Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen on vinyl: songs of love, faith and farewell

In short: Leonard Cohen (1934–2016) from Montreal was first a poet and novelist before his songs made him famous in the late sixties. With a deep, calm voice he sang about love, faith, desire and transience – and is regarded as one of the great song poets of the 20th century. The Vinyl Room currently has 6 Leonard Cohen records.

What makes Leonard Cohen special?

His early records are sparse: guitar, voice, a few strings. “Songs From A Room” (1969) has “Bird On The Wire”, “Songs Of Love And Hate” (1971) “Famous Blue Raincoat”. “New Skin For The Old Ceremony” (1974) adds more instruments and colour.

With “I’m Your Man” (1988) he reinvented himself – synthesizers, female backing vocals and irony, as in “First We Take Manhattan”. “You Want It Darker” (2016) came out a few weeks before his death and is regarded as a dignified farewell.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Leonard Cohen

→ Columbia · Folk rock · Ballad · Rock on vinyl

FAQ

Where did Leonard Cohen come from? From Montreal in Canada.

Which album is “Famous Blue Raincoat” on? “Songs Of Love And Hate” from 1971.

What was his last album released in his lifetime? “You Want It Darker”, released in 2016 shortly before his death; “Thanks For The Dance” followed posthumously in 2019.

Which records do you have? Albums from the seventies and eighties and his last album released in his lifetime – 6 records in all.