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Stranger Music

Selected Poems and Songs

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The publication of *Stranger Music: Selected Poems & Songs* brought Leonard Cohen's poetry back into prominence, previously overshadowed by his recording career. His poems resonate with fans of his music and novels, showcasing the same cynical romanticism, morbid eroticism, and ironic humor. Many are spare and declamatory, relying on vivid imagery and the speaker's wryness. For instance, the opening lines of "The Drawer's Condition on November 28, 1961" exemplify this style: "Is there anything emptier/ than the drawer where/you used to store your opium?...". Cohen's old-fashioned bardic quality makes it hard to believe he shares a literary landscape with postmodern experimentalism. His richly lyrical poems naturally transitioned into songwriting, though published lyrics often lack the impact of their musical counterparts. Even his best songs, like "Suzanne" and "Anthem," lose intensity on paper. *Stranger Music* encompasses material from nearly all his significant works, including his experimental novel *Beautiful Losers*. Since 1983's *Book of Mercy*, Cohen has published little new material, making *Stranger Music* the definitive collection of his work for the foreseeable future.

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Stranger Music, Leonard Cohen

Language
Released
1994
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(Paperback),
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Damaged
Price
€6.86

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4.4
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Subtitle
Selected Poems and Songs
Language
English
Released
1994
Format
Paperback
Pages
432
ISBN10
0771022328
ISBN13
9780771022326
Series
First published
1993
Original title
Stranger Music
Rating
4.4 out of 5
Description
The publication of *Stranger Music: Selected Poems & Songs* brought Leonard Cohen's poetry back into prominence, previously overshadowed by his recording career. His poems resonate with fans of his music and novels, showcasing the same cynical romanticism, morbid eroticism, and ironic humor. Many are spare and declamatory, relying on vivid imagery and the speaker's wryness. For instance, the opening lines of "The Drawer's Condition on November 28, 1961" exemplify this style: "Is there anything emptier/ than the drawer where/you used to store your opium?...". Cohen's old-fashioned bardic quality makes it hard to believe he shares a literary landscape with postmodern experimentalism. His richly lyrical poems naturally transitioned into songwriting, though published lyrics often lack the impact of their musical counterparts. Even his best songs, like "Suzanne" and "Anthem," lose intensity on paper. *Stranger Music* encompasses material from nearly all his significant works, including his experimental novel *Beautiful Losers*. Since 1983's *Book of Mercy*, Cohen has published little new material, making *Stranger Music* the definitive collection of his work for the foreseeable future.