"Hallelujah"
Mar. 10th, 2008 11:32 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sinkwriter“It goes like this:
The fourth, the fifth,
The minor fall and the major lift…”
Today I was browsing the posts on my friends list, and came across this fascinating article as posted by![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
emily_shore, found here. It was about the Leonard Cohen-composed song, “Hallelujah,” and all the incarnations of it as recorded by other artists.
I had no idea there were so many versions! I knew Leonard Cohen had written it, but the predominant take I'd heard was Jeff Buckley’s, as played in the background of a poignant scene during “Posse Comitatus” (final episode of season three, “The West Wing”). I happen to love that cover. The gentle, plaintive guitar … his beautifully mournful voice … how he takes his time with every single line. It’s lovely. And it fits the scene perfectly. Unoriginal choice, perhaps, and apparently overplayed, as the article points out -- though thankfully I hadn’t heard it before I saw that episode of West Wing -- but to me that doesn’t matter because it works.
Anyway, reading that article got me to thinking about all the different covers of the song, and one I heard recently that I’d forgotten about. I can’t believe I did, actually, because it’s so gorgeous. Singer k.d. lang performed it about a month ago on “Good Morning, America,” as part of a promotion for her latest album.
I admit, I don’t usually listen to her music very often. I love certain songs on “Ingénue” and “Drag,” but for the most part I need to be in a very laid-back mood to listen to her stuff. It’s either too slow or too country for me. No judgment; it’s just not usually my style.
However, I do think her talent is unquestionable. It’s rare that a singer holds me spellbound, but she’s one of them. And when I saw her perform “Hallelujah” on “Good Morning, America,” I didn’t move until she was done and the segment was over. I savored every note. Her take on the song may not have been unusual, but her singing was flawless. Passionate. Like decadent chocolate -- rich and silky smooth. I loved it.
And as a vocalist myself, I respect her immensely. She’s an amazing singer.
I can’t seem to find her performance from GMA, but I did find a live rendition from “the Max Sessions” at the Sydney Opera House. If you want to hear a beautifully heartfelt version of this song, check it out on YouTube at this link: k.d. lang singing “Hallelujah” (Sydney Opera House, 2005). It deserves to be seen and heard.
I hope you enjoy. :)
The fourth, the fifth,
The minor fall and the major lift…”
Today I was browsing the posts on my friends list, and came across this fascinating article as posted by
emily_shore, found here. It was about the Leonard Cohen-composed song, “Hallelujah,” and all the incarnations of it as recorded by other artists. I had no idea there were so many versions! I knew Leonard Cohen had written it, but the predominant take I'd heard was Jeff Buckley’s, as played in the background of a poignant scene during “Posse Comitatus” (final episode of season three, “The West Wing”). I happen to love that cover. The gentle, plaintive guitar … his beautifully mournful voice … how he takes his time with every single line. It’s lovely. And it fits the scene perfectly. Unoriginal choice, perhaps, and apparently overplayed, as the article points out -- though thankfully I hadn’t heard it before I saw that episode of West Wing -- but to me that doesn’t matter because it works.
Anyway, reading that article got me to thinking about all the different covers of the song, and one I heard recently that I’d forgotten about. I can’t believe I did, actually, because it’s so gorgeous. Singer k.d. lang performed it about a month ago on “Good Morning, America,” as part of a promotion for her latest album.
I admit, I don’t usually listen to her music very often. I love certain songs on “Ingénue” and “Drag,” but for the most part I need to be in a very laid-back mood to listen to her stuff. It’s either too slow or too country for me. No judgment; it’s just not usually my style.
However, I do think her talent is unquestionable. It’s rare that a singer holds me spellbound, but she’s one of them. And when I saw her perform “Hallelujah” on “Good Morning, America,” I didn’t move until she was done and the segment was over. I savored every note. Her take on the song may not have been unusual, but her singing was flawless. Passionate. Like decadent chocolate -- rich and silky smooth. I loved it.
And as a vocalist myself, I respect her immensely. She’s an amazing singer.
I can’t seem to find her performance from GMA, but I did find a live rendition from “the Max Sessions” at the Sydney Opera House. If you want to hear a beautifully heartfelt version of this song, check it out on YouTube at this link: k.d. lang singing “Hallelujah” (Sydney Opera House, 2005). It deserves to be seen and heard.
I hope you enjoy. :)
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2008-03-12 12:46 am (UTC)As I said, their cover of "Hallelujah" is really different because Gert (Sarah's brother) sings most of it, and she just joins in at the end. But it's beautiful. I've uploaded it for you here. It's in MP3 format, so hopefully that works for you.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-12 01:04 am (UTC)*ponders this* Wow, it's been a long time since I've watched those. Probably at least a year, or more by now. I've been concentrating on other shows (heh, like Bones). I'll have to dust those discs off and revisit them when I'm able. I miss that wonderfully witty dialogue. And Xander. ;D
As for the k's Choice link -- it worked great! You're right; it's an unusual cover of the song, especially that end section, but I like it. Thanks for sending it! I love to check out music I haven't had the opportunity to experience before.
no subject
Date: 2008-03-12 12:09 pm (UTC)But I've recently bought S1 and S2 of Angel on DVD, and am AMAZED at it! The episodes, storylines, and demons are just so well written ... and the dialogue! Oh my. It's great. I just caught the ep where Lorne appeared (LOVED Lorne!), and am now waiting for the appearance of Fred.