Dear Heather

smccallon · Post by **smccallon** » Thu Jun 24, 2004 11:52 pm

I just prefer headphones... I have a decent enough stereo setup but I do enjoy having the music straight in my ears without any other sounds around.

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

Paula · Post by **Paula** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 1:08 am

Jarkko I don't suppose Leonard would let us hear a snippet via your goodself those of us who didn't go to NY in body were certainly there in soul.

Do you think he would let us hear a snippet????????

Joe Way · Post by **Joe Way** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 4:54 am

Sorry I'm late with my .02, but still have to give it to you.

I've always had a difficult time with Leonard's new records. Even, alone, with just me and a good stereo, it would take me awhile to get used to his new stuff. He is always moving in different directions that take me awhile to absorb.

Nonetheless! "Dear Heather" had several songs that grabbed me immediately. The three: "Villanelle For Our Times," "On That Day," and "Dear Heather."

I had never heard the recording of "Villanelle" though it was played in Montreal. I thought initially that it was Leonard's words until I was corrected by Jarkko. My friend, Vern, sends me articles on Canadian poetry and I can't think of a better example than this. Written in about 1943, by F. R. Scott, during the height of World War II, its words are still applicable in this day and age. The background music including Anjani's part is stunning. Here are the words:

F.R. Scott

VILLANELLE FOR OUR TIME

From bitter searching of the heart,
Quickened with passion and with pain
We rise to play a greater part.

This is the faith from which we start:
Men shall know commonwealth again
From bitter searching of the heart.

We loved the easy and the smart,
But now, with keener hand and brain,
We rise to play a greater part.

The lesser loyalties depart,
And neither race nor creed remain
From bitter searching of the heart.

Not steering by the venal chart
That tricked the mass for private gain,
We rise to play a greater part.

Reshaping narrow law and art
Whose symbols are the millions slain,
From bitter searching of the heart
We rise to play a greater part.

"Dear Heather" had the most intriguing words. Spelling key words was very effective, even after a first listening and drew me to the point where I was aching for more. This song is so different that I can see why Leonard was drawn to naming the whole album after it. I suspect that it will become an "instant" classic. It is the brilliant type of move that has characterized Leonard's work from the start, and adds to his resume.

"On That Day" has received some mixed reviews from some of the people present, but I have to say, that it is one of the most instantly moving songs of his that I've heard. I was sitting right behind Julie, Perla and Bob Metzger when I listened to it. And I heard an audible gasp and slight laugh as the electronic Jew's harp played right after the first verse. Julie looked around and smiled at me and it was apparent immediately how effective this device was for creating attention.

The musical arrangement is very creative-not least of which is the prominent use of Jew's Harp. It is certainly an "us" vs. "them" song. It emphasizes the day that "they" wounded New York. Leonard's use of pronouns has rarely been more effective (though, it is a device that he has employed from the beginning). I couldn't help but think of some of the threads here and how Leonard embraces the tone of the discussion between the "greed" of the west-the U.S. etc. and the murderous quality of the reigning opposition.

All and all, an extemely interesting album, that I can't wait to hear again.

Joe

jeannieb · Post by **jeannieb** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 6:17 am

I find I hear much more when listening whilst driving alone usually on my way to and from work, in my most excellenet Mini Cooper (named Cohen Cooper, of course!). Leonard has no idea how many miles he has travelled with me in the past year or so.

I think this foretaste he has given us is a great incentive to actually finsih and get the album out pretty soon.

I just ordered a new film I have never seen with LC soundtrack -- Kiss the Sky. Am expecting it any day now via EBay.

dick · Post by **dick** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 4:54 pm

Am really enjoying the album comments and good insights. Keep em coming.

Thanks Joe for great detail!

Hope you like Kiss the Sky -- I think the Cohen tracks make it quite acceptable, and I enjoyed the many parallels to real events. Understand the position of critics however. Let us know your thoughts after you see it.

Dick

jeannieb · Post by **jeannieb** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 8:44 pm

Dick,
I didn't bother to read the critical reviews before I bid on it.

I think I am only paying $10 or so, so no big loss if it stinks!

Post by **jarkko** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 8:51 pm

Leonard has appreciated all the comments on the new album.
He says that he is deeply touched by the encouragement that we have given him.

He also mentioned that the Jew's harp was not electronic but the real thing played into a mike by himself (there's a long solo in another tune)

jeannieb · Post by **jeannieb** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 8:52 pm

Joe,

Your review made me remember that hearing so vividly. I remembered thinking at the time that a lot of these tunes were actually danceable, strange as it may seem.

Thank you so much for gifting us with lyrics for "Villanelle".

I agree, this new work will demand many many listenenings. Maybe about 30 years' worth.

margaret · Post by **margaret** » Fri Jun 25, 2004 11:40 pm

I wish my memory for detail was better. I was just in front of one of the speakers so the sound was a bit distorted, with the backing sometimes overshadowing Leonard's voice. I was nevertheless impressed by the new material and liked the spoken lyrics. Can't wait to hear it all again with the words in front of me. I'm another listener who enjoys music most when alone driving in my car.

Thanks to Joe for reproducing the words to Villanelle

My husband has also found the original words on which the first track is based, from his book of the work of Lord Byron.
I can't remember if Leonard's recording is exactly the same but here is Byrons's original;

So, we'll go no more a roving
So late into the night,
Though the heart be still as loving,
And the moon be still as bright.

For the sword outwears its sheath,
And the soul wears out the breast,
And the heart must pause to breathe,
And love itself have rest.

Though the night was made for loving,
And the day returns too soon,
Yet we'll go no more a roving
By the light of the moon.

Lord Byron 1817

Margaret

smccallon · Post by **smccallon** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 5:40 pm

I think it is wonderful that Leonard Cohen is putting another poet's verse to song. I am kind of foggy as to how this song sounded but I do remember that I liked it because I enjoyed all the songs we heard off the new album.
Thanks for putting the words up!

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

Natalie · Post by **Natalie** » Sat Jun 26, 2004 9:49 pm

Hello everyone,

I was very pleased to hear the new songs in New York. However, it would have been better if Leonard was there in person to sing them, but a recording was a very very pleasant surprise. I thought it was wonderful of Leanne to join us at the event; I spoke with her for a few minutes, and was extremely impressed with her.

My favourite song out of what we heard was "Dear Heather," the title track. I feel that Leonard should release that song first. It immediately captivated me -- its theme deeply resonated, and the music and spoken word were haunting, yet romantically decadent. I love how the dying art of letter writing is resurrected in this song, and we are forever reminded that the epistolary form of communication is superior to e-mail. I love letters, and love letters strongly speak and restart the heart after a dead romance.

I really enjoyed the new songs, and can't wait to buy the album.

I asked Perla if Leonard will ever tour again. She answered "no" immediately, and I was disappointed. It would be nice if Leonard would do one concert, perhaps in L.A., where his fans could make a pilgrimage to see him perform live. I have never seen Leonard in concert, and I can't even comprehend not having the privilege of his presence in an auditorium.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

Take care,

Natalie

Juan · Post by **Juan** » Wed Jun 30, 2004 5:33 pm

Sadly I couldn't attend the NY Event and have not listened to these new songs. I'm happy to know that there's a Jew's harp on the table and definitely a crayon in his hand.

I'd like to know what synthesizer Leonard uses for his music. This instrument is getting so famous that I'd like to know what model he uses.

I am waiting for the new album. The longest way back home is always the one with the new album being so eager to listen to it.

So sad he won't tour anymore. I'd liked the idea of walking the streets of Madrid all alone after the concert...

- Juan

jeannieb · Post by **jeannieb** » Thu Jul 01, 2004 5:09 am

Juan,

What a haunting image -- walking alone in the dark street, your senses saturated with song....

vern.silver · Post by **vern.silver** » Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:23 am

When I heard the new songs at New York, I thought to myself that in a way, Leonard was coming full circle. I thought of those days as described in the biographies of LC performing poetry with the jazz/blues playing behind it.

In a way it seemed appropriate to me that we would be hearing them while in New York with the West End pub just around the corner - where he sat and talked with Ginsberg, Kerouac et al.

I very much enjoyed everything that I heard - though some grabbed me right away, and I know that others will take time: immersing myself in them.

Vern

smccallon · Post by **smccallon** » Thu Jul 01, 2004 6:58 am

Vern,

I really like the way you described the new album. It brought back a number of the songs into my head. They are distant illusions but the feeling I had listening to them on that night remain.

This is Leonard Cohen "coming full circle" and I cannot think of a better way to describe the album than that.

Wow, thanks for that description you gave.

With Warm Regards,
Sean
http://www.livejournal.com/users/passthrufire