A new studio album from Leonard Cohen is due at the end of January. The esteemed poet, lady’s man, and master song writer says the ten new songs address some of the most profound quandaries of human existence - the relationship to a transcendent being, love, sexuality, loss and death.
The recording Old Ideas began in earnest in January 2011 but many of the new songs and their lyrics have been in the works for years. Early versions of two album tracks, Amen and Lullaby were originally recorded in 2007, while early versions of Lullaby and The Darkness were performed live during Cohen's recently concluded, sold-out world tour.
Fans were given another hint of what to expect when Cohen made remarks as the recipient of the Principe de Asturias Prize for literature in Spain in October. “As I grew older, I understood that instructions came with this voice,” he said. “And the instructions were these - Never to lament casually. And if one is to express the great inevitable defeat that awaits us all, it must be done within the strict confines of dignity and beauty."
New Ideas was produced with Patrick Leonard, Anjani Thomas, Ed Sanders and Dino Soldo and guest vocalists include Dana Glover, Sharon Robinson, The Webb Sisters and Jennifer Warnes. The album's cover design and drawings are Cohen's own.
Old Ideas is available for pre-order now at www.LeonardCohen.com where his song, Show Me The Place is also streaming. Fans who pre-order will receive an instant download of the new song.
The track listing is: Going Home, Amen, Show Me The Place, The Darkness, Anyhow, Crazy To Love You, Come Healing, Banjo, Lullaby, Different Sides
