Leonard Cohen

Songs of Love and Hate

Death Folk

Review Score:

(10/10)
Without a doubt this is one of Cohen's best records. His most ambitious & perhaps his most depressing. I think he inadvertently created a whole new genre here---Death Folk. Self proclaimed fans range from Kurt Cobain to Nick Cave. So, if you're looking for the flower child nostalgia of of "Suzanne", proceed immediately to the latest greatest hits collection.

"Avalanche" definitely veers on the hate side of things. Lyrically speaking, it's like stumbling across Richard The Third in an abandoned mineshaft. Toss in some stark, flamenco guitar & you get the picture. A dark start to a harrowing album. "Last Year's Man" is a fitting tribute to any old Casanova whose seen his 15 minutes come & go. If that doesn't lift your spirits, how about a nice little ditty about suicide? Don't worry it's just a "Dress Rehearsal Rag". The only thing missing is a knout & a hairshirt. On "Diamonds In The Mine" he sounds like he just gargled with Drano. Dino eat your heart out.If you're feeling angry & disgusted, crank this one up. "Love Calls Your Name" has to be one of Cohen's most epic & underated ballads, while "Famous Blue Raincoat" is perhaps one of his most devastating. Jaded sarcasm comes to a fore on, "Sing Another Song, Boys" & "Joan Of Arc" ends it all on a superaltive note.

Pretentious, cynical & pissed off---this is the sound of Cohen strumming his six-string with an open vein. He's never done anything like it, before or since.

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