Musical biographies can often read like a collection of press cuttings with the occasional scandal or detail acquired from some dubious source who once met the artist in a bar. "I'm you man" is a long way removed from such hagiography.
The author Sylvie Simmons has had access to many musicians, poets and others who have shared Leonard's life.
It's an excellent read that details Leonard's life growing up in Montral, his years spent on Hydra, and his latter years in California including his time spent as a buddhist monk.
Obviously it looks at Leonard's various albums but the years spent between. I first became aware of Leonard Cohen when as a 15 year old I bought the CBS Rock Sampler "The Rock Machine turns you on ". At the time I was completely unaware on Cohen's work. However at the time I was both fascinated by poetry and the work of singer songwriters and Leonard Cohen ticked both boxes.
On hearing the Sisters of Mercy ( his track on the album) I was enthralled. Here was an artist to whom the lyrics seemed central. I've sang that song so often to myself over the years. Through circumstances and impoverishment it was some 40 years before I saw L.Cohen in concert. I was fortunate enough to be present when in July 2008 he played at the O2 arena London, a concert captured and released on CD and DVD.
In so many ways Leonard pre dates the era of rock. Next year he will be 80, yet while his style of music has altered over the years , the themes and images he creates with his lyrics remain timeless. The biography reveals a complex man, who has battled depression and anxiety, who has sought refuge in the spiritual world but who has lived in fascinating life worthy of a biographer's attention.
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