On his cover version of Leonard Cohen’s 2016 track “You Want It Darker,” Iggy Pop’s version of the spoken word classic, that appeared on Cohen’s final album before his passing, is as pensive and moody as the original composition.
In a statement about his desire to record the classic, Pop (born James Newell Osterberg Jr.) stated “There’s nobody like Leonard.” “Not in the whole world.”
Iggy’s version of “You Want It Darker” will appear on the upcoming all-star tribute album Here It Is: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen. Scheduled for a 10.14 release, Here It Is features covers of Cohen’s songs that span the rock poet’s entire career and includes contributions from Norah Jones on “Steer Your Way,” James Taylor on “Coming Back to You,” and Nathanial Rateliff on “Famous Blue Raincoat.”
The full length also features Mavis Staples, Peter Gabriel, Sarah McLachlan and more, each of whom are supported by a seasoned studio band including saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins, guitarist Bill Frisell, pedal steel guitarist Greg Liesz, pianist Kevin Hays, bassist Scott Colley, and drummer Nate Smith.
In a statement about the project, Here It Is producer Larry Klein said “Leonard Cohen had been a friend since 1982 or so, and in the last 15 years of his life, he became a close friend. He was possibly the wisest and funniest friend that I had, and someone that I enjoyed immensely in every way. After he passed away, I found myself frequently covering his songs with other artists that I was working with. One reason, of course, is that the songs are so good, but the other reason was that it helped keep him in the air around me.”
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Raph_PH