic world. [Lessons learned there, too :) ... though not always remembered :wink: .]

Thank you for filling in the gap.


~ Lizzy