I'm Your Fan

 

I am not a huge fan of tribute albums because many of them are well-intentioned but seldom better that the originals. One of those which are worth to be listened was the 1991 compilation I Am Your Fan where various artists covered the songs of Leonard Cohen. He was a Canadian singer-songwriter and he was famous in the late 60's/early 70's. In his musical work, existential questions about love, friendship, sense of life, human suffering, death and spirituality are addressed. Most of the songs were meagerly instrumented with acoustic guitars and lead by his somber voice. On this tribute a lot of artists showed their tributes in the way they used to write their songs. And this showed how great this songs were because they work even in the style the artists wrote songs in their very own style.

James - So Long Marianne

Lloyd Cole - Chelsea Hotel

The House of Love - Who By Fire

REM - First We Take Manhattan

Christine

In the mid of the 80's The House Of Love formed in London and got critical acclaim on their first album. Looking back this album has over all the songs a spirit of taking the best of the post-new wave and the abilities of songwriting to create a common sound. Their songs are timeless and it makes a lot of fun to listen to them after long times gone by.

The House Of Love - Christine

Touch Me

The  fact that the year turns to end is evident by the releases of box-sets right to Christmas where money is rather given. This was my first thought when I heard about the re-release of one of the best records released 30 years ago. The House Of Love released in 1988 their debut album with the same title. Formed by guitarist and singer-songwriter Guy Chadwick and lead guitarist Terry Bickers in London. I really liked this album and it was on heavy rotation at these days because it had almost everything in music I expected in the late 80's: great songs, acoustic and psychedelic guitars as well and a voice that fits perfect to the songs. Now the released an anniversary edition filled with demos, alternative version and mixes. Listening to their songs decades after is still a pleasure and it's worth to remember this band.

The House Of Love - Touch Me

And it is astonishing how a song grows from an early demo version to the final version on the album. When the final version had a lot of electric guitar and drums the early version is just a simple bass on the foreground added by some acoustic guitar and scanty drums.

The House Of Love - Touch Me (Demo)