Live In London
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Movie Reviews of Live In London
Movie Review: Born with the gift of a golden voice
Summary: 5 Stars
Unlike Bob Dylan, his only rival as the greatest songwriter/poet to emerge in the 1960s, Leonard Cohen is an affable sort, prefacing his songs with remarks to the audience whom he calls "friends." While glum Bob acts like he's making a sacrifice by appearing before his fans, Cohen thanks them for "keeping my songs alive" and says, "We're honored to play for you tonight." He jokes with them in his witty, self-deprecating way. In Leonard Cohen Live in London, taped at the O2 Arena on July 17, 2008, he recalls that he was 60 when he last played London, "just a kid with a crazy dream."
And the crowd loves him, cheering enthusiastically, and roaring their approval when, in his raspy baritone, he sings those lines from 1988's "Tower of Song":
"I was born like this, I have no choice,
I was born with the gift of a golden voice."
Cohen's voice IS golden, and the songs are magnificent. He performs 24 of them in this concert, all but one from his selective pen. Most of his signature works are here - "Suzanne," "Everybody Knows," "Take This Waltz," "Hallelujah," "Sisters of Mercy" (but not, alas, my favorite, "Joan of Arc") - songs whose melancholy tone nonetheless have a calm, soothing effect, the perfect antidote to a world that, as Cohen observes, "is plunged in darkness and chaos." Hallelujah, indeed!
Cohen is also kind to his collaborators, introducing his band and backup singers several times, and highlighting their exceptional work even during the songs ("Dino Soldo on the saxophone," he points out midway through "Bird on the Wire," and "Javier Mas on the archilaud" before Cohen has even sung a note of "Who By Fire").
I'll always rank Cohen's October 1988 appearance on PBS's Austin City Limits above any other live performances since it was then that I was formally introduced to this incomparable artist (and when will that glorious hour be released on DVD?), but Leonard Cohen Live in London is outstanding. This is a moment in time to be cherished, now and in the future, when, to paraphrase the man himself, we ache in the places where we used to play. If possible, his voice and music will resonate even stronger then, and heal the most battered heart and soul. I love you, Leonard.
Brian W. Fairbanks
Movie Review: The DVD is Wonderful
Summary: 5 Stars
Despite reports to the contrary, the DVD is wonderful.
First, as to the technical quibbles - it's all about the music and the performance - be glad it was captured! The picture and sound on my copy is GREAT. Watched on my 40" LG plasma and on my 23" PC monitor. The video in 4:3 480P is excellent for capturing a live performance in a low-key theater lighting situation. The audio is clean, sharp and full range. The DVD experience is much more than the "just music" CD version some technophile has recommended. I find nothing negative about the technical quality. Enjoy the show.
Musically and performance-wize, this is one of the all-time great shows to see. Cohen's troupe of amazingly multi-talented and versatile musicians is a joy to witness.
Leonard is in his 75th year and is the master of his game. He touches all your emotions in a deep and complex way. This is a good DVD to watch with your sweetie along with some wine in a private location. Loaf of bread optional.
For vocals Leonard is supported by long-time collaborator and songwriter Sharon Robinson, and the wonderfully pure harmonies of the Webb sisters Charley and Hattie. Band members Roscoe Beck (the musical director and Bassist) and Dino Soldo (winds & keyboard) also add to the harmonies. In the final hymn, everyone sings.
The musicians seem eclectic at first glance yet blend wonderfully. Cohen's music might suggest the very late night smoky atmosphere of a jazz club. The wide variety of musical traditions represented by the troupe, rather than conflicting with that atmosphere, bring it to a high level. The are all clearly deeply talented. One can sense that individually they could dazzle you with expertise in widely varying traditions but in this ensemble they have chosen to blend beautifully and masterfully in an understated way. At every point they are unforced, comfortable, deep, and delicious. If you are a musician of any of any caliber you will be in appreciative awe.
I'd go on and on praising each member, but better than that, just buy the damn DVD, grab your personal thou, and settle in for a great treat. Later, send Leonard a thank-you note.
Movie Review: Great entertainment
Summary: 5 Stars
The world is split into three groups of people: those who have adored Leonard Cohen for the past 40 years; those who discovered him recently (say in the last ten years), and those who have yet to find out about him. I'm in the second group of people.
This is unquestionably a 5* DVD, but this is no fawning review. From end to end this concert is a blast. The songs are fantastic; the singer is fantastic, and the supporting band is fantastic. What makes it so? Well, aside from the quality of the songs (and that alone is worth the price of admission), the whole thing comes across as hugely entertaining, and can I say, fun. I've never seen the man (I wish I had), but I keep thinking of Frank Sinatra when I see Leonard in his fedora hat. Let's put Leonard Cohen up there with Frank - one of the greats!
I saw this gig live in Australia a couple of months back, and the DVD is a faithful reproduction of what I saw, then and how I remember it now. And therein lies a problem I have with the whole thing. In going to the gig I read various reviews and such like, each of which was glowing in its praise, and each of which regaled us with a quip that Leonard came up with during the respective concerts under review. Live in concert, as on this DVD, Leonard came up with the same quips at the same time. This leaves me with a mild feeling of being short changed - the spontaniety one associates with live concerts is missing. It's no big deal, and it shouldn't impair your enjoyment of what is otherwise a wonderful event, but I offer this view in sincerity. In equal sincerity, I believe that it is still a 5* gig. If you have $20 left on your credit card you have to type in those numbers now.
For those of you in the latter group of the three types of people (those still to discover Leonard Cohen), this DVD is a good starting point. If not this, then the double CD, The Essential Leonard Cohen, is well worth considering. It offers a few songs not on the DVD (A Thousand Kisses Deep, for example) and is a great place to start. What the heck - do yourself a favour and put $40 on the plastic - buy them both.
Movie Review: Historic Masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
While there may not be a conveyance of dramatic videography, the concert was covered eloquently. I watched this before seeing LC live on this tour and after. I am so glad I bought the DVD because it takes me back to that night each and every time, which makes it most memorable and oustanding in my opinion. This man is a masterpiece himself. At 75, to even be doing what he is doing, ("If it be your will", as he says) is nothing short of magnificent. I have not enough praise for Leonard Cohen and every member of the band. I have heard other singer/songwriters as they reach their golden years become rough voiced and out of tune. LC has done no such thing. I think he has actually gotten better with age and far prefer his depth of voice now to his earlier recordings.
The concert covers the majority of his greatest songs. Of course he could not cover them all in one concert. At the show I saw he actually did Chelsea Hotel in addition to the playlist shown. This concert runs 2.5 hours plus so you will definitly get your money's worth. Warm, humble, adoring of his back up singers the 'sublime' Webb Sisters, collaborator Sharon Robinson and other band members, Leonard pays tribute to them throughout the evening. They are each and every one a vital ingredient in the stupendous talent emanating from and creating the masterpiece which is this musical presentation.
This is a must have for any LC fan. LC does not fit into any genre, he creates his own and in my opinion, is the greatest lyricist and wordsmith of our time. Even my grandkids ( aged 5 & 2) are going around the house singing "Hallelujah!". It's good to know that they are being exposed to real music and something beyond the top 40 pop charts. This is real, from the gut and from the soul, unsurpassed depth of talent..... moving beyond words.
Movie Review: How the Light Gets In
Summary: 5 Stars
My wife and I had the privilege of seeing Leonard in concert here in Phoenix on April 5. The performance was quite possibly the best I've seen in more than 40 years of attending concerts, and it was nearly identical to the London concert captured on this DVD. As a result, we now have a wonderful reminder of the superb show we saw. But for those unable to attend the live show, this DVD is the next best thing to being there. Still, if you can be there, don't pass up the opportunity to see this extraordinary man, his musicians and his backup singers - it is well worth the cost.
Others have commented on the quality of the other performers, and I can't really add much here, other than to echo those sentiments - they are all world class. A few of them probably deserve special mention, though. Sharon Robinson's vocals on a couple of songs she co-wrote - "In My Secret Life" and "Boogie Street" - are among the concert highlights. And the Webb Sisters' version of "If It Be Your Will" is nothing short of breathtaking. Javier Mas does some sensational work on various forms of the acoustic guitar.
Most likely, everyone reading this is already a Leonard Cohen fan (disciple?), so remarks about his brilliance and the impact his work has on people probably all go without saying. Instead, I will just say that all of that shines through in this DVD, and every Leonard Cohen fan should have a copy.
Some reviews here mention disappointment with the sound, but our experience has been entirely positive. We did find that some adjustments to our system settings were necessary in order to get the most of out of it, but once we did that, it was just like being back at the Dodge Theater on April 5.