Customer Reviews
Concise And Breathtaking - By: pikeyboy, 28 Aug 2008 
In many ways I'm almost glad that Cohen is loathed so muchin some quarters. You used to be able to buy perfect copies of this on vinyl for a pound from boot-sales. You couldn't imagine a pound being better-spent. I won't go into great depth here: if you know the tracks (and you should) you'll know how resplendent & timeless they all are. But, for a bit of fun, I propose my own alternative list, had I compiled the original album. As follows: SUZANNE, STRANGER SONG, SISTERS OF MERCY, SO LONG MARIANNE, HEY THAT'S NO WAY TO SAY GOODBYE, BIRD ON THE WIRE, THE PARTISAN, AVALANCHE, FAMOUS BLUE RAINCOAT, JOAN OF ARC, WHO BY FIRE, FIELD COMMANDER COHEN.
Fantastic value for a great selection - By: John Lawrence, 20 Aug 2006 This was the first Leonard Cohen album that I bought & it's still my favourite. There are others that have great songs, but with this collection they are ALL great. Particular favourites include Suzanne, Famous Blue Raincoat, So Long Marianne & Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye, but there are no weak tracks here.
In short great value, & every track a winner. A fantastic introduction to the timeless mastery of Leonard Cohen.
if you only ever buy one album ever . . . - By: C. Marples, 07 Jul 2006 Then this should be it, encapsulating the pain of living & loving & letting go.
Not so much music as poetry, Cohen speaks to the heart before wrenching it out & breaking it so gently that you have to let him do it over & over again.
IF YOU ONLY OWN ONE LEONARD COHEN ALBUM... - By: R. J. Salusbury, 04 Dec 2005 Superior to the bloated 'The Essential Leonard Cohen', this is, possibly, the finest compilation album ever. And no, this is not suicide music - just a collection of timeless, classic songs. Favourites include Famous Blue Raincoat, Who By Fire, Hey That's No Way To Say Goodbye & the catchiest song ever - So Long Marianne.
To anyone who enjoys this album, I recommend that they seek out Jennifer Warnes' album of Cohen covers 'Famous Blue Raincoat' - some fine interpretations of some of Leonard's best songs.
An Excellent Introduction To The Work Of Leonard Cohen - By: , 04 Jun 2003 This was the first Leonard Cohen album I ever bought,a long, long time ago & it is an excellent introduction to the mystical & sensual lyricism of Leonard Cohen. From the painfully romantic to the almond bitter this album provides a great overview & is something you will never be tired of hearing after no matter how many years!
