This video has it all – as far as a consideration of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” in Iceland goes.1 Included are bits of an interview, an Icelandic cover of “Hallelujah,” and, most importantly, a version of “Hallelujah” sung by Cohen (with backup singers Perla Batalla and Julie Christensen) that is not only distinct from every other rendition of that song I’ve heard before but perhaps the most moving performance of “Hallelujah” by anyone, anywhere, anytime.
Consider it a gift fit for the holidays.
Leonard Cohen – “Halleluja” – Iceland
Video from RockofAges1
Credit Due Department: I was alerted to this video by a post on LeonardCohenForum by sturgess66
_____________________- Although it’s not documented on YouTube, this appears to be from the June 24, 1988 concert in Reykjavik, Iceland, which was used in a program broadcast on Icelandic TV. [↩]
LC really lived that song back in ’88. Still I haven’t seen him live it SO intensely, yet. Thank you!! I was so much in awe that I even watched the video completely (and will proabably rewatch it soon), which I rarely do at the moment.
Merry Christmas, Channukah or whatever holidays indeed!
Thank you so much for posting this. I didn’t think it could possibly be better than the version on Live in London, but it is awesome. Your gifts keep my fix satisfied.