X-Factor - Leonard Cohen - Hallelujah - Nooooooooooooooo!!!!!

[Dinny Breen]

A few years ago we had a lively debate about which version of Hallelujah was the greater the original by Leonard Cohen or the Jeff's Buckley version both of which are masterful in their own right, personally I prefer Cohen's but now I have learned this morning (I don't watch X-factor) that the winner of this competion is going to commit sacrilege and cover this song, I would just like to express my contempt at this act of musical heresy.......

Before we are flooded on the airways enjoy the two versions that will always remain supreme....

LC

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rf36v0epfmI

JB

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=AratTMGrHaQ

[magpie seanie]

It really annoys me that this is allowed to happen. The worst ever case of this had to be Ronan flippin Keating covering Fairytale of New York. Wrong on so many levels it was untrue. I successfully avoided hearing his version except for one sad occasion when I was stuck in the middle of the Jervis Centre, too far from an exit when they played it. I'll never forgive them!

Dinny - if its any consolation whatever X-Factor do with this song it won't be worse than a version I had to listen to at a wedding once. Chronic.

[Dinny Breen]

Jaysus I forgot about Keatings version of that classic, seemingly Boyzone are on X-factor tomorrow night as well.........will this madness never end...

[Rois]

Dinny, I remember that discussion. 

Whilst I'm def an X Factor viewer, I can't believe that they've been allowed to do this. 

My friend was at a wedding where they wanted her to sing Hallelujah in the church.  She refused - given that the priest prob wouldn't allow it either as it's not a holy song!

[SidelineKick]

"You sc**bag you maggot, you're cheap and you're haggard"

CRINGE!!!

[Will Hunting]

If it's such a fantastic song (as you guys clearly think it is), what is the problem in putting it out into the public conscience, introducing it to teenagers etc. who have probably never heard it before? Or is it exclusive to only 'real' music people? 

There have been many covers of this song since Cohen released it, so this is just another in a long line. Although a much more high profile one.

[Rois]

I know what you're saying Will, and believe me I'm not a "real" music person (I'm listening to Billy Joel's greatest hits on repeat in the car these days).  I just think that should Eoghan Quigg win, his style of voice wouldn't do the song much justice.  Same for JLS. 

I actually prefer Rufus Wainwright's version but don't tell anyone.

[magpie seanie]

As it happens I don't particularly care all that much for the song though I know that many do. Fairytale of NY on the other hand.....

[Dinny Breen]

If it's such a fantastic song (as you guys clearly think it is), what is the problem in putting it out into the public conscience, introducing it to teenagers etc. who have probably never heard it before? Or is it exclusive to only 'real' music people?

Valid point it's how it's been introduced that annoys me, they are taking a masterful piece of music and blatently commericialising it, I just find hard to accept that more people from next week onwards will relate Hallelujah to some 1 week wonder than Cohen or Buckley. Wainwright's version (Shrek) is actually very good as well.

I have now reminded myself of Will Young's version of The Doors Light my Fire......these aren't just crimes against music they are crimes agains humanity.....

[Will Hunting]

To be honest, neither of the final 3 contestants suit the song really - especially not JLS. God knows what they'd do with it! As i said a few weeks back on the x-factor thread, I thought this song was chosen specifically with Diana in mind. But i couldn't stand her, so i'm glad it won't be her singing it!

I agree with the comments regarding Rufus Wainwright, his voice suits the song perfectly. Under-rated artist probably.

[nifan]

Billys Boots will probably rate it above the Buckley version, which he is not a fan off as I recall.

[Jim_Murphy_74]

Valid point it's how it's been introduced that annoys me, they are taking a masterful piece of music and blatently commericialising it, I just find hard to accept that more people from next week onwards will relate Hallelujah to some 1 week wonder than Cohen or Buckley. Wainwright's version (Shrek) is actually very good as well.

Of course in the actual film it is not Wainright's version but John Cales  Wainright made the OST release because his record company were owned by the film company.  He has a new release and tour coming up and they felt the Shrek exposure would boost sales.  Just about as commerical as you can get.

Cohen is hard up for cash (that's why he is back touring) and obviously agreed for this for commercial reasons.

So to be honest the musical purists (whose discomfort you have to revel in!) show train their ire at Cohen, not the poor saps who'll get same wage regardless of what song they sing......

/Jim.

[thejuice]

Went to see Leonard Cohen in Brimingham a weeks back. He was incredible. Fantastic song writer and his backing group were sublime.

These covers will be quickly forgotton as will these pop-factor contestants.

[Dinny Breen]

Cohen is hard up for cash (that's why he is back touring) and obviously agreed for this for commercial reasons.[/quote


Is he hard up for cash? Did he not win some Civil Suit worth millions a few years ago, this song was also used in American Idol so I'm sure the 74 year old is doing quite well in the royalty stakes imagine a musican only tours for money, who would have believed it, Paul McCarthy must be near the bread line  

Cohen is entitled to do what he wants if he indeed still owns the publishing rights, he's entitled to make money and a musician wirtes music to be heard and am all for that but introducing the public to this song via a Karaoke song contest is just simply wrong imho.

[Jim_Murphy_74]

Is he hard up for cash? Did he not win some Civil Suit worth millions a few years ago, this song was also used in American Idol so I'm sure the 74 year old is doing quite well in the royalty stakes imagine a musican only tours for money, who would have believed it, Paul McCarthy must be near the bread line  

He signed over management of his fortune to his manager and girlfriend when he went into that Buddhist monastry.  They made off with all. 

He explained all on an RTE Radio interview prior to his Kilmainham concerts.

See story from recent IrishTimes Ticket Supplement : http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/theticket/2008/1128/1227739046295.html

/Jim.