This album is superb. I'm glad to hear it sound more like 'The Future' and 'Ten Songs' than 'Dear Heather'. It works wonderfully with his recent touring 'gentlemen' persona and I much prefer it to the ageing lothario turn on 'Dear Heather' which felt a bit seedy.
The highlights are many, but lyrically 'Going Home' and 'Come Healing' stand out. His delivery on 'Anyhow' has an almost Zappa-like quality. Musically, there is plenty of variety. 'Show me the place' starts with a gospel style piano but eventually sinks into a sound reminiscent of Tom Waits, before settling back into familiar territory with the help of the Webb sisters. The more 'Future' like elements come in the form of 'Darkness', 'Banjo' and the albums closer ' Different Sides'.
Obviously few albums are free from flaws. For me the biggest clangers on this album are the name and the horrendous artwork! 'Old Ideas' is a weak album title. It should have been called...
'Leonard Cohen: Sportsman, Shepherd, Lazy Bastard Living in a Suit'
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