103 Leonard Cohen: A Letter To My Son

WARNING!: Mature Subject Matter - Due to certain references to sexual activity in this podcast, Listener Discretion Is Strongly Advised

In this episode we take you on an unexpected journey through the life and legacy of iconic poet turned singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

Growing up in a household that dismissed Cohen's music as taboo, we reflect on the surprising allure Cohen held for women, particularly our friend's free-spirited Moms in the '70s.Discovering a battered vinyl copy of Cohen's greatest hits sparked a fascination with songs like "Chelsea Hotel," along with intertwining tales of love, loss, and the gritty underbelly of fame.

Experience firsthand the profound impact of Cohen's lyrics, exploring themes of desire, regret, and the complexities of modern relationships through the usual mix of personal anecdotes and cultural references you've come to expect from an episode of The GXO.Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream through poignant moments including Cohen's heartfelt deathbed farewell to the beloved Marianne along with the bittersweet reality of his later years, marked by both triumph and adversity.

Blending nostalgia and reverence, this episode promises to resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers alike, inviting all to rediscover the haunting beauty of Leonard Cohen's music. Tune in for an engaging exploration of artistry, memory, and the enduring power of love!

*THE MUSIC (all songs written by Leonard Cohen)

Dance Me To The End Of Love by American chanteuse jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux from her album Careless Love

Chelsea Hotel No. 2 by Leonard Cohen from his album New Skin For An Old Ceremony

Everybody Knows performed by fellow Montrealer Rufus Wainwright (father to Cohen's granddaughter Viva Katherine Wainwright Cohen) from the motion picture soundtrack to the performance film Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man

The Future from Leonard Cohen's album of the same name

I’m Your Man performed by amateur theologian and former lead singer from Australia's The Birthday Party; Nick Cave from the motion picture soundtrack to the performance film Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man

Tower Of Song performed by Leonard Cohen and Ireland's U2 from the motion picture soundtrack to the performance film Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man