Leonard Cohen - Live In London (Columbia)

Leonard Cohen is back in a big way. At 74 years old he is at the top of his game. This performance is certainly a testament to that. Recorded in London’s 02 Arena in 2008. Cohen brings his spiritual songs and poetry in an arena setting. Despite playing the hall known for the Led Zeppelin’s recent reunion, Cohen makes it look like an intimate lounge. The feel of the songs require incredible amount of concentration from the performer, and the audience. Backed up by the phenomenal players who spice up the songs, and often enrich the arrangements, Cohen can only deliver his magic. And there are plenty of magical moments throughout the show. There are plenty of funny moments, Cohen does not mind taking a stab at himself and ridiculing his age, or predisposition.

Musically, this DVD just draws you in, and it’s difficult to stop watching it. It’s a long show, but so well coordinated, and executed perfectly. The interpretation of some of the oldest material is really powerful, and so filled with life experience. The newer songs still haven’t lost their edge. In fact, many of them make more sense now than when they were written. The Future reads like the headlines from the last few years. Everybody Knows still shocks with its wickedness. Ain’t No Cure For Love will never loose its relevancy and actuality. Tower of Song still serious, and a moment of truth from Cohen himself, not to mention the exclusive back up vocal portions. Hallelujah is moving and deep, one can’t argue the point presented here. The Gypsy’s Wife is a surprise highlight, with a beautiful Spanish guitar arrangement. The real revelation, and another highlight is If It Be Your Will performed by The Webb Sisters (part of Cohen’s back up vocal crew). Accompanied by guitar and harp, The Webb Sisters, add incredible harmony and passion to this song. It just needs to be heard.

Cohen himself sings with passion and incredible respect to the topics presented in the songs. His vocals and presentation are very convincing, with incredible dose of spirituality inserted. The tales of upcoming apocalypse, secret liaisons, and the moments of self-weakness are the topics that fill Cohen’s songs. Cohen comes clean on all those topics. The connection between the performer and the audience is very tight. Rarely such mutual adoration can be seen. Having experienced one of the performances recently, it gets even better live than shown here.

Mark Kadzielawa