I prefer the John Cale.
Twenty-four years after Leonard Cohen first recorded the song, “Hallelujah” is about to hit the number one and two spots on the British charts. On the same week. Just not by the great Cohen. One is a new version by X-Factor winner Alexandra Burke, the other the 1997 rendition by the late Jeff Buckley. I myself prefer John Cale’s version, which appeared in the Leonard Cohen tribute album I’m Your Fan. The Rufus Wainwright and k.d. lang covers have their own adherents.
But Leonard Cohen on the pop charts in any way, shape or form! Amaaazing.
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December 18th, 2008 at 04:03
Oh god, I’ve been playing and replaying this song on my laptop for at least two weeks now and you’re actually blogging it (the song, not my playing/replaying!) :) Happy holidays!
December 19th, 2008 at 01:00
There are several covers of this song in youtube (plus comments/arguments on whose version is the best).
It looks like a lock for Alexandra for Christmas No. 1, though it’s still not sure for Jeff Buckley as he has some stiff competition. No.2 may even be taken by former X-Factor winner Leona Lewis.
This song always reminds me of The OC though.
December 20th, 2008 at 16:04
i spent a fortune voting for damien leith to win the aus idol, especially after rendering his version of the same song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA9Gpisd2IY
December 23rd, 2008 at 00:42
Hallelujah did eventually finish as #1 and #2 in the British charts, the first time in 57 years.
The internet campaign worked, since Jeff Buckley’s sales were only through internet downloads.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7794709.stm
January 2nd, 2009 at 14:07
It just goes to show that the Brits have loads better musical taste than the Yanks