Baker's Dozen

Artists discuss the 13 records that shaped their lives

2. Leonard CohenOld Ideas

I like all of Leonard Cohen’s records and I always have, but I especially liked Old Ideas. It has very beautiful, moving songs. The songs I really like refer to death, which is kind of appropriate as one grows older. I try to address life’s great themes in my music too, although not everybody is interested in all that. But I am, and Leonard Cohen is one of the best. His writing is so good. He’s a master. His sense of humour doesn’t always comes across, though. One of my favourite Cohen songs, which I do myself sometimes, is ‘Tower Of Song’, which is incredibly witty.

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