Question before bed time:
Is it pretty universal that Rufus Wainwright’s version of Hallelujah is the best one? Does anyone have a different favorite?
I *think* I’ve heard all of them, and I think Rufus’s is the best.
I’ve heard some strong opinions for Regina Spektor, but my favorite is Jeff Buckley’s (LAME). I also like Dylan’s weird cover. And stupidly, Jason Castro’s from American Idol. NO JUDGIE
can we talk about Tori Amos’s cover of Famous Blue Raincoat while we’re at it
The best version is Leonard Cohen, duh. KD Lang’s is also pretty good, but John Cale is the dark horse.
Here’s the thing: yes, L Coh has a minimalist style and it is beautiful and soothing. But on Hallelujah? Really? He’s got weird rhythm everywhere, plus those annoying and overpowering backup singers. And: my mom’s favorite version is John Cale, so you’re in good company.
Lincoln Brewster’s “Another Hallelujah” is my favorite.
I was wondering if anyone would pick Leo himself. I agree on the above note that it’s a little much for the song, but it’s still very good. The Brewster version is pretty sweet, CS. and trainwrecks, KD Lang’s is SO very excellent. Not many people are even aware of it, but I guess trainwrecks knows everything.
subquestion!!! Is this song so perfect that it’s nearly impossible to fuck up?
Oh, it can be fucked up. too much music fucks it up as does trying to sing it passioniately…it has to be sung passionately, but you can’t try.
Jeff Buckley is the right answer. Anyone that dies swimming the Mississippi river automatically wins.
On a footnote, i nearly died in the Ohio river swimming as a kid…serious under currents…those big ass rivers have.
