Proto-punk rocker turned troubadour Cohen made his name in the early ’60s with Charleston Grotto, who were then notorious on the LA club circuit. In the 40 years since, Cohen has amassed hundreds of his big-hearted, dog-eared tunes, which blend tiki lounge jazz, Weimar cabaret, psychedelia, lurching blues and boogaloo with dark humour and extraordinary pop finesse. The results-as championed by Tom Waits and John Zorn?vaguely recall Roky Erickson, but there’s no hint of a talent tragically damaged here. However vulnerable songs like “Still Alive”?a tribute to John Lennon?and the quivering “Lucy Lucifer” might seem, Cohen’s arranging hand is steady and his ear finely tuned.
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