Which is your fav Hallelujah cover?

[linda_lakeside]

Although I don't agree with many points made in the article, it certainly is a good testament to the brilliance of one man and one song. I bet the writer is paid by the word.

[Adrian]

According to a web bio, the author, Bryan Appleyard, is "a special feature writer and columnist for the Sunday Times. He specialises in writing about the relationship between science and culture and has published two books - 'Brave New Worlds', and 'Understanding the Present: Science and the Soul of Modern Man'." His commentaries have a focus on "what it means to be human and how we view ourselves."

Basically, he writes pieces that aren't the purview of pop/music commentators. It's telling that his music piece is about Leonard Cohen's creative genius. Indeed, it's testament...

One aspect I find remarkable is that "Hallelujah" is a song that feels great to sing, I'm told. (I'm not a singer, myself.) No doubt, this is part of the magic that helps it be carried afar. ( :

[linda_lakeside]

People say you can't sing? Funny, people tell me that, too. However, I choose not to be believe them (jealous is what they are) and I sing, sing, sing - whenever I feel like it.

[Adrian]

hehe that's the spirit!

I can and do sing, too. People tell me that I can't, and I guess I believe them too much in that regard. But, I do sing ( :

so, yay for all our voices!

[Adrian]

p.s. for folks, like myself, who don't get around everywhere - it may be worth noting that there's been ongoing discussion of the piece by Bryan Appleyard in a thread in the News Forum - titled "article in today's sunday times"

[maxbeagle]

a liittle known version of halleluja by elisa from the album pearl days really haunting

[Adrian]

I may have not spotted this "Hallelujah" in any threads, (as I've not been online in sometime), but, in case it's news to all ~ there's a new version of this LC song out now by the Jazz Mandolin Project (http://www.jazzmandolinproject.com):

The Deep Forbidden Lake, the Jazz Mandolin Project's sixth studio album, was recently released on their own label, Lenapee Records/DKE Records, on May 3rd. It is an acoustic, lyrical CD featuring 12 of leader, Jamie Masefield's, favorite songs, written by his favorite musicians. "I wanted to get back to some basics in my mandolin playing," says Masefield. "This album needed to be about playing quietly and relaxed, about melodies and arrangements and less about grooves and exploration. I also wanted to get away from my own compositions for a while and use some common ground by interpreting some things that weren't mine. This project became a secret mission that was fun."

With tracks such as Neil Young's "Winterlong," Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," Tom Waits' "Ol' 55," Radiohead's "Everything in its Right Place" and Ornette Coleman's "When Will the Blues Leave," Masefield heads in a fresh, acoustic direction with this release. Accompanying the mandolin, are renowned musicians Gil Goldstein (Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius) on piano and accordion and Greg Cohen (Ornette Coleman, Tom Waits, John Zorn) on upright bass.

cheers, Ad

[Adrian]

All Music Guide notes that an album released in America today (May 24, 2005), Big Man-Big Guitar by Popa Chubby contains a version of Hallelujah (and such other songs as Jimi Hendrix's Hey Joe) previously only available on European releases (Live at FIP and Wild). Here's what the AMG reviewer says about the LC cover:

"The surprising, beer-stained version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' almost puts the album on Chubby's 'A' list, but some of the man's key tracks are missing and despite the great flow, he really needs two CDs to fully represent his sprawling live show. It hedges its bets by keeping it to one, but Big Man-Big Guitar chalks up another success in a discography that has more than its fair share."

Ad

[Open to interpretation?!?]

My favorite is KD Lang, she really climbs the ladder with her vocals, I think it's the best.

John Cale and Jeff Buckley are so different but also very good.

Kathryn Williams and Carrie Clark also do great versions.

If you like Jeff Buckley's version you will love the version performed by Angelou.

Anthony Michael Hall does a version that I actually like better than Rufus.

Ari Hest does a version that has a "Springsteen sound" to it.

[Adrian]

You're quite right - beauty is with the beholder. And, Hallelujah is such a magnificent song that it lends itself to so many interpretations - each of which can be someone's favourite.

My favourite is Allison Crowe's version (and that's why I am honoured to be able to work with such a talent as she). I'm in accord with the French reviewer who recently said: "j'ai rarement été bouleversée à ce point par une voix féminine. Pure comme de la glace, puissante et même violente sur la reprise de l'Hallelujah de Leonard Cohen."

("I have never been so moved by a woman's voice. Pure as ice, powerful and even violent on Cohen's cover of Hallelujah.")

It's just as true that people feel so passionately about the John Cale, Jeff Buckley, and other versions - for you, it's kd lang. (I've not heard Anthony Michael Hall's version - I'll look for it. I do appreciate the Rufus version a lot.) The Buckley recordings have been marketed intensively since his death - and, from comments on another thread here, you'll see that some find it's been an over-saturation. Still, the song remains.

It's just a miracle of a song!

[Open to interpretation?!?]

While there have been many Hallelujahs performed and recorded to date, I wonder who we all wish would, or would have, recorded this song?

[Adrian]

http://www.bluessaraceno.com/audio/anth ... elujah.mp3

Blues Saraceno, the producer of the "Dead Zone" recording of Hallelujah, with Anthony Michael Hall on lead vocals has the above sample posted on his site. It appears that Blues may also play guitar on this track - that's not clear from the site details. Do you know?

As for others recording it, I, personally, don't miss anyone else performing it - but, will surely enjoy many versions to come!

Welcome to these forums. It's quite often Lizzytysh who first greets people - this is a rare opportunity for me to say hello on the occasion of your first post! Where in the world are you?

[Open to interpretation?!?]

Adrian,

I downloaded the Popa Chubby version, it is awesome! Thank you for the tip. I have never heard of PC. What a guitar solo! really great!

[suefraser3]

Am I the only person who rates Bono's version of Hallelujah? A brilliant interpretation.

[linda_lakeside]

Hi there,

Well, you may not be the only one who rates Bono's version of Hallelujah. But, as a brilliant interpretation, you are likely one of few.

Linda.