Leonard Cohen — Songs Of Leonard Cohen

The reissue of Songs Of Leonard Cohen represents a fascinating case study in how an artist evolves. Cohen's first album is a sparse folk affair, only barely making nods to "songs" and "music," focusing primarily on delivering his trademark spoke-sung narrative poetry. There's a distinctly Montreal vibe throughout the album. Much like Mordecai Richler or Hugh MacLennan novels, you can sense the same lonely protagonist trudging through the snow of the old city. Cohen's slightly nasal voice is vastly different than the grumbling, wizened rumble of his later years. Likewise, the album predates Cohen's fascination with keys and synth-heavy waltzing. The CBC's endorsement of it would have you believe that "Suzanne" is the gem here, but that's not so. Far and away the best and most fully realized song — complete with strings, choral backing and percussion — is "So Long, Marianne." Followed up by "Stories Of The Street" and "Teachers," these three make up the excellently pensive side two of vinyl nostalgists' lore. The bonus tracks both manage quality slow burns.

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