Sunday, 13 November 2016

From Leonard Cohen to cowbells

Extremely sad to hear of the demise of Leonard Cohen. Listening to some of his obituaries took me right back to when I first heard him. 1967 when I was a sallow, but long-haired and extravagantly bewhiskered, student at Aberystwyth. Suzanne was a favourite track of mine and, although I was never angst-ridden, his voice and lyrics resonated with me, as they did with many others.

And thinking about Leonard Cohen and 1967 lead me to think of another song from this year: The Chambers Brothers' 'Time has come today'. I haven't heard it for ages but I think it stands the test of time. I've always liked the cowbell/tick-tock opening.

And thinking about the cowbells at the beginning of 'Time has come today' lead me to think of other songs I knew that featured cowbells.
Two sprung to mind immediately: Honky Tonk Women by the Rolling Stones and Low Rider by War.

Surprise, surprise. It turns out that there are a number of websites that will give you lists of songs that feature cowbells, should you wish to take it further. I don't. But I will dig out my Cohen music and mumble along with the master.







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