AAR After Hours

It is my untested and unscientific observation that Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is the most covered song I’ve ever heard. It’s also one of my favorites. It’s interesting to listen to, and compare, different versions. As much as I love Regina Spektor, her version disappointed me. Rufus Wainwright’s is undeniably fabulous, and Brandi Carlile’s voice adds a unique take on it.

I recently stumbled across a new version I hadn’t heard before, in the video above. I wasn’t familiar with Kate Voegele before this song, but I think it’s made a fan out of me.

What’s your favorite rendition of “Hallelujah?”

Occasionally I blog about musicians I’ve been listening to lately, and today’s installment is Ingrid Michaelson.  Thank God for Pandora, who introduced me to such a beautiful singer.

To follow up on my entry about Regina Spektor, here is another blog about Musicians I’m Crazy About. This installment: Brandi Carlile.

You may recognize her song The Story from the GM commercials last summer during the Olympics. Not going to lie, that’s how I found her. Apparently some of her music has been on Grey’s Anatomy, but I don’t watch that show so I don’t which songs or in what context. The song in this youtube video, “Tragedy,” is my favorite by her (you gotta love string instruments), followed closely by Hiding My Heart. There’s something about Brandi Carlile’s voice. Though it’s not perfect, and sometimes breaks or cracks, it does so in the most wonderful way.

Friends of mine have listened to Regina Spekter for years.  For some reason, I always equated her with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, who aren’t really my thing.  Then I was listening to NPR the other day, and heard an interview with Regina Spekter, and fell in love.  I only had enough money left on my iTunes gift cards for one song, so I downloaded Eet.

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He’s been surrounded by controversy for years, loathed, loved, pitied, misunderstood. But whatever you thought of the man, you have to admit he was a damn good musician.

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson.