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Cohen's version is better than Buckley's version. But I think that John Cale's version from "I'm Your Fan" (and also heard in Shrek) could even be better than that.

Actually, I think that Hallelujah might be one of those songs that it's impossible to do a bad version of. Someone should collect them all.

Dave: Terrific choice.

Click on my link to hear John Cale's version:

Here's an Irish ballad which you may find tasteless. This song was written and performed by Tom Lehrer who was popular about 40 something years ago. This one has been a favorite in my family ever since. There are many others he wrote even worse :-)

I like both versions but on this occasion I would have to say Jeff Buckleys version is the one I prefer because I find it more haunting and it suits his vocals. However these type of questions are of course very subjective.

ps. I heard a rumour that Leonard Cohen wrote the theme tune for the Soprano's-does anyone know if that is true?

The Sopranos title song, "Woke Up This Morning", is by the British band Alabama 3.

Thanks William,

I could have swore that I read somewhere that Cohen wrote it anyway I may be wrong and very often I am!

So what's your favourite Cohen cover? I'd go for John Cale's Hallelujah or Tori Amos' Famous Blue Raincoat.

OK, now you've forced me to go to extremes of tastelessness. With all due apologies I do not have a comparable one for Protestants. I like this performance even better than Tom Lehrer's original which I think got him in some trouble with the Catholic Church. Be again warned...it's tasteless...and she does sing some notes off key (horrors)...but at least the piano playing is good.

Re: Leonard Cohen and the Sopranos

Did a quick google on Leonard Cohen and found this

Does anyone have this album?(as I can't find it) and does anyone know if it's true?

I think I prefer the simpler arrangements of Jeff Buckley and John Cale. Cohen's is too staged. In fact, the soft orchestra behind the more mellow Cale clip makes it the winner.

If you want another version for comparison, check out . Though it's growing on me ... very slooowly.

Perfect mood music for Easter Saturday. But despite the song's name, entirely inappropriate to have been listening to three or four versions of this lament on Easter Sunday!!!

Any suggestions for a more uplifting song-of-the-day?

Seems to be a pretty common misconception

It's definitely not a Cohen song. Tho' admittedly it does sound a bit like some of the songs on "The Future".

Many thanks Dave for clearing that up.

Will have to give "The Future" a listen to.

If you're going to cover Leonard Cohen,it would have to be this song!!!I don't like any other cover's--have you heard Brandi Carlile's version of this song?To me,way better than Buckley's cover : )

Just came across your blog tonight. Late to the party, but, if one can still comment - this recording by is my favorite. It's an amazing, moving, cover of Mr. Cohen's magnificent song.

I'm not a fan of the "sad" versions but that may be due to the way the song has been marketed beyond saturation.

You all have to hear Brandi Carlile's version (you can find it on iTunes). Absolutely amazing. This girl is only in her early twenties and has better voice and writing skills than most artists out there. Check out her cover of Halleluyah, then the rest of her stuff. (She's one of Elton John's favorite new artists).

i agree, brandi carlile does a very good version. I saw her perform it live for the 1st time when i heard her do it, and its pretty impressive, especially impressed as i knew nothing about Brandi at the time.

Don't think it's possible to get it from itunes in the Uk though. you can only currently get her live EP. you can get both her albums on import, although i'm waiting to buy the latest when its offically released here.