YOUTUBES: The Butcher

Me and mrs. messalina79, we got a thing going on. Yep, messalina79 provides us with another Leonard Cohen classic, The Butcher, from 1975 in Toronto. Audio only but you are welcome to stare lovingly at the great photo of Leonard. So, in the quest to have a listen to songs not performed on this past tour, consider this gem.

YOUTUBES: Diamonds In The Mine

messalina79 thrills us once again by uploading the audio of Leonard Cohen's performance in Hanover in 1979 of Diamonds In The Mine. Another song not included in the 2008-2009 Tour but well worth a listen. When Leonard sings it, he certainly means it.

BLOGS: Leonard Up Close and Personal

This is must see viewing by Leonard Cohen fans. Heck Of A Guy blogs on Armelle Brusq’s 1996 documentary filmed on Mt. Baldy. DrHGuy includes the entire set of youtubes for the documentary. A wonderful, insightful and honest portrayal of Leonard and his life on Mt. Baldy. Thanks to Heck Of A Guy for his report.

NEWS: Who will sing Hallelujah at the Opening Ceremonies?

A wonderful showcase for Leonard's beautiful song. But who will sing it?

Secrets of the opening ceremonies
By Jeff Nagel - New Westminster News Leader

Published: February 10, 2010 1:00 PM

Friday night’s Olympic opening ceremonies will be spectacular and very Canadian, say observers who witnessed the dress rehearsal Monday night.

A piano-playing Sarah McLachlan will have a starring role. But aboriginal performances will dominate the night.

“They’re fantastic—I would say half of it is aboriginal,” one spectator from Surrey told Black Press. “There are fantastic costumes and dancing.”

Aerial acrobatics, some including skiers or snowboarders, will add to the wow factor.

“It’s really good,” said the observer, who was reluctant to tell all about the two-and-a-half-hour show but described some elements as thought-provoking.

“It’s almost a Cirque du Soleil feel to some of it.”

Audience members will be part of the performance, using torches at certain times.

A large centre installation will be able to transform into several different configurations, at times depicting oceans, forest and mountain vistas. The stadium’s interior will be ringed with flags and lights, projecting colours onto the floor.

Other special touches include falling snow and maple leaves to reflect changing seasons.

Not all the performers were there in person—there were some lip-synching stand-ins, including a performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Another observer said Montreal songstress Nikki Yanofsky sang the opening anthem.

The ceremonies will begin with the lengthy arrival of athletes from every competing country—with Team Canada entering the stadium last.

All will be revealed to the world starting at 6 p.m. Friday.

jnagel@blackpress.ca

NEWS: Updated 2010 Tour Schedule

Leonard's tour schedule has been updated. You can find complete details including links for ticket sales on The Leonard Cohen Files.

25-July-10 Zagreb, Croatia, Arena

15-Sept-10 Caen, France, Zenith
17-Sept-10 Grenoble, France, Palais des Sports
19-Sept-10 Strasbourg, France, Zenith
21-Sept-10 Marseille, France, Dome
23-Sept-10 Tours, France, Grand Hall
25-Sept-10 Lille, France, Zenith

4-Oct-10 Katowice, Poland. Spodek Arena
7-Oct-10 Moscow, Russia, Kremlin Palace
13-Oct-10 Bratislava, Slovakia, Incheba Expo Arena

NEWS: Facebook Fandom

For those of you who kick around Facebook, two fan sites for members of Leonard's band have opened. One is for Dino Soldo created by Esther Park.

at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dino-Soldo/260256768008

The other is for Roscoe Beck created by Diana Dahart.

at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roscoe-Beck/303227164248?ref=sgm

Well deserved tributes to two talented artists by two great fans. Thanks to both Esther and Diana.

YOUTUBES: Sing Another Song, Boys

Continuing our quest to enjoy some of the songs Leonard didn't include on his tour, we have Sing Another Song, Boys. Once again, thanks to messalina79 for this subdued version. It is audio only but the pictures alone are worth the look. This version is from Copenhagen in 1972. Enjoy.