The beginning of this interview was a little annoying. Too much of Michael Silverblatt’s (usual) long meandering statement/questions with Cohen just saying “yeah, that’s a good way to describe it.” “Sure, that sounds good.” But eventually Silverblatt had him read one of the poems in the new book, and Cohen started to loosen up and participate a bit more. Cohen’s mournful songs are (yes I’m saying it again for about the 8th time in two weeks) “such a huge part of my childhood.” Always playing in the background, things like Suzanne takes you down…to her place by the river… Love reminding people that Cohen wrote Hallelujah, not Jeff Buckley (Buckley just did a cover of it). One of those artists with such a huge oeuvre, it feels like he’s been around FOREVER, but of course he’s 72 or something now…
KCRW’s Bookworm: Kurt Vonnegut (4/6).
Great interview. So sad to think Vonnegut doesn’t have that much time left; his mind is still just as sharp and vibrant as ever. Talks a lot about the American public school system. Definitely makes you remember how proudly subversive he’s been for so many years and the amazing life he’s lived — a former soldier. Highly recommend giving this a listen.
KCRW’s Bookworm: Jorie Graham.
Maybe not the best choice for the El ride home: the soothing dulcet sounds of Michael Silverblatt and poet Jorie Graham, combined with the rhythm of the train…I could barely keep my eyes open!
That said, Graham did have a lot of interesting things to say about living in the NOW. About finding a way to get through it: life, the poem, etc. Not waiting for things to change, for it to be the perfect situation…
Either she said stuff about that or I dreamed it, who can say.