I heard the song Hallelujah by Il Divo this morning which I thought to be quite beautifully done, but found one phrase to my distaste. In the song the singers go on listing happy incidents, e.g., “a soldier came back home,” “a child was cured,” etc. On the list is also included a “virtue” which says “an atheist who found faith” (“un ateo que consiguió creer”).

I just thought that those of you who may enjoy Il Divo and don’t speak Spanish may want to be aware of what you’re listening to. 

So, they just decided to make up their own lyrics to the song. That wasn’t in Cohen’s original. I have seen so many versions of that song. My favorite is by JUSTIN and my least favorite is by SHERYL CROW. A close favorite is by JEFF

It’s one of the few songs I can play pretty well on the guitar.

My favourite version is K.D. Lang’s, which I believe is also Cohen’s favourite. (It’s a Canadian thing, you know?    )

And we also play it with my kids in our little home band. My boys love it.

George - 17 February 2012 09:30 AM

My favourite version is K.D. Lang’s, which I believe is also Cohen’s favourite. (It’s a Canadian thing, you know?    )

And we also play it with my kids in our little home band. My boys love it.

Damn! What a voice. I hadn’t heard that one. Fantastic job. Sorry, but I have to say she looks a lot like Wayne Newton in that tux/suit.

Lang is gay. I guess that’s why.

It’s a beautiful song anyway. I personally don’t care if one of the verses said that god was gay! I mean, we all know that she’s not, huh? I first heard it in the movie “Shrek”. Very uplifting sound. FI, why do we become so emotional at a key change?

Cap’t Jack

George - 17 February 2012 11:26 AM

Lang is gay. I guess that’s why.

Oh I knew that - and don’t care. Just a “spittin’ image” of Wayne Newton in that pic. Her voice is much better than Newton’s too.

Thevillageatheist - 17 February 2012 11:36 AM

FI, why do we become so emotional at a key change?

No idea. Maybe because it’s unexpected and melodic at the same time. It’s a nice surprise.

True, but is something being stimulated in the brain that creates the reaction? Also what do you think about the popular concept that listening to Mozart creates new synapsis in the brain? Same for playing chess.

Cap’t Jack

There is an interesting book on this topic, Jack, by Daniel Levitin, “This Is Your Brain On Music.” A lot of what he says in there makes sense but I am afraid that most of it is a mere speculation. If you haven’t read it, give it a try; I am sure you’ll like it.

As for Mozart “creating new synapsis,” hmm, I thought every new memory creates a new synapse…(?). I like Mozart but I doubt his music has some special effect on our brain when compared with any kind of music we may enjoy. But I don’t really know what I am talking about here…

Thanks George, another book on an interesting topic. I’ll download it and see for myself. I read about the Mozart thing a few years back before I had a little time to read and never really researched it. If every new memory creates synapsis, then it’s half right anyway! Thanks again for the reference. I’ve enjoyed everyone of them so far. BTW, getting started on the Clark book so I can continue our discussion on the Industrial Revolution.

Cap’t Jack

Clark’s book is not an easy read. I imagine it will take you some time to get through it, but don’t give up. It’s worth it!

Already started it. At least I’m familiar with the historical references and so far have no trouble following his thesis.

Cap’t Jack