leonardcohenforum.com

Well folk, at last I'm listening to my "The Essential LC" album that Aussie distribution powers-that-be obviously regarded as not as essential for us as it was for a good part of the rest of the world (which accessed it 7+ months ago)! But then again, why should I be surprised when "TNS" didn't even make the top 50 album chart here - enough said!

Anyway, it's better late than never and I'm relishing it as I write. Undoubtedly it's a great selection, even though I was a little surprised by the odd omission and uneven album coverage - mind you, it was clearly a difficult proposition to deal with

Andrew (Darby)

First and formost this is mostly oppioniated, but when it comes to an essential "anything". Only a complete body of work will do any justice. Depending on the artist an album should have a decent sence of itself. Which means continuity in the songs, artwork, melodie. A record should be looked at as a whole rather then just a compilation of songs Mr. Cohen put together. I know that Best Of or Greatest Hits or Essential...etc records serve sometimes a purpose then just racking in the cash for the record industry. When I was a kid I listened to "The Best Of Leonard Cohen" very much. Also I have to say it was a great introduction into his early music. Fact is the first album I heard was "The Future", but the second was "The Best Of Leonard Cohen" album, and for the longest time was my best friend. I just find this compilation probably isn't so much an artistic expression rather then the record industry trying to cash in on nostagia. Even though Mr. Cohen for me isn't at all nostalgia. Thanks!!!