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Im a newbie on this forum, i dont really "do" the internet but i wanna ask these questions. Why does everyone seem to think Im Your Man is a good album? Why do people like anjani when all she does is ruin good songs? why was dear heather released?Am i going mad or is the rest of the world already one foot in the nuthouse??

I'm Your Man has some great songs like Everybody Knows, I'm Your Man, Take This Waltz, Tower of Song, First We Take Manhattan. That maybe why people like the album.

Anjanis vocals add another layer to Cohen's. I think they sound great together. Its pretty idiotic to think that because people disagree with you, they must be mad.

Hey Van Gogh!!! Hey, man! Paint Starry Night again, man! That was a good one!!!

Hi Juggedout. Sorry I got all loud on you there.

When I first came to the forum, I said some things about Leonard that were none-too-complimentary. Somehow I assumed that my affection for Leonard would be understood, since I had made the effort to seek a group of fellow admirers. But I too was called to task about it, and deservedly so. For me, being here has helped me learn to be more gracious, and to better understand and forgive people's (not just Leonard's) shortcomings, and as exemplified, I still fail. I don't know what you had in mind in saying the things you've said. I don't even know yet if you're a real person or a troll.

Why does everyone seem to think Im Your Man is a good album?

It's unusual that you have singled out I'm Your Man as a Cohen dud. Most people say DOALM is the worst, but even that has a few folks who love it and say it's his best stuff. I don't have the album that has Jazz Police on it, but that was my least favourite back when I did have it. Is that I'm Your Man? I don't think I have it. I didn't like the musical arrangements, but I still liked the writing. Maybe you could tell us why you don't like I'm Your Man.

Why do people like anjani when all she does is ruin good songs?

I like Anjani's singing, and I think she's not only a well trained musician, but a creative and talented compliment to LC. She is physically beautiful, she is friendly, funny, confident and fun. She enjoys people's stories. I have taken Blue Alert into my bubble bath, on long walks, into my job and my dinners, and in all cases, it seemed to compliment the mood. I don't know what you mean by ruining a good song. But it did take me a while to get used to Blue Alert enough to like it. I am sure she does things other than ruin good songs. She has to make tea sometime.

why was dear heather released?

ha ha ha. Well, that in part was answered in my previous post. I don't think it's fair to expect more of the same from creative people. That's not how they work. But I also think Dear Heather was released because Leonard didn't much enjoy empty pockets. Still, compared to what else is available, Dear Heather ranks pretty high quality in my collection, and I enjoy it.

I don't know if Lizzy's shown up to welcome you yet, so welcome to the forum.

Manna wrote:Hey Van Gogh!!! Hey, man! Paint Starry Night again, man! That was a good one!!!

I believe that particular verbal riff was done by Joni Mitchell on her Miles Of Aisles live-in-concert album but I do appreciate the sentiment.

michael

kokenpere wrote:

Manna wrote:Hey Van Gogh!!! Hey, man! Paint Starry Night again, man! That was a good one!!!

I believe that particular verbal riff was done by Joni Mitchell on her Miles Of Aisles live-in-concert album but I do appreciate the sentiment.

michael

Yep. Thanks for making the reference for me.

Hi Juggedout,

Here's my own answers to your questions...

"I'm Your Man" is rated so highly because it contains some of Leonard's finest work, as well as showing how he was able to re-invent himself and gain a much wider appeal. "Take This Waltz" is a mini masterpiece - not only musically, but because it is an improvement
on Lorca's poem ("Little Viennese Waltz"). "I Can't Forget" is one of Leonard's most moving and underrated songs (Jarvis Cocker's version is pretty good, too). For me, there are no bad tracks on this album..."Ain't No Cure For Love" is superb - as are the tracks previously mentioned. Even "Jazz Police" is an inventive track, which somehow fits into the overall work.

I can't really understand your criticism of Anjani's work, when virtually all of the music that she has recorded is totally original or jointly created with Leonard. The only song that she has put on record to my knowledge that is a cover (as such) is "Nightingale", and even though I love the version on "Dear Heather", I find Anjani's solo version far superior . She puts so much feeling into it, that it brings tears to my eyes. I didn't "get" her album the first time that I played it, but the second time round it touched my soul on a very deep level. I can now say with confidence that it is one of the best three albums that I have heard this decade. The only other songs that I have heard Anjani cover are "Gipsy Wife" and "The Smokey Life". Nothing can beat Leonard's versions for me, but these are relatively overlooked songs that suit Anjani's jazzy style admirably.

I'm not such a fan of "Dear Heather" (though I love "Villanelle for Our Time" and "The Faith"). However, I think that Leonard primarily recorded this album as a tribute to his friends and mentors in the poetry world, and also as a way of passing the torch to Anjani, by giving her a major role in the vocal work.

All good things, John E

You said it all very well, John.

I think Juggedout should keep listening to these albums with an open mind and sooner rather than later he will understand and appreciate the greatness of this music.

Yes, thank you, John. I just didn't have the energy to go through all of it. You did a better job than I would have, anyway.

I agree, Gerrida and Manna.


~ Lizzy

@ Juggedout

Those people you're reffering to are called "fans". There's no way you can help them.

I just bought Dear Heather about a month ago and initially wasn't that fond of it. I thought of it as "weak" but not anymore. It has a smaller production more intimate feeling to it. I often listen to it on my way to work at 7 PM and it suits my drive through a more industrious "warehouse" area of San francisco I really like the beginning of "Morning Glory', very "Beat" sounding. And i find myself singing "And your legs all W-H-I-T-E from the W-I-N-T-E-R. I don't have Anajani's album but I like her contribution to this album.

By all means, get Anjani's album, then, FriscoGrl... and try listening to it on your way to work. It will transform the landscape. I'm glad you finally made your way to Dear Heather. I love it.


~ Lizzy