The Fourth, The Fifth, The Minor Fall

For those who missed it, here's a link to the Radio 2 programme on the subject of the Leonard Cohen classic Hallelujah - presented by the hirsute (and current cover star) Guy Garvey.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00f928x

Enjoy.

Very interesting

Garvey's a good presenter, isn't he? By far the best soundbites were from Kathryn Williams, I thought. Allison Crowe was just gushing and, like, so sort of awful. A few words from Leonard Cohen himself wouldn't have gone amiss, and surely they could have made an effort to pin down a quote or two from - or at least a mention of - K.D. Lang, who for my money is currently the supreme Hallelujist (and considerably more articulate than Ms Crowe as well). I've never got Jeff Buckley, sorry.

Archie Valparaiso | 3 November 2008 - 9:16am

Don't like it

I suppose I'm the only person in the world who rates this his least favourite Len song.

Simon Moffatt | 3 November 2008 - 12:24pm

I wouldn't say I didn't like it

but I don't like the way it's been fetishised like this.

dannyboy3000 | 3 November 2008 - 5:03pm

thanks for the link

Fascinating programme about a song that can move people in many different ways. Each contributor helped illustrate that message. Being more rock than pop or folk in my taste, I love Allison Crowe. She articulates supremely in musical performance. Really, though, what I gleaned most from the broadcast is that there's not one "Hallelujah" to rule them all. And that is part of the genius of Leonard Cohen.

p.s. your current cover star Guy Garvey is a delightful host

DavidaP | 6 November 2008 - 1:25pm