Indeed, as the rather small print on the back says: "This CD is not authorized by Leonard Cohen." Period. Nevertheless, much of the music on this CD is worth listening to in its own right; it is certainly the most varied collection of music and poetry you will find on one disk. You figure out for yourself what the connections might be with LC's own very distinct oevre.

I share the concerns of the other reviewers and think amazon.com should accept some responsibility since the advance release mailing failed to mention that this CD was not authorized by Leonard Cohen. It might be argued that amazon.com was not obligated to make such a disclaimer, but ethically such advertising is pretty dicey given that amazon actively chose to contact customers about the release. It's one thing for Chrome Dream to issue such a recording--it's another for amazon to plug it.

Very disappointing, especially that some tracks that look great on the track list (eg Dylan, Joplin) are unlistenable recording quality. A few curiosities and gems (La Complainte Du Partisan (The Partisan) - Anna Marly, Which Side Are You On? - Almanac Singers, Careless Love - Josh White, Downhearted Blues - Alberta Hunter) but overall an opportunistic mishmash which I agree has been very misleadingly marketed.

Shame on Amazon.com for even offering this truly terrible CD. I can only echo the negative reviews that have preceeded me, and strongly urge others to pass this one by.

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this CD - as a long-standing Leonard Cohen fan I thought I knew all about his musical influences but there were some surprises on this for me.

What strikes me is the variety of music on here: I can't say I liked all of it, but I'm glad I've now got such songs as the original La Complainte du Partisan (one of my favourite LC songs, both the stripped-down original and the version he's currently playing) and Unchained Melody, which I wouldn't particularly have bothered to download as single tracks.

The sleeve notes are fascinating too, in terms of scope of information as well as the little snippets (for example relating to the short-lived romance with Joni Mitchell or the significance of Tennessee Waltz) - again, some of which I knew, and some I didn't. I was a bit surprised though that Janis (Joplin) got mis-spelt as Janice though! Overall, though, the sleeve notes were a delight.