OAP-wannabe Leonard Cohen is an unlucky chap. We all know that the twilight years of a respected gent’s life should be spent in comfy slippers, puffing on a pipe, and enjoying the odd bit of gardening, right? Well, a longtime former manager (Kelley Lynch) had different ideas – emptying her client’s retirement funds and effectively bankrupting him – meaning the 77-year-old singer must spend his time touring and recording rather than “chillaxing”. B*stard.
Old Ideas is the legendary songwriter’s first offering since 2004′s Dear Heather and his twelfth studio album since 1967. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks (apart from his annoying introduction to synthesizers in more recent albums) – but that doesn’t matter, as this album is classic Cohen. Thank you Kelley Lynch! As the great man said after the playback for journalists, “I think this particular album invites you to be swept along with it.” If you listen carefully, you WILL be swept away.
Show Me the Place perfectly demonstrates the breathtakingly deep voice (now even deeper these days) that Cohen has been blessed with. There were obviously no cough sweets in the studio that day! The vocals – and tune – may actually be one of the most beautiful (and best) things he has ever recorded. Crazy To Love You is like a musical time machine, with the simple acoustic guitar melody instantly transporting you back to 1967. Alas, Darkness is also a simple track that sounds like it is from 40 years ago with twangy guitars, an organ, and Laughing Len’s whispered vocals contrasting superbly to the warm female backing vocals. Yep, old-school – there is not a hint of dubstep here! Fantastic.
Old Ideas is an album with no new ideas. But who cares. Fans of Cohen will love it and he might also pick up a new generation of fans to get those retirement funds up. Hallelujah!
Words by Andy Parker
Mr. Cohen is more than just a legendary musical artist. He’s an inspiration. A role model. A hero. A work of art. One of the last threads of a musical gentleman that we are still holding onto. I think a revolution could form in Leonard’s name. An attempt to regain what was once considered great music. Rejoice, friends, let’s cherish this great man’s career and his ability to put out a brand new album that will claim a place on the shelf next to his antique LP’s.