Absolutely outstanding, what a voice Rufus has - added to the fact that is singing one of my fav. ever artists' songs - totally great, exuse me while i replay this song.
The tragic thing is that Janis Joplin WAS beautiful. She had some gorgeous male and female groupies. Her heart was a legend...Rufus' rendition is the best I've ever heard.
@blueguitarblue Thanks for pointing out this version. It is beautiful and touching in its own way. It is just that Leonard Cohen sings it from his own experience with Janis and to me that makes it more "real". I don't know quite how to put it in words, english is not my native language, but what I mean is that Leonards voice somehow makes me feel how lonely they both were at that moment even when they made love together, and that makes me want to cry, for they deserved so much more.
@DirkjeA First of all, your English is oustanding. There are natives whose English is terrible. Be proud. Is your name Nordic or Dutch? I should give Leonard's voice more of a try, but I'm such an aesthetic snob! I don't sense the emotion. I hear a genius poet trying to sing a song! Not to be mean. It's all fun and just preference. Leonard's poetry makes me cry, not the singing. But check out all of the three I mentioned. When I hear these three singing these songs with such emotion, I cry.
The line that starts at 2:22 and ends at around 2:51 is the most beautiful goddamn thing ever. And Janis was right, too . . . she did have the music. For that brief snapshot of time, she had the music; it was hers. Beauty, my God, the beauty . . .
Agree for Rufus. But documentary of Leonard Cohen, is one of the best I have ever seen. His voice, thoughts, soul, have inspired all who particaped in documentary to the be artists they are now , but mostly on "reviving" many of his songs and poetry.
My personal favorite from Rufus, Greek Song. .. and across the universe with sean and moby..
I completely agree with 'getyoursfree.' While superficially Wainwright has a pretty voice and an understanding of what it means to be sad or even heartbroken, he fails to capture the proper vocal inflection that a song like this requires. In singing Chelsea Hotel, he seems like a performer in the truest sense of the word. To borrow from Socrates/Plato, he mimics and does not know.
Wainwright has covered a few of Cohen's numbers. This is not one of the better ones. He doesn't have Cohen's depth of understanding in his voice. It's one of those songs where to express the sentiments you have to have "been there". It's apparent he hasn't.
Today it was officially announced that Leonard Cohen has become a grandfather again. The parents of the little girl are his daughter Lorca and ... Rufus Wainwright!
I know him a little bit, He is odd but nice. He performs every year at The Watermill Center on Long Island it is a beautiful intimate setting and worth the benefit ticket price. Highly reccomend.
@rancido2 i wasn't a rufus fan until i started to obsess over the song hallelujah and all the different versions of the song by cohen, buckley, rufus, kd lang. i started to listen to more rufus and devoured each album. but the live performances are even more incredible. like this. or they can be. i love rufus, but the very first show of his 2010 tour was in asbury park nj, at the convention center, songs for lulu was rough. the song cycle is impossibly hard to play through
Hmmm... how would I re-use hybrid technology.... I would definatly - FUCK OFF. On the other hand, I love this song. Rufus is amazing, and after listening to him for only two weeks I went out and bought every single CD of his.
Wainwright actually brings this song to life. Not only that he has a very beautiful voice. He is a brilliant singer, too. He gets across the emotions as if he was telling a story he himself has experienced. So genuine. He shines on this.
All due respect for Leonard Cohen for writing this song, but I can't even stand hearing him "sing" this song. Sorry, but his monotonous babbling lacks any emotion imho.
The same goes for Hallelujah. Well, to each their own, I guess.
I like it. Rufus Wainwright brings out the sadness that Cohen intended.
But honestly, I find Cohen's original more emotional. Read the story behind this song, it's about his own short romance with Janis Joplin who committed suicide shortly after. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful rendition.
i enjoy this a lot, and i also enjoyed rickie lee jones' version at the melbourne 2010 sidney myer music bowl concert .... THAT one bowled me over, but my record of cohen singing this is definitely getting worn out by overplaying!
I love Rufus - it kinda amuses me to see so many comments on UT vids to be out of context with reality & remind me why mainstream popular music is the vat of shite it is today - however Rufus himself agrees he is no Cohen in the lyrical stakes - his delivery of this is stunning - but again Cohen's versions remain supreme including those he sang in 2010 -
This is my favorit song these days, Rufus is great singer and the performance in this song and Halleluja is perfect for the Leonard Choen songs I love his songs Love to Rufus all the way from Iceland I would like to hear more of his songs in the future
Just say RW Sat nite in Bethesda MD - he has really matured into an incredible performer & songwriter - he played amazing piano throughout, like he was channeling the ghosts of Gershwin & Chopin at once, & his voice was in fine form, full & warm - Sure he's gay as a blade, but he didn't choose to exhibit that side of himself (think he was a bit overawed by the money there), just this gorgeous rapturous music, modulating into unexpected & lovely melodies - kudos to his talent and sensibilities!
what is he doing? this is supposed to be done on a guitar, and in a half spoken, half sung style. Leonard sings with such charisma and electricity, and Rufus often sounds very flat and meaningless.
@17Hongo If Leonard likes his version, who are WE to question it, no diff than Hallelujah. Leo singing it in his spoken grumbled voice is all he's got. Cohen is a poet not a singer. Just ask all his peers and friends, Springsteen, Bono, and all those other Irish poets during his induction concert, which was great. Rufus, does have a nasal, flat tonality to his voice and still he is brilliant and Leo picked this, not US. He is speaking at beginning.
Well obviously Cohen himself sings this song with so much more passion because this song is about a completely personal and intimate time in his life and the experience he had with Janis Joplin. I think Rufus does an excellent job at endowing this song with as much vulnerability as a third party can. Props to him and Rufus Wainwright is a beautiful and monstrously talented musician. I definately agree that Leonard's is better. Covers will never compare because LC's songs are from HIS heart.
I'm a big fan of Rufus' voice, but I really think he took this song to a place that makes it devoid of any of the delicate vulnerability that Cohen imbued the original with so beautifully. :(
@andicustherobot I thought it was a good cover, but I'm not sure if it really touches Rufus' cover for me. Maybe I just need to learn to love her voice, as it is truly unique. Thank you for pointing it out to me. I'm going to be looking up her stuff to see how I like it.
Elton John says Rufus is the greatest songwriter on the planet... although this is not his I have to admit, the original just cant compare to this, its incredible how he manages to make this sound so real, so intimate, Rufus is simply amazing and I get pissed off of how many ppl dont know about him
@WinterWineStudio I'll argue - Leonard wrote this, and he remains the greatest poet/ songwriter of the century. Rufus is particularly famous for his performance of "Hallelujah" - another Cohen song. I don't really like Rufus' take on Cohen, but that's really up to the listener - what I will say is that "Halllelujah", for all that it is famous, is really very minor Cohen; Chelsea hotel is better, but for Cohen at his best, check out "Everybody knows" (or the RW cover) or "Suzanne", or Democracy.
I agree that Rufus is incredibly talented, however , my love of Leonard Cohen wouldn't allow me to say that this version is better than the original. Cover artists are wonderful, but nothing can compare to the original. =D
@WinterWineStudio I really don't think you have a basis on which you can compare this to Leonard Cohen's original. To say it is better than the incredible lyrics (that, certainly, surpass Wainwright in every way) is a fallacy - it was a different experience, a different life. Wainwright is wonderful - I'm a big fan, but in the end, Wainwright admits that Cohen is beyond the boundaries of songwriting. Cohen is the only Western songwriter who you can call a poet.
@FilmInstinctOfficial It's music, you don't have to analize or think about it, I think this version is better, it doesnt really take away anything from Cohen, it's still a Cohen creation, but for ME, this version is waaaay better, that all.
@WinterWineStudio I don't understand how you can describe this version as better than the original. Yes Rufus has a nice voice but this is a song that should be sung with emotions not with a pretty voice. Listen to the original and listen to the emotion Leonard Cohen puts into it.
@WinterWineStudio This is a fine cover . . . but for me nothing will ever touch the original . . . there is a painfully poignant soulfulness to Cohen's original . . . when I hear Cohen sing this song it quietly crushes my heart
@WinterWineStudio This is a great cover, but a cover is all it can be - with the subject matter of the song as it is Cohen is the only one who can properly sing it, and his live versions still make this look terrible
@gt2e You respect my opinion, but don't respect me by calling me a "fucking idiot" just because you don't agree with my opinion (which you respect) - That makes YOU an IDIOT... are you going to call me a "fucking idiot" if I tell you I like Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" better than Cohen or Wainwrights?
@WinterWineStudio no no it really is you thats the fucking idiot here,i never used the word respect i said you're entitled to your opinion not that i respect it,may i suggest a dictionary ?? while you may be entitled to an opinion that doesnt mean i have to like it,respect it or value it and no if you said that they're version was better i wouldnt call you an idiot its just in this instance,dont be so simple
@WinterWineStudio oh i agree i am very cool i just didnt see why you brought it up and dont worry with plenty of hard work and a bit of luck someday you might just be as cool as me
@WinterWineStudio how ironic,you thinking i didnt pick up on your sarcasm when in fact it was the other way round !!!!! why would i think after us having a big heated argument that you'd turn around and call me cool ???? you fucking idiot and that last msg really proves it,give it up you're well beaten and only making a cunt of yourself either way im not replying you are unworthy and everyone who reads this exchange will see that,you're a complete and utter retard
La cancion es del maestro LEONHARD COHEN, busca con su nombre el chelsea hotel, aqui en youtube encontre uno con los subtitulos en espanol, saludos :-)
its too personal. it's like covering "tears in heavon" you just cant cover that. this just sounds so stupid sang by anyone but leonard cohen. its just too defined. the meaning cant be applied to anything but his exchange with ms joplin
Eric clapton didn't even write the lyrics for tears in heaven. It was the same retard who wrote the aerosmith song don't wanna miss a thing. Look it up you fucking moron.
oh yeah I am a moron!?? "tears in heaven" is a song about eric claptons dead son. how do you make such a stupid claim that is completely incorrect. His young child died and that song is to his son. obviously you never heard the song. yeah eric clapton hired someone to write a song about the grief is his dead son. hahah! maybe you should look it up! everywhere says Clapton, my friend. I bet you cant come up with a source. now delete your comment out of embarrassment, bitch!
From wikipedia - "Eric and I were engaged to write a song for a movie called Rush. We wrote a song called 'Help Me Up' for the end of the movie... then Eric saw another place in the movie for a song and he said to me, 'I want to write a song about my boy.' Eric had the first verse of the song written, which, to me, is all the song, but he wanted me to write the rest of the verse lines and the release. He told me that he had admired the work I did with Steve Winwood Will Jennings"
You insist that it is personal yet admit that someone else wrote the lyrics. SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIM. How the fuck could that be personal. Will Jennings was the name of the man who wrote the lyrics. All his songs are sentimental dribble and tears in heaven is ideologically fucked. It also came up during the filming of a movie called rush. Way to write about your dead son, through a commercial piece of shit like rush.
hey I am not saying I have the song in my collection. this isnt about is being a good or bad song or if anyone likes it. I was being sarcastic when I said that "yeah eric clapton hired someone" because it sounds so ridiculous. William Jennings definitely contributed to the song...but he did not write the song himself! Clapton AND Jennings wrote the song together. I'm personally not into clapton and my favorites reflect that
lloplop is just another person shooting their mouth off to get responses because they are insecure. Very typical. LC loves this version. If you don't,... oh well. Your problem. No one really cares what you do. Rufus and LC do fine without you, as do the rest of us.
actually, insecure people go around calling everyone insecure all the time....so take a look at that. I was merely stating my opinion! but because you do not agree.....I am.....insecure? what? what does it matter is LC likes it or not? and he says he does "a wonderful job" never said he loves it. It's my problem? its a problem that I dont like this cover?? what? nonsensical! lets think before we speak, okay?
it takes balls to even attempt doing a cover of such a perfect song as Leonard Cohen's Chelsea Hotel, but Rufus really pulls it off here in high style.
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Yes, I do know all about the cover tour and people trying to raise money for Lenny who got ripped off by his accountant which is admirable etc etc. but Nick Cave, Antony, Martha sodding Wainright...hello?? Are your seriously putting these people alongside Cohen?? They themselves would laugh at your naievete. Leonard is being polite when he praises Wainright.
i guess you didnt know that this comes from a documentary about Leonard Cohen in which all kind of artists like U2, Nick Cave, Antony Hegarty, Beth Orton and a bunch more pay tribute to him by performing his songs... maybe not so pointless after all?
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"Feel"? What does Rufus know about a loving touch from a beautiful woman? All he knows is some grunt packing his shit in his ass. And he considers this "love'? Do you?
If Jeff Buckley would have covered this, it would blow out all the others. oh and search RMerritt song 1 and tell me what you think, or just click my name above
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Why is is poofter destroying an amazing song about something he knows absolutley nothing about; that is, love between a man and a woman. He would rather be 'giving the head' ......very degrading version of the song.
Well yes I do agree that he didn't do a great job of it, but that guy wasn't insulting his musicality, he was being homophobic. If he didn't like the song he should have said 'Why is this guy destroying a great song', not sit there and imply that just because he's homosexual, he can't understand the concept of love.
I think your idea that he can't understand what the song is about is pretty rubbish, we have to remember that Leonard's lyrics were originally poetry and poetry can be interpreted by any one in any way they see it. I just think this is a different version, a way Rufus has interpreted the poetry of Leonard Cohen.
I'm not usually a fan of Wainwright, but this is a really wonderful cover of a heartbreaking song.
bambieyedbeauty 3 days ago
Absolutely outstanding, what a voice Rufus has - added to the fact that is singing one of my fav. ever artists' songs - totally great, exuse me while i replay this song.
dobella 6 days ago
Brilliant... gets me every time.
viktorpetrovart 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
In love with this version :)
SiviPanda 2 months ago
The tragic thing is that Janis Joplin WAS beautiful. She had some gorgeous male and female groupies. Her heart was a legend...Rufus' rendition is the best I've ever heard.
blueguitarblue 4 months ago
@blueguitarblue Thanks for pointing out this version. It is beautiful and touching in its own way. It is just that Leonard Cohen sings it from his own experience with Janis and to me that makes it more "real". I don't know quite how to put it in words, english is not my native language, but what I mean is that Leonards voice somehow makes me feel how lonely they both were at that moment even when they made love together, and that makes me want to cry, for they deserved so much more.
DirkjeA 2 months ago
@DirkjeA First of all, your English is oustanding. There are natives whose English is terrible. Be proud. Is your name Nordic or Dutch? I should give Leonard's voice more of a try, but I'm such an aesthetic snob! I don't sense the emotion. I hear a genius poet trying to sing a song! Not to be mean. It's all fun and just preference. Leonard's poetry makes me cry, not the singing. But check out all of the three I mentioned. When I hear these three singing these songs with such emotion, I cry.
blueguitarblue 2 months ago
What I like about Rufus he sounds the same on albums as live. Now thats true talent
Novisaillegal 4 months ago 2
Let's all take a moment to think about how sad it is that the Chelsea Hotel is closing!
NeonlightRebel 4 months ago
By the way, Hi, Suzy!
autumnfair1 5 months ago
Wainright just goes from strength to strength, amazing.
autumnfair1 5 months ago
I remember you well
suzycreamcheesez 5 months ago
The line that starts at 2:22 and ends at around 2:51 is the most beautiful goddamn thing ever. And Janis was right, too . . . she did have the music. For that brief snapshot of time, she had the music; it was hers. Beauty, my God, the beauty . . .
ryanthethird 6 months ago
How beautiful of a person must Janis Joplin have been . . . I almost feel like I know her after this song.
ryanthethird 6 months ago
Jacinta, I say the same.
ironcarvel 6 months ago
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rmw247 7 months ago
Wow, I have been a fan of LC for years but this version is truly amazing.
I heard of Rufus when he did the 'Carrickfergus' song on Boardwalk Empire.
I am amazed he is not as well known as he should be.
Wonderful, Wonderful.
dobella 7 months ago
No disrespect to Mr. Leonard Cohen, but I don't think I can go back to his version after hearing Rufus's incredible rendition.
UGFront 8 months ago
Agree for Rufus. But documentary of Leonard Cohen, is one of the best I have ever seen. His voice, thoughts, soul, have inspired all who particaped in documentary to the be artists they are now , but mostly on "reviving" many of his songs and poetry.
My personal favorite from Rufus, Greek Song. .. and across the universe with sean and moby..
smlysue 8 months ago
One of the greatest voices in the world today, covering one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Excellent.
grail68 8 months ago
I was speaking relatively as a singer.
yumpladukfoo 8 months ago
I'd marry the fuck outta' him.
umsorachel 9 months ago 2
He didn't write this.
kirwho1 9 months ago 2
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Rufus Wainwright does the best Leonard Cohen covers I've ever heard. If I was a dude, I'd marry him.
MerryHempstress 10 months ago
Rufus Wainwright does the best Leonard Cohen covers I've ever heard. If I was a dude, I'd marry him.
MerryHempstress 10 months ago 3
@MerryHempstress he really really does, such a genius, both of them
frusciante39 10 months ago
I completely agree with 'getyoursfree.' While superficially Wainwright has a pretty voice and an understanding of what it means to be sad or even heartbroken, he fails to capture the proper vocal inflection that a song like this requires. In singing Chelsea Hotel, he seems like a performer in the truest sense of the word. To borrow from Socrates/Plato, he mimics and does not know.
illegallyblind 10 months ago
@illegallyblind
I am on board with these guy's posts......he sounds too easy to listen to, like Jackson Browne.
I understand that he has technique.........but lacks, IMO, soul.
yumpladukfoo 9 months ago
@yumpladukfoo Woaah.. no Rufus does not lack soul.. wow. I can't believe you said that...
broadwaycakes 8 months ago
Wainwright has covered a few of Cohen's numbers. This is not one of the better ones. He doesn't have Cohen's depth of understanding in his voice. It's one of those songs where to express the sentiments you have to have "been there". It's apparent he hasn't.
getyoursfree 10 months ago 2
I just don't like this guy. boring. flat. where is his soul? not here.
dannlynch 11 months ago
Today it was officially announced that Leonard Cohen has become a grandfather again. The parents of the little girl are his daughter Lorca and ... Rufus Wainwright!
sylvia1971de 11 months ago
he has a good way of recapturing the beauty of leonards music.
Kristehhhh 11 months ago
I know him a little bit, He is odd but nice. He performs every year at The Watermill Center on Long Island it is a beautiful intimate setting and worth the benefit ticket price. Highly reccomend.
tedkruckel 11 months ago
@rancido2 i wasn't a rufus fan until i started to obsess over the song hallelujah and all the different versions of the song by cohen, buckley, rufus, kd lang. i started to listen to more rufus and devoured each album. but the live performances are even more incredible. like this. or they can be. i love rufus, but the very first show of his 2010 tour was in asbury park nj, at the convention center, songs for lulu was rough. the song cycle is impossibly hard to play through
manager910 11 months ago
Not a fan--but what a WONDERFUL performance!
writingtheblackhorse 1 year ago
performer
trikoola 1 year ago
Hmmm... how would I re-use hybrid technology.... I would definatly - FUCK OFF. On the other hand, I love this song. Rufus is amazing, and after listening to him for only two weeks I went out and bought every single CD of his.
handsdown101 1 year ago
Wainwright actually brings this song to life. Not only that he has a very beautiful voice. He is a brilliant singer, too. He gets across the emotions as if he was telling a story he himself has experienced. So genuine. He shines on this.
All due respect for Leonard Cohen for writing this song, but I can't even stand hearing him "sing" this song. Sorry, but his monotonous babbling lacks any emotion imho.
The same goes for Hallelujah. Well, to each their own, I guess.
sylvia1971de 1 year ago 3
@sylvia1971 Everything Rufus sings he brings to life. He owns it. He's brilliant.
writingtheblackhorse 11 months ago 3
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CPjohnylumber 1 year ago
Whaaaaat? He turns a Cohen classic into a dirge, and that's "Pure talent' ??? Take the muffs off your ears!
longasaya 1 year ago
very nice job, but I still prefer the master himself...
kateholli 1 year ago 2
I like it. Rufus Wainwright brings out the sadness that Cohen intended.
But honestly, I find Cohen's original more emotional. Read the story behind this song, it's about his own short romance with Janis Joplin who committed suicide shortly after. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful rendition.
rderouck 1 year ago 11
@rderouck actually, she didn't kill herself.
she accidentally OD'd on an unusually strong dose of heroin
RukisxGoldxPants 1 year ago
@rderouck Janis did NOt commit suicide!!
truecancer 5 months ago 2
i love this
SuperLollylegs 1 year ago
This is practically the only the only thing I have ever heard Rufus Wainright perform and it killed me. It's so intense.
CylindricalWhistle 1 year ago 2
@CylindricalWhistle searh for him singing live "Go Or Go Ahead" and I bet you'll get all his records after that!
WinterWineStudio 1 year ago
i enjoy this a lot, and i also enjoyed rickie lee jones' version at the melbourne 2010 sidney myer music bowl concert .... THAT one bowled me over, but my record of cohen singing this is definitely getting worn out by overplaying!
gegemec 1 year ago
I love Rufus - it kinda amuses me to see so many comments on UT vids to be out of context with reality & remind me why mainstream popular music is the vat of shite it is today - however Rufus himself agrees he is no Cohen in the lyrical stakes - his delivery of this is stunning - but again Cohen's versions remain supreme including those he sang in 2010 -
anthonynewsome 1 year ago
This is my favorit song these days, Rufus is great singer and the performance in this song and Halleluja is perfect for the Leonard Choen songs I love his songs Love to Rufus all the way from Iceland I would like to hear more of his songs in the future
AsdisHerry 1 year ago
I heard this for the very first time in the My name is Tiga podcast. After listening to it, I fell in love with the song and rufus voice.
ggvidales 1 year ago
RW is an incredible talent
stjulienlepauvre 1 year ago
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My favorite rendition of one of my favorite songs. Janis Joplin?
suzycreamcheesez 1 year ago
My favorite rendition of one of my favorite songs.
suzycreamcheesez 1 year ago 2
What an amazing performance!!!
I get chills and tear up every time I watch this!
It's just so painstakingly beautiful!!
Definitely the best song by Rufus. (even tho it's not "his" song.)
krazyker007 1 year ago 13
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suzycreamcheesez 1 year ago
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talking so brave and so sweet dead one month
suzycreamcheesez 1 year ago
talking so brave and so sweet
suzycreamcheesez 1 year ago
What a heart felt copy well done
bezzo1981 1 year ago
Just say RW Sat nite in Bethesda MD - he has really matured into an incredible performer & songwriter - he played amazing piano throughout, like he was channeling the ghosts of Gershwin & Chopin at once, & his voice was in fine form, full & warm - Sure he's gay as a blade, but he didn't choose to exhibit that side of himself (think he was a bit overawed by the money there), just this gorgeous rapturous music, modulating into unexpected & lovely melodies - kudos to his talent and sensibilities!
SupernalOne 1 year ago
awesome version
DEOO100 1 year ago
Resist the NWO ;)
deagla2 1 year ago
Songs are written toe sung. To say that one version is the definitive version and that a song should never be sung again is an insult composer.
bonfid 1 year ago
this is one of the best, or should i say, the most beautiful cover i've ever heard
emica4 1 year ago
winterwine - you are so correct.
jhelbling100 1 year ago
what is he doing? this is supposed to be done on a guitar, and in a half spoken, half sung style. Leonard sings with such charisma and electricity, and Rufus often sounds very flat and meaningless.
17Hongo 1 year ago
@17Hongo If Leonard likes his version, who are WE to question it, no diff than Hallelujah. Leo singing it in his spoken grumbled voice is all he's got. Cohen is a poet not a singer. Just ask all his peers and friends, Springsteen, Bono, and all those other Irish poets during his induction concert, which was great. Rufus, does have a nasal, flat tonality to his voice and still he is brilliant and Leo picked this, not US. He is speaking at beginning.
mediagod2004 1 year ago
@17Hongo
I think it's a bit strange that you seem to know which way this song has to be played, although the composer, Cohen, doesn't agree on your opinion...
He says he loves the way Rufus did it & you have to give him credits for that.
Stilte24 1 year ago
Well obviously Cohen himself sings this song with so much more passion because this song is about a completely personal and intimate time in his life and the experience he had with Janis Joplin. I think Rufus does an excellent job at endowing this song with as much vulnerability as a third party can. Props to him and Rufus Wainwright is a beautiful and monstrously talented musician. I definately agree that Leonard's is better. Covers will never compare because LC's songs are from HIS heart.
C3POwen77 1 year ago
RUFUS! It means red in Latin.
MoseyBurns 1 year ago
Leonard and Janis.... dunno if anyone can make this song more real than Leonard does. This isn't too bad though.
tbombadil1 1 year ago
Its good, i agree, but for me the original is much more emotional. it just seems so much more raw and truthful.
riseagan 1 year ago
I'm a big fan of Rufus' voice, but I really think he took this song to a place that makes it devoid of any of the delicate vulnerability that Cohen imbued the original with so beautifully. :(
blondie666 1 year ago
By far the best cover ever of this Pure Song
scottie0610 1 year ago 3
All that jive'n around....
HippieJimi 1 year ago
Although I really like Rufus Wainwright's Leonard Cohen covers, this cover just can't compare to the original in the least.
heyWorldbeveryAfraid 1 year ago 2
Beautiful x
rdgloveshouse 1 year ago 2
The best cover of this is done by Hop Along, search it, you will be happy you did
andicustherobot 1 year ago
@andicustherobot I agree dude. Made me a little wet in the eyes.
ShawnPutnam 1 year ago
@andicustherobot I thought it was a good cover, but I'm not sure if it really touches Rufus' cover for me. Maybe I just need to learn to love her voice, as it is truly unique. Thank you for pointing it out to me. I'm going to be looking up her stuff to see how I like it.
joetz34 1 year ago
Winterwine and Seven2, performing with heart is oft mistaken for talent. RW is good, not great (yet). People who know music would agree
woofycalling 1 year ago
the strings are amazing
khasperg 2 years ago
A giant!
sunshag1 2 years ago
Elton John says Rufus is the greatest songwriter on the planet... although this is not his I have to admit, the original just cant compare to this, its incredible how he manages to make this sound so real, so intimate, Rufus is simply amazing and I get pissed off of how many ppl dont know about him
WinterWineStudio 2 years ago 39
elton john is just a man... and just counts for one mans personal opinion. Rufus isn't nearly swinging with the best of them yet....
seven2me 2 years ago
Aha? and all I did was mention the opinion of the "one" man... Do you write? let me read some
WinterWineStudio 2 years ago
sure!. do you know french?
seven2me 2 years ago
@WinterWineStudio I'll argue - Leonard wrote this, and he remains the greatest poet/ songwriter of the century. Rufus is particularly famous for his performance of "Hallelujah" - another Cohen song. I don't really like Rufus' take on Cohen, but that's really up to the listener - what I will say is that "Halllelujah", for all that it is famous, is really very minor Cohen; Chelsea hotel is better, but for Cohen at his best, check out "Everybody knows" (or the RW cover) or "Suzanne", or Democracy.
17Hongo 1 year ago
@WinterWineStudio Elton has also said that about Ron Sexsmith. He has a lot of greatest songwriters I suppose!
LacersEast 1 year ago
I agree that Rufus is incredibly talented, however , my love of Leonard Cohen wouldn't allow me to say that this version is better than the original. Cover artists are wonderful, but nothing can compare to the original. =D
freezyfried 1 year ago 2
@WinterWineStudio I really don't think you have a basis on which you can compare this to Leonard Cohen's original. To say it is better than the incredible lyrics (that, certainly, surpass Wainwright in every way) is a fallacy - it was a different experience, a different life. Wainwright is wonderful - I'm a big fan, but in the end, Wainwright admits that Cohen is beyond the boundaries of songwriting. Cohen is the only Western songwriter who you can call a poet.
FilmInstinctOfficial 1 year ago
@FilmInstinctOfficial It's music, you don't have to analize or think about it, I think this version is better, it doesnt really take away anything from Cohen, it's still a Cohen creation, but for ME, this version is waaaay better, that all.
WinterWineStudio 1 year ago
@WinterWineStudio I don't understand how you can describe this version as better than the original. Yes Rufus has a nice voice but this is a song that should be sung with emotions not with a pretty voice. Listen to the original and listen to the emotion Leonard Cohen puts into it.
TheDjd53 1 year ago
@TheDjd53 that's MY opinion
WinterWineStudio 1 year ago
@WinterWineStudio This is a fine cover . . . but for me nothing will ever touch the original . . . there is a painfully poignant soulfulness to Cohen's original . . . when I hear Cohen sing this song it quietly crushes my heart
jubjub2112 10 months ago
@WinterWineStudio This is a great cover, but a cover is all it can be - with the subject matter of the song as it is Cohen is the only one who can properly sing it, and his live versions still make this look terrible
tricycle101 8 months ago 2
@WinterWineStudio you're entiled to your opinion but i have to say you're a fucking idiot this isnt a patch on leonard cohens version
gt2e 6 months ago
@gt2e You respect my opinion, but don't respect me by calling me a "fucking idiot" just because you don't agree with my opinion (which you respect) - That makes YOU an IDIOT... are you going to call me a "fucking idiot" if I tell you I like Jeff Buckley's version of "Hallelujah" better than Cohen or Wainwrights?
WinterWineStudio 6 months ago
@WinterWineStudio no no it really is you thats the fucking idiot here,i never used the word respect i said you're entitled to your opinion not that i respect it,may i suggest a dictionary ?? while you may be entitled to an opinion that doesnt mean i have to like it,respect it or value it and no if you said that they're version was better i wouldnt call you an idiot its just in this instance,dont be so simple
gt2e 6 months ago
@gt2e Oh sorry, I didn't notice you were so COOL!
WinterWineStudio 6 months ago
@WinterWineStudio cool ??? shhhhhhhhhhh
gt2e 6 months ago
@gt2e Yes! You are very cool! One day I would like to be like you!
WinterWineStudio 6 months ago
@WinterWineStudio oh i agree i am very cool i just didnt see why you brought it up and dont worry with plenty of hard work and a bit of luck someday you might just be as cool as me
gt2e 6 months ago
@gt2e LOL You really need a lesson in sarcasm! BTW Check out my side-project ANTI-COOL!
WinterWineStudio 6 months ago
@WinterWineStudio how ironic,you thinking i didnt pick up on your sarcasm when in fact it was the other way round !!!!! why would i think after us having a big heated argument that you'd turn around and call me cool ???? you fucking idiot and that last msg really proves it,give it up you're well beaten and only making a cunt of yourself either way im not replying you are unworthy and everyone who reads this exchange will see that,you're a complete and utter retard
gt2e 6 months ago
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@gt2e You're really having fun :)
WinterWineStudio 6 months ago
Me gustaria que me den una pagina en la cual salgan las letras de rufus al español. Me encanta y su voz y quiero saber mas de el.Gracias
pepemugriento 2 years ago
La cancion es del maestro LEONHARD COHEN, busca con su nombre el chelsea hotel, aqui en youtube encontre uno con los subtitulos en espanol, saludos :-)
1tulipan1 2 years ago
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sandiekay100 2 years ago
Rufus Wainwright is one of the most beautiful singers I have ever heard and laid eyes on. A true Heartfelt Singer.
jacintashaktilove 2 years ago 14
I love Rufus
judithorloffmd 2 years ago
perfection
emica4 2 years ago
incredible beautiful.
itsmeherrie 2 years ago 2
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what a piece of crap!
zeluch 2 years ago
really? u seriouse? this is great
666rocko 2 years ago
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OMG please leave this to LEONARD COHEN! This is just an embarrassment.
lloplop 2 years ago
Leonard does it best. But an embarrassment? Hardly.
dcskins83 2 years ago
its too personal. it's like covering "tears in heavon" you just cant cover that. this just sounds so stupid sang by anyone but leonard cohen. its just too defined. the meaning cant be applied to anything but his exchange with ms joplin
lloplop 2 years ago
Eric clapton didn't even write the lyrics for tears in heaven. It was the same retard who wrote the aerosmith song don't wanna miss a thing. Look it up you fucking moron.
superdupacoolawesome 2 years ago
oh yeah I am a moron!?? "tears in heaven" is a song about eric claptons dead son. how do you make such a stupid claim that is completely incorrect. His young child died and that song is to his son. obviously you never heard the song. yeah eric clapton hired someone to write a song about the grief is his dead son. hahah! maybe you should look it up! everywhere says Clapton, my friend. I bet you cant come up with a source. now delete your comment out of embarrassment, bitch!
lloplop 2 years ago
From wikipedia - "Eric and I were engaged to write a song for a movie called Rush. We wrote a song called 'Help Me Up' for the end of the movie... then Eric saw another place in the movie for a song and he said to me, 'I want to write a song about my boy.' Eric had the first verse of the song written, which, to me, is all the song, but he wanted me to write the rest of the verse lines and the release. He told me that he had admired the work I did with Steve Winwood Will Jennings"
straitjacket24 2 years ago
is that true? it seems like such a personal song. That sucks...
chuck1990bb 2 years ago
You insist that it is personal yet admit that someone else wrote the lyrics. SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIM. How the fuck could that be personal. Will Jennings was the name of the man who wrote the lyrics. All his songs are sentimental dribble and tears in heaven is ideologically fucked. It also came up during the filming of a movie called rush. Way to write about your dead son, through a commercial piece of shit like rush.
superdupacoolawesome 2 years ago
hey I am not saying I have the song in my collection. this isnt about is being a good or bad song or if anyone likes it. I was being sarcastic when I said that "yeah eric clapton hired someone" because it sounds so ridiculous. William Jennings definitely contributed to the song...but he did not write the song himself! Clapton AND Jennings wrote the song together. I'm personally not into clapton and my favorites reflect that
lloplop 2 years ago
Why the fuck did we argue anyway it was such a stupid thing. oh well whatever.
superdupacoolawesome 2 years ago
because sex and aggression drive all our actions. yeah i agree
lloplop 2 years ago
lloplop is just another person shooting their mouth off to get responses because they are insecure. Very typical. LC loves this version. If you don't,... oh well. Your problem. No one really cares what you do. Rufus and LC do fine without you, as do the rest of us.
interculturalaware 2 years ago
actually, insecure people go around calling everyone insecure all the time....so take a look at that. I was merely stating my opinion! but because you do not agree.....I am.....insecure? what? what does it matter is LC likes it or not? and he says he does "a wonderful job" never said he loves it. It's my problem? its a problem that I dont like this cover?? what? nonsensical! lets think before we speak, okay?
lloplop 2 years ago
They all give you the red thumb but I agree with you on this one.
No matter how talented singers are,they just can't beat LC version.This song is so him.
musicsavage 2 years ago
Spread The Rufus Love!
Lennynyc1955 2 years ago
love this version! I Love Rufus Wainwright! so talent
rafaeltadeu88 2 years ago 4
Whatever else Rufus does in his life, at heaven's gate, he need only play this for Saint Peter.
zydecodance 2 years ago 3
And all Leonard Cohen will have to do is say "We are ugly, but we have the music"
cdjones19 2 years ago 6
OUi sublime! J'aime, j'aime, j'aime!
liketheleaf 2 years ago
Sublime!
UmLimao 2 years ago 3
i think its beautiful.
janvierLEmardi 2 years ago
it takes balls to even attempt doing a cover of such a perfect song as Leonard Cohen's Chelsea Hotel, but Rufus really pulls it off here in high style.
manwithnoname123 2 years ago 7
I love this version. He gives the song a gay flamboyant flavour! By the way: I LOVE CHELSEA HOTEL!
Karkar82 2 years ago 2
!!!!!
2FatGuyz 2 years ago
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Yes, I do know all about the cover tour and people trying to raise money for Lenny who got ripped off by his accountant which is admirable etc etc. but Nick Cave, Antony, Martha sodding Wainright...hello?? Are your seriously putting these people alongside Cohen?? They themselves would laugh at your naievete. Leonard is being polite when he praises Wainright.
DoktorSilverman 2 years ago
you wouldn't know talent if it bit you in the ass sideways. Rufus and Martha are incredibly talented!
mothberries 2 years ago 4
nice.
murthax 2 years ago
doesn't eclipse the original but comes close..............still alot of grace here due to wainwrights voice
Jay3039 2 years ago
You must be out of your mind, this is a wonderful cover. Wonderful voice and not as monotone as the original one:-)
honse1970 2 years ago 2
haha "this is a crap cover - listen to the original by Leonard" the video starts with Leonard praising this cover of it.
gino88 2 years ago 5
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sorry - this is a crap cover - listen to the original by Leonard - there really is no point in covering this song
DoktorSilverman 2 years ago
i guess you didnt know that this comes from a documentary about Leonard Cohen in which all kind of artists like U2, Nick Cave, Antony Hegarty, Beth Orton and a bunch more pay tribute to him by performing his songs... maybe not so pointless after all?
niksmismee01 2 years ago
You may want to listen to what Mr. Cohen stated. I'm sorry my comments frightened you.
Nancyjean24 2 years ago
If anyone can cover Leonard,it's Rufus.He is able to feel exactly why the song was written. What a delicious and unique voice.
Nancyjean24 2 years ago 7
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"Feel"? What does Rufus know about a loving touch from a beautiful woman? All he knows is some grunt packing his shit in his ass. And he considers this "love'? Do you?
wovokanarchy 2 years ago
I need you... I don't need you... (heartbreak)
TheGreatGallbo 2 years ago
Great performer - the leonard cohen I'm your man cd is one of the best I have hear in quite sometime
giftsstlouis 2 years ago
leonard DEP
viboreta 2 years ago
Rufus, you are great...!
CopterHeli 2 years ago
this is beautiful!
woutkodokan 2 years ago
It's a dad thing Rufus
fruitmuffin 2 years ago
rufus sure is great, but this song is maybe too risky to sing, accept if your name isn't leonard cohen :)
themrspink 2 years ago 4
rufus' voice is like caramel butterscotch nectar
sipie1969 2 years ago 8
lol awesome
StereoTypeA 2 years ago
I agree 100%
countchetta 2 years ago
I can't even articulate how much I love Rufus and his voice and the way he interprets music.
StereoTypeA 2 years ago 5
with reference to kentbrockman 5's comment
ToTheDogsMusic 2 years ago
Mournful and lovely
atarhad 2 years ago
rufus \o/
chilling perfomance, cohen worthy stuff
TimKnip 2 years ago 4
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why is everyone talkin bout buckley if he hadnt of died no one would remember him
kentbrockman5 2 years ago
how can you possibly know that?
ToTheDogsMusic 2 years ago 2
If Jeff Buckley would have covered this, it would blow out all the others. oh and search RMerritt song 1 and tell me what you think, or just click my name above
ryanthethird 2 years ago 2
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Why is is poofter destroying an amazing song about something he knows absolutley nothing about; that is, love between a man and a woman. He would rather be 'giving the head' ......very degrading version of the song.
wovokanarchy 2 years ago
You are pathetic. HE knows nothing about it? Obviously you know nothing about love either, to say something that disgusting and bigoted.
Proxymoronic 2 years ago 2
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this is a pretty attrocious cover. Leonard sings it with such passion, truth and belief. This should be brushed under the carpet.
DookNun 2 years ago
Well yes I do agree that he didn't do a great job of it, but that guy wasn't insulting his musicality, he was being homophobic. If he didn't like the song he should have said 'Why is this guy destroying a great song', not sit there and imply that just because he's homosexual, he can't understand the concept of love.
Proxymoronic 2 years ago 4
I think your idea that he can't understand what the song is about is pretty rubbish, we have to remember that Leonard's lyrics were originally poetry and poetry can be interpreted by any one in any way they see it. I just think this is a different version, a way Rufus has interpreted the poetry of Leonard Cohen.
snoopy1319 2 years ago 4
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That being said I still think he would rathter be giving the ' head' rather than receiving it ;except of course if it's from some young boy.
wovokanarchy 2 years ago
That has nothing to do with with the quality of this song, writing, or performance. Keep it relevant!
pterra12 2 years ago