Varied and uplifting tribute

There are some magnificent, some great and some Merely competent interpretations of Leonard Cohen's music on this soundtrack album. First the highlights. Tower Of Song by Martha Wainwright with its intricate guitars is a powerful interpretation of the classic. The lilting and sensual Tonight Will Be Fine by Teddy Thompsom is magnificent - his voice Resembles That of Springsteen.

Then comes the tremulous and Atmospheric Winter Lady by Kate & Anna McGarrigle and Martha Wainwright, a true gem. Beth Orton does a splendid version of Sisters Of Mercy with her slow and emphatic enunciation supported by lovely backing vocals. Perla Batalla's Bird On A Wire and The Traitor by Martha Wainwright with its opening trumpets are great, and Both have exquisite instrumentation.

The weaving voices of Nick Cave, Julie Christensen and Perla Batalla make Suzanne quite special, whilst Teddy Thompson does justice to the Future in this Rhythmic, uptempo version of the eerie song with its apocalyptic vision of the future. The evocative Anthem is a duet between Batalla and Christensen, a classic interpretation with soulful organ and uplifting vocals.

I found the Following tracks competent but not really exceptional: The sax-heavy I'm Your Man by Nick Cave, Chelsea Hotel by Rufus Wainwright, the soulful If It Be Your Will by Antony, I Can not Forget by Jarvis Cocker, Famous Blue Raincoat by The Handsome Family and the breezy Everybody Knows by Rufus Wainwright.

Although not a fan of U2, I love the concluding track Tower of Song by Cohen and Bono. The voices work well together and the instrumentation is superb. Fans of Leonard might also be interested in the other tribute albums: Famous Blue Raincoat: 20th Anniversary Edition by Jennifer Warnes, Judy Collins Sings Leonard Cohen: Democracy, I'm Your Fan by a colorful array of artists from different musical backgrounds and the slightly tepid Tower of Song: The Songs of Leonard Cohen by a selection of mostly country singers.