Between the Covers:: Kent McAlister vs. Leonard Cohen

Here's a pleasant surprise... Kent McAlister delivering a nice cover of Leonard Cohen's Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye. Kent's new record will certainly be getting a review later on this week, so this is just something to stimulate your cranium.

MP3:: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye - Leonard Cohen
Leonard's trademark voice dominates this intimate finger-picked track. He is supported by the beautiful harmonies of Judy Collins. The track is classic, and really doesn't need to be discussed. If it is a standout Leonard track, it stands on it's own.

MP3:: Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye - Kent McAlister & The Iron Choir
Kent's take on the track is a bit more rollicking (the band adds a nice pedal steel line), but he stays true to the original, complete with nice female harmonies (courtesy of Melissa Devost). It's a stellar track that spruces up the classic nicely.

Although I never thought I'd say this, but I think I prefer Kent's version. It's probably because it's so new, but without question it does justice to the original.