We were just talking Rufus and Buckley and conversation inevitably steered toward their covers of Leonard Cohen (for the record, Rufus’s cover was inspired by John Cale’s — as was Jeff’s). So check this, the quadrabillionth take of Cohen’s ’84 classic, from Willie’s Ryan Adams-produced record Songbird. It’s a departure from Cale, and it has The Cardinals on backing band duty (as does the rest of the record) — but no signs of those ill, Ry raps.
Listen to it here.
We’re with Leonard in thinking Jeff’s was the definitive take — but feel free to make us think otherwise. For your argumentative aid, here’s the Wiki-fueled list of known “Hallelujah”ers:
Elisa
Bono
Bob Dylan
Clare Bowditch
Allison Crowe
Jackie Greene
Julie Felix
Anthony Michael Hall
Bettie Serveert
Custard
k.d. lang
Kevin Max
Gord Downie
Steffen Brandt/Tina Dico (in Danish translation)
Street to Nowhere
Wayne Whittaker
The Prayerbabies
Kathryn Williams
Lucky Jim
And those performing it live:
Ari Hest
Brandi Carlile
Gavin DeGraw
Dave Dobbyn
The Dresden Dolls
Chris Clonts
Damien Rice
David Ford
Jay Clifford
Regina Spektor
Starsailor
Donna Lynne Champlin
Alter Bridge
Sheryl Crow
Chris Botti
Even more aid: MOKB has the MP3s! Dodge, we’re gonna need you to find that Anthony Michael Hall cover like now.
Songbird is out 10/31.
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I don’t think it’s better than Buckley’s but I think it might be second. It’s a lot different than most of the versions I’ve heard and I love it.
beautiful. though i was kinda hoping to hear adams singin’ a bit. ): oh well.
They should make a sign similar to the “No Stairway To Heaven” one in Wayne’s world.
Every major recording studio should sport a snazzy “No Hallelujah!” banner.
(good cover, but how many times can you hear this song?)
the song grew on me by the end. But Jeff’s version is too perfect for comparison.
also check out:
http://myoldkyhome.blogspot.com/2006/05/hallelujah.html
you can download all of em!
Nice post!
i’ve never heard the original. how sad is that? but i like the new (to me) verses.
It might be not definitive, but it’s definitely calming and a lot better than the bono version, and this is coming from a u2 fan.
I’m not a fan of k.d. Lang at all,
but her version is pretty awesome.
hey guys, thanks for the link.
the bad news is i’m migrating to a new server today and all the links are down. they should be back up by the weekend.
I sincerely believe & feel that the most beautiful version of all was sung by K.D. Lang.
I sincerely believe & feel that the most beautiful version of all was sung by K.D. Lang.
I believe that the most beautiful version of all
was sung by K. D. Lang.
I think the most beautiful version was sung by K. D. Lang.
This song is not really my favorite, but I love Willie and Ryan both. I still like the song “Dead Flowers” or something like that.
I love covers & I really dig it! I love the rest of the album, too! Both Willie & the Cards sound tighter than ever… I think you fellas are onto somethin’ pretty special. Keep up the great work! -TSN
Rob de Nijs, one of the best singers from the Netherlands did “Hallelejah” as well, on the album: Vanaf Vandaag.
“Hallelujah” is also at the album:Vanaf Vandaag from one the best singers from Holland.Rob de Nijs…Good Luck Willie with this beautifull new album…it’s awesome….
What’s up with the My Old Kentucky Blog link? None of them work.
Leonard Cohen’s original is possibly the worst rendition of “Hallelujah.”