157. Sean Nelson Discusses Leonard Cohen, Songs of Love and Hate (TW: discussion of lyrics pertaining to suicide)

You, Me and An Album

CONTENT WARNING: There is discussion of suicide as it relates to the lyrics of the song “Dress Rehearsal Rag.” (Discussion begins at 46:44 and ends at 51:58.)

Sean Nelson, formerly the frontman for the Seattle-based band Harvey Danger, joins Al to talk about Leonard Cohen’s 1971 album Songs of Love and Hate. Sean talks about how he first heard the album and why he was instantly enamored of it, and why Cohen is one of his favorite vocalists. He also talks about the personal nature of the lyrics for many of the songs on the album. In addition to discussing this album, Sean and Al discuss their experiences with listening to Jennifer Warnes’ covers of Cohen’s songs.

Be sure to check out Sean’s new podcast, The Wonder of It All (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31843073/), wherever you get your podcasts. You can keep up with Sean on Instagram at @actualseannelson.

Al is on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Instagram and Threads at @youmealbum. Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter! https://youmealbum.substack.com/

1:25 Sean joins the show

2:11 Sean explains why he wanted to discuss this particular Cohen album

5:03 Sean talks about Cohen as a seeker of truth

6:43 Sean identifies the moment when Cohen really grabbed his attention

12:52 The album made Al confront something about his musical preferences

15:25 Sean explains why he is drawn to dark albums like Songs of Love and Hate

16:53 Sean contrast’s Cohen’s approach to Trent Reznor’s

21:21Sean describes the setting in which he prefers to listen to Songs of Love and Hate

24:07 Sean and Al make note of Cohen’s dialogues with himself on the album

27:22 Sean talks about the successes Cohen had early in his music career, and how it inspired “Avalanche”

34:52 Were “Famous Blue Raincoat” and “Joan of Arc” about actual people in Cohen’s life?

39:43 Sean and Al discuss their reactions to Jennifer Warnes’ covers of Cohen’s songs

46:44 (TW) Sean delves into “Dress Rehearsal Rag”

51:58 Sean talks about his new podcast and the vinyl release of Harvey Danger’s King James Version

Outro music is from “(This Is) The Thrilling Conversation You’ve Been Waiting For” by Harvey Danger.

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