GoodCleanWholesomeFun

Malcolm X Abram, writing in John Mellencamp, sure. But Madonna? about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (Akron Beacon Journal, March 9, 2008). Leonard Cohen’s songs are involved and dense but they ain’t nuclear science. How about this for an “easy” (and why are we putting quotation marks around this word?) entry:

1. Download Hallelujah (Cohen’s own performance), Ain’t No Cure For Love, I’m Your Man, Bird On A Wire, Everybody Knows, Waiting for the Miracle, Anthem, Dance Me to the End of Love, Closing Time, Chelsea Hotel No. 2, and Tower of Song.
2. Listen to the songs
3. If you don’t see what all the fuss is about, not to worry. Your parents no doubt did their best but something went tragically wrong in your development. Put the MP3s away for two years; then, try again.
4. If, after listening to the songs, you find yourself pondering the lyrics because you are now certain they contain the key to the fundamental psychosexual mysteries of the universe, not to worry. Your parents no doubt did their best but something went tragically wrong in your development. Buy and Listen to all the Leonard Cohen records (yes, including Death of a Ladies’ Man) and Anjani’s Blue Alert. Repeat as needed.