I came across a really interesting article earlier today on the different incarnations of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. The most surprising revelation for me in the article was learning that the version by John Cale appearing in the film Shrek actually pre-dates (and indeed is the model for) Jeff Buckley’s version from Grace. The article is worth reading for the chronology, and the different interpretations the different artists give the song, and also the phrase “reductio ad despairium”.
Another point touched on the article is the use of “Hallelujah” in all sorts of film and television productions whenever a generic sad song is required, or when the main character needs to look pensive and sad. Another song I’ve seen used for a “generic sad song” is Elliott Smith’s “Angeles” - the worst offender in my mind was seeing it turn up on The Girl Next Door.
And it does bug me - “Angeles” isn’t really about just generic angst. I’ve always thought of “Angeles” as pretty specifically Smith worrying about the music business and his place in it. Worrying about “selling out”, getting stuck in a bad record deal, hanging out with phonies in Los Angeles - but also acknowledging how much he wants greater success at the same time. So seeing that song used in a movie when a character is feeling mopey because some girl won’t sleep with him kinda rankles. Anyways, here’s Elliott:
Another point touched on the article is the use of “Hallelujah” in all sorts of film and television productions whenever a generic sad song is required, or when the main character needs to look pensive and sad. Another song I’ve seen used for a “generic sad song” is Elliott Smith’s “Angeles” - the worst offender in my mind was seeing it turn up on The Girl Next Door.
And it does bug me - “Angeles” isn’t really about just generic angst. I’ve always thought of “Angeles” as pretty specifically Smith worrying about the music business and his place in it. Worrying about “selling out”, getting stuck in a bad record deal, hanging out with phonies in Los Angeles - but also acknowledging how much he wants greater success at the same time. So seeing that song used in a movie when a character is feeling mopey because some girl won’t sleep with him kinda rankles. Anyways, here’s Elliott:
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