_leonard cohen

July 15, 2008

(click on the photo)

i once flew to toronto by way of new york just because there was a rumor that leonard cohen was going to be playing at the illuminata festival. i soon realized it was going to be some kind of avant garde philip glass production. i still went with the hope that he would participate, somehow be on stage, or even just the thought that he would be in the audience. it took me a song and a half to realize i’d better get out of there. i was depressed and disappointed. i had come so far for beauty… maybe that’s why when i heard he was finally actually really going on tour, i didn’t go all out trying to be there. i missed the toronto concerts, so this left europe. i wasn’t sure i was up for the effort and the expense. then o. said – you will never remember what you did with those 300$. just go. so we did.

saturday at westerpark in amsterdam left me speechless. the location was perfect,
our timing was perfect (i got to be first in line! stood as close to the stage as was physically possible) leonard cohen was perfect. he ran on to stage (he’s almost 74!) looking wonderful. you know the look justin timberlake is trying? the suits? the hats? leonard invented that look. his voice, his smile, his powerful presence and the way he shares the stage and the credit with his musicians and vocalists. he’s my man.

_

October 14, 2007

i just picked anna kareninna off the cheap classics shelf in barns and nobles. it has one of the best first sentences i’ve read. happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in it’s own way. i’m not even sure i want to continue reading the book, one good sentence is all you can ask for. besides, it’s so discouragingly fat.

the second book i bought is leonard cohens “let us compare mythologies”. his first book of poems, published when he was 22. conclusions: 1. there’s a reason it’s been out of print for the past 40 years. (sorry jikan, my love for you is true, but not unconditional) and 2. i should not be allowed in bookstores when i’m trying to save money. (total spent: 32$ i don’t actually have)