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Leonard Cohen — Almost Like the Blues
Album: Popular Problems
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1132









Released: 2014
Length: 3:25
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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I saw some people starving
There was murder, there was rape
Their villages were burning
They were trying to escape
I couldn't meet their glances
I was staring at my shoes
It was acid, it was tragic
It was almost like the blues

I have to die a little
Between each murderous thought
And when I'm finished thinking
I have to die a lot
There's torture and there's killing
And there's all my bad reviews
The war, the children missing
Lord, it's almost like the blues

So I let my heart get frozen
To keep away the rot
My father said I'm chosen
My mother said I'm not
I listened to their story
Of the Gypsies and the Jews
It was good, it wasn't boring
It was almost like the blues

There is no God in Heaven
And there is no Hell below
So says the great professor
Of all there is to know
But I've had the invitation
That a sinner can't refuse
And it's almost like salvation
It's almost like the blues
Comments (84)add comment
There are some artists and music on here I just don’t get…. He’s almost at the top of the list….
Posted 2 months ago by ckcotton    [ Reply ]
 markpeachey wrote:

Yeh! Reminds me of Bob Dylan. He wouldn't make past the auditions on any current TV talent show


Who would you choose? Bob Dylan or Adam Lambert?
Posted 4 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
Posted 5 months ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 maxvonevil wrote:


It's always been hard to describe what being 'American' means. There's a lot of decent and kind folk, yet there is a certain percentage of them, who are not exactly what you would call diversity-friendly.

It's the mullet-wearing pickup-driving gun-touting dont-tread-on-me youknowwho-voting cousin-marrying kind who's perception of anything foreign is remade starring Tom Cruise and their idea of a trans person is Hulk Hogan in a cocktail dress groping their 13 year-old daughter in a restroom.

Please give this a downvote to acknowledge your affiliation with that demographic.


Wow?! Nice open-minded, diversity embracing, nonjudgmental comment you got there.
Posted 8 months ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
 markpeachey wrote:

Yeh! Reminds me of Bob Dylan. He wouldn't make past the auditions on any current TV talent show

OMG, did you really post this? Unbelievable.
Big Clay Aiken fan, are you?
Posted 9 months ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 stalfnzo wrote:

Really? How very American. Why not accept and encourage diversity? Why not just take a little time to translate it yourself? 


It's always been hard to describe what being 'American' means. There's a lot of decent and kind folk, yet there is a certain percentage of them, who are not exactly what you would call diversity-friendly.

It's the mullet-wearing pickup-driving gun-touting dont-tread-on-me youknowwho-voting cousin-marrying kind who's perception of anything foreign is remade starring Tom Cruise and their idea of a trans person is Hulk Hogan in a cocktail dress groping their 13 year-old daughter in a restroom.

Please give this a downvote to acknowledge your affiliation with that demographic.
Posted 1 year ago by maxvonevil    [ Reply ]
LC has always been our inner tormentor...

Love his 'blues' vocal on this. 
Posted 2 years ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
 nickshortie wrote:

Please try again in english....

 
Really? How very American. Why not accept and encourage diversity? Why not just take a little time to translate it yourself? 
Posted 7 years ago by stalfnzo    [ Reply ]
 Waldi11 wrote:
Immer wieder großartig, Leonhard Cohen zu hören. 
Es ist traurig, dass er nicht mehr ist, aber wir haben seine Songs. Für immer!  {#Angel}

 
Please try again in english....
Posted 7 years ago by nickshortie    [ Reply ]
Immer wieder großartig, Leonhard Cohen zu hören. 
Es ist traurig, dass er nicht mehr ist, aber wir haben seine Songs. Für immer!  {#Angel}
Posted 7 years ago by Waldi11    [ Reply ]
A real dead set.  I see what you did there.  ;p
Posted 7 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:
OK, Leonard, Maestro of Existential Misery. He wrote and warbled some great songs, clearly, but couldn't he have ever crooned, you know, some happy tunes? Some upbeat Cole Porter covers were his for the asking. On this one, though, he sounds like Mr. Spock Nimoy who just witnessed the extermination of Vulcan by raping Romulan rebels. Take it easy brother, it's only a movie.  

 
"GROSS: And do you think that you are more kind of cynical on some of your songwriting than any of those kind of classic guys could ever be?

COHEN: You know, that's a question I've just been asking myself in the past few days because, somehow, I've heard Louis Armstrong's "What A Wonderful World It Could Be" - every turn, I hear it for some odd reason. It's such a very beautiful song. And I think to myself, you know, why don't I leave a couple of songs like that behind me, you know? And I'd like to.

You know, there's a lot of things I'd like to do. But when you're actually in the trenches, and, you know, you're in front of the page or, you know, the guitar or the keyboard under your hands, you have to deal with where the energy is, you know, what arises, what presents itself with a certain kind of urgency."


Posted 7 years ago by DragonSixGolf    [ Reply ]
OK, Leonard, Maestro of Existential Misery. He wrote and warbled some great songs, clearly, but couldn't he have ever crooned, you know, some happy tunes? Some upbeat Cole Porter covers were his for the asking. On this one, though, he sounds like Mr. Spock Nimoy who just witnessed the extermination of Vulcan by raping Romulan rebels. Take it easy brother, it's only a movie.  
Posted 7 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 old_shep wrote:
Death sells.

 
As Leonard has shuffled closer to the end of his mortal coil, he has turned into a one-trick pony. 
Posted 8 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Andres-7 wrote:
It is not music. LC is not a musician, neither singer. A solid 1 for every LC song.

 
The same criticisms are expressed about Bob Dylan.
Posted 8 years ago by Stefen    [ Reply ]
It is not music. LC is not a musician, neither singer. A solid 1 for every LC song.
Posted 8 years ago by Andres-7    [ Reply ]
SHITTURD EXCREMENTIOUS vibration that propagates as an audible mechanical wave of pressure and displacement
Posted 8 years ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
Leanord Cohen's music is understated and basic - almost cheesy, and his voice isn't melodic or tuned.  

It's not intended to be about the music or the sound though.

It can be appreciated much better by understanding he is a poet doing a live reading.  Everything is to serve the painting of the words.  The music then fills in the mood and emotion of the words.  In this context he's one of my favorite artists.  
Posted 8 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
Death sells.
Posted 8 years ago by old_shep    [ Reply ]
 BlueHeronDruid wrote:
Lifelong Cohen fan, but he really needs to stop recording. Please. Please.

 
Agreed!!!
Posted 8 years ago by raewah    [ Reply ]
Lifelong Cohen fan, but he really needs to stop recording. Please. Please.
Posted 8 years ago by BlueHeronDruid    [ Reply ]
But where is the famous blue raincoat?

We need "songs of love and hate"!
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
peace
Posted 9 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
There is something about the music and the background vocals that's very soothing and then the juxtaposition of his rough stoic vocals creates a very interesting piece.
Posted 9 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 Highspirits wrote:

Don't bet on it. 

 

Being a "wife or girlfriend", I'm with you Highspirits.
Posted 9 years ago by AhhtheMusic    [ Reply ]
 markpeachey wrote:

Yeh! Reminds me of Bob Dylan. He wouldn't make past the auditions on any current TV talent show

 
Neither would have most musicians and composers of any value or meaning.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Love it, this is like the third Leonard Cohen song today, way to go Bill!
Posted 9 years ago by chefhahn    [ Reply ]
Wow!  The man does have a way with words.......
Posted 9 years ago by dsd    [ Reply ]
I always think this is Nick Cave when I first hear the piano at the beginning.
Posted 9 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
This man is so important in music...
 
Posted 9 years ago by hempmandan    [ Reply ]
 markpeachey wrote:

Yeh! Reminds me of Bob Dylan. He wouldn't make past the auditions on any current TV talent show

 
Thank goodness!  A viral star today and forgotten tomorrow. 
Posted 9 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
Hey Bill, you can play Leonard Cohen any time you want.  Great lyrics, great spirit.
Posted 9 years ago by Eric_Denison    [ Reply ]
 philinnz wrote:

i am glad it is
 
I think Bill likes it
Posted 9 years ago by markpeachey    [ Reply ]
 WonderLizard wrote:

In fact he is an accomplished poet and novelist—Beautiful Losers is generally regarded as a classic—in addition to his songwriting, recording, and performing. For both depth of lyrics and, um, uniqueness of voice, I easily put him in the same rank as Dylan and Waits. Seventy-something and he's still going strong. We should all be so lucky.

 
Yeh! Reminds me of Bob Dylan. He wouldn't make past the auditions on any current TV talent show
Posted 9 years ago by markpeachey    [ Reply ]
 ChrisVIII wrote:
How come this song has been played so often lately ? 

 
i am glad it is
Posted 9 years ago by philinnz    [ Reply ]
NO NO NO NO Please No!
Gravelly voiced old men whose peak was 1978 just doesn't cut it for me. Saw him live a couple of years ago. Couldn't get out of there quick enough.
Posted 9 years ago by markpeachey    [ Reply ]
Becoming confused by RP listeners lately. Bagging on some excellence material and embracing some real crap. Sure it's all personal taste but, what happened to being tasteful. Just confused.
Posted 9 years ago by merobreno    [ Reply ]
 humbled wrote:

You may not like him but I guarantee you that your wife or girlfriend loves him. 
 
Don't bet on it. 
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
 otis_of_moab wrote:

Perhaps he should write poetry or short stories.  But please, please don't insult us with these offensive sounds.



 
In fact he is an accomplished poet and novelist—Beautiful Losers is generally regarded as a classic—in addition to his songwriting, recording, and performing. For both depth of lyrics and, um, uniqueness of voice, I easily put him in the same rank as Dylan and Waits. Seventy-something and he's still going strong. We should all be so lucky.
Posted 9 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:


 
I love the fact that he is ALWAYS impeccably dressed. His father owned a clothing store. He's a different cat.
Posted 9 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]



Posted 9 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
How come this song has been played so often lately ? 
Posted 9 years ago by ChrisVIII    [ Reply ]
 otis_of_moab wrote:

Perhaps he should write poetry or short stories.  But please, please don't insult us with these offensive sounds.



 
If you agree not to share your offensive thoughts. {#Beat}
Posted 9 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
 westsound wrote:
There is no one quite like Leonard Cohen,you just have stop what ever your doing and listen to his lyrics.

 

Perhaps he should write poetry or short stories.  But please, please don't insult us with these offensive sounds.


Posted 9 years ago by otis_of_moab    [ Reply ]
 westsound wrote:
There is no one quite like Leonard Cohen,you just have stop what ever your doing and listen to his lyrics.
 
Yes, you just have to stop what you're doing.....and push the PSD button ASAP

he and tom waits growling through their songs may sound pleasing to some, but not me.
Posted 9 years ago by Highspirits    [ Reply ]
Totally understand every word and like them,
as well as the song. 
Posted 9 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
I'd better push the lyrics button because I can't understand a word of what he's saying.(singing?) I'd rather turn the sound off because his hoarse mumbling doesn't soud very pleasant to me.
( though Dutch is my native language I can understand most singers rather well and enjoy most music on radioparadise.
Posted 9 years ago by pkoelmans    [ Reply ]
There is no one quite like Leonard Cohen,you just have stop what ever your doing and listen to his lyrics.
Posted 9 years ago by westsound    [ Reply ]
Good song for an anti-smoking campaign
Posted 9 years ago by robin_at_domani    [ Reply ]
less talk, more rock {#Yawn}
Posted 9 years ago by pankman    [ Reply ]
A Yello like song...  
Posted 9 years ago by krec    [ Reply ]
If you dont like Cohen just change it
You dont have to hate him just cause loads love him.
And this song is okay,not bad...
Actually i like it..Lol 
Posted 10 years ago by Fugi    [ Reply ]
First time i hear this. Now he sounds a bit like Tom Waits. I prefer the singing, not the talking!
Posted 10 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
I'm a big LC fan, but though I like this song A LOT, would be more if it didn't have such a similar musical MO to a song on Live in London.
Posted 10 years ago by Djoy    [ Reply ]
 tkosh wrote:
That would be deserted island, I believe..
 
Well, technically, it was called an "uncharted desert isle", and the Professor was definitely a player.
prof
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
This song is perfect for walking up after mid term elections.
Posted 10 years ago by Krakus    [ Reply ]
Came here to vote 1, oh wait, already did. Auto-PSD would be great, but listening via stream, so silence for some time.
Posted 10 years ago by MANIAK_dobrii    [ Reply ]
Everybody in my alien space craft loves this song...  we be dancing like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 zepher wrote:
...So says the great professor
Of all there is to know

But I've had the invitation
That a sinner can't refuse

And it's almost like salvation
It's almost like the blues

———-
 
I know that professor....
What does he know?
He couldn't get to 2nd base on a desert island.
That would be deserted island, I believe..

 


Posted 10 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
Wow, if you took Cohen's voice out of this, it'd be, " Almost like this song doesn't suck."

Almost. 
Posted 10 years ago by jhorton    [ Reply ]
 unclehud wrote:
 deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply do not understand how anyone finds his singing listenable. Absolutely horrible.

I find it riveting — enjoyably riveting to be clear. 

(And how did Ginger's hair get done, and who cleaned her evening gowns, and where did she get whatever it takes to glue on those false eyelashes?  Not complaining, just curious.)



 
Uncle H - Are you off of your meds, again?
Posted 10 years ago by scott_bruce    [ Reply ]
Not bad. But I'm wildly biased. This guy can do no wrong in my mind. : )
Posted 10 years ago by hencini    [ Reply ]

Posted 10 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
Leonard's voice speaks directly to my soul.  The waves of emotion tear through me when I listen to him.  Sure its not a classic sound but I struggle to see how people don't see the utter beauty in his lyrical mastery.
Posted 10 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply do not understand how anyone finds his singing listenable. Absolutely horrible.
  PSD for deep.

Amazing. Soulful.
Wonderful lyrics.
Perhaps would have benefited from being a spoken tone-poem rather than poorly arranged "singing".


Posted 10 years ago by ScottN    [ Reply ]
 tkosh wrote:

You take Justin Bieber..  I'll take this..  I think it's called "soul."

 
Wow. What a come back.
Posted 10 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply do not understand how anyone finds his singing listenable. Absolutely horrible.

I find it riveting — enjoyably riveting to be clear. 

(And how did Ginger's hair get done, and who cleaned her evening gowns, and where did she get whatever it takes to glue on those false eyelashes?  Not complaining, just curious.)


Posted 10 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:
I simply do not understand how anyone finds his singing listenable. Absolutely horrible.

 
You take Justin Bieber..  I'll take this..  I think it's called "soul."
Posted 10 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
The bass line in this is what captures me.
Posted 10 years ago by JeriF    [ Reply ]
I've got bloody pockets in my pants!  LOVE this groovy song!
Posted 10 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]

I would say that would be unprecedented and a rare phenomenon, the pinnacle of creative and inspirational force arise after 80-year-old artist (next 21 September), is remotely possible but not expected. I can´t remember any case, but if someone wants to cite any , feel free. But i recognize that uncle Cohen remains active doing excellent performances with passion and dignity, and so i raise my hat.
So we should wait for the output of promised album "Popular Problems" by the uncle Cohen. Let's see if with the collaboration of co-writer Patrick Leonard ....we'll see.


Posted 10 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Holy sh*t this is bad! Would give it a zero if that was an option.
Posted 10 years ago by meauclaire    [ Reply ]
The Bard can sing!
Posted 10 years ago by Erie-T30    [ Reply ]
...So says the great professor
Of all there is to know

But I've had the invitation
That a sinner can't refuse

And it's almost like salvation
It's almost like the blues

-------
 
I know that professor....
What does he know?
He couldn't get to 2nd base on a desert island.



Posted 10 years ago by zepher    [ Reply ]
I simply do not understand how anyone finds his singing listenable. Absolutely horrible.
Posted 10 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
It just struck me that he sounds somewhat uncannily like Leonard Nimoy might sound if he was a crooner. Leonard Cohen "Spock" Nimoy does Vulcan's Top 40 Mind Melds. And Uhura singing backup. 
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
This is published in poem form in this week's edition of The New Yorker.
Posted 10 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
I think Cohen is phenomenal! Though I can't sit through all of his pieces, he is a great artist, deep and at times sly and to the point
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Love it. All I need now is to hear a track from the great new Morrisey album next and I'll be in new music heaven. 
Posted 10 years ago by ncollingridge    [ Reply ]
A better title would be "Almost like Music".  Leonard Cohen's music?  No thanks.
Posted 10 years ago by otis_of_moab    [ Reply ]
Agreed.... and what great lyrics... not bad from someone who's 80 in 17 days!!
Posted 10 years ago by Boy_Wonder    [ Reply ]
...eighty years and still going strong:  this guy's got legs!..
Posted 10 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
I can't believe his speaksinging, like that of Dylan and Waits, has sustained him for so long. A genius.
Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
First play earlier tonight for the new Robert Plant, and now new LC... good evening!
Posted 10 years ago by Boy_Wonder    [ Reply ]