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Judy Collins
Democracy: Judy Collins Sings Leonard Cohen
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If you’re going to do an album of covers tunes the logic is that either your voice or musical style is such that everyone wants to hear how you do others' songs or the work being covered is extraordinary. In this case, both rules are in place. Anyone who has heard Judy Collins voice already knows the quality that exude from Collins’ music. She’s also best when she is covering other previously recorded songs. Her cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” is historically noted and considered classic in the beauty of its presentation.
Which brings us to this Rhino-issued collection of previously recorded covers of Leonard Cohen compositions of which 3 are fresh recordings and one, a live recording. Judy Collins treatments of selections from the Cohen’s songbook are, by her admission, an act of love across several levels. In the liner notes that she writes for this set, Collins speaks of her love affair with Cohen’s words, her awe of his ability to write of love, life, and philosophy and, from a deeper level, her love for Cohen’s friendship. This deeply rooted emotion spills into the heart of her renditions thus creating a beautifully effective alternate to Cohen’s delivery. Collins’ versions also reveal the ability of Cohen’s lyrics to transcend.
Judy Collins Sings Leonard Cohen: Democracy begins with a new recording of “Democracy” that is endearing and amazing given that her voice is still quite good. The inclusion of “Democracy” brings a familiar feeling to all of us older model ‘hippies’. In a time of unrest with a war in question and a call for a new draft, the use of songs to communicate our displeasure with the politics of the time is reminiscent of a time when a greater struggle waged.
The other new tunes are “A Thousand Kisses Deep” from Cohen’s last, Ten New Songs, which here sounds dark and sad, just as Cohen intended, and “The Night Comes On”. Also, there is a live recording of “Song of Bernadette”. The rest are tunes that have found inclusion in some of Collins’ earlier works, particularly late 60s/early 70s. Their reassembly here shows that Cohen’s words still resonate in this age and that Collins’ voice is a strong deliverer of those words.
Judy Collins Sings Leonard Cohen: Democracy is a work that you’ll return to time and again if you are entranced by Collins and respect the words of Cohen. They make for a potent combination here.
Release Date: August 31, 2004
Tracks: 14 - Time: 67:00
Produced by: Various
Format: CD
Website: www.judycollins.com
 
Track Listing:
Democracy /Suzanne / A Thousand Kisses Deep / Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye / Dress Rehearsal Rag / Priests / Night Comes On / Sisters of Mercy / Story of Isaac / Bird on a Wire / Famous Blue Raincoat / Joan of Arc / Take This Longing / Song of Bernadette (live).
Judy Collins:
Judy Collins - Vocals
Guests
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