Drum Sheet – Leonard Cohen – First We Take Manhattan – Live in London

“First We Take Manhattan,” a track by Leonard Cohen, stands out with its distinctive, pulsating drumbeat that drives the song’s dark and enigmatic narrative. Released in 1988 as the opening track on Jennifer Warnes’ album “Famous Blue Raincoat,” this song later appeared on Cohen‘s own album “I’m Your Man” the same year. The rhythmic backbone of the song, a blend of electronic and traditional drumming, significantly contributes to its ominous and militant tone.

Cohen composed the song during the mid-1980s, a period marked by a fusion of traditional songwriting with modern, synthesized sounds. The collaboration with Jennifer Warnes was crucial in bringing the song to life. Warnes, a long-time collaborator and backing vocalist for Cohen, decided to cover several of his songs, infusing them with contemporary arrangements. The production, led by Roscoe Beck and featuring Stevie Ray Vaughan on guitar, ensured that the percussion was front and center, aligning with the 80s’ trend of drum-forward mixes.

The drumming on “First We Take Manhattan” is a mix of programmed beats and live drums. The initial version by Warnes features a hypnotic, synthetic beat that complements Cohen‘s brooding lyrics. In Cohen‘s rendition on “I’m Your Man,” the drums take on a more prominent, almost martial role, emphasizing the song’s themes of resistance and revolution. The drum patterns, both precise and relentless, create a sense of urgency and inevitability that underpins the entire track.

The song’s live performances often highlighted its percussive elements, capturing the audience with its relentless rhythm. Cohen‘s 1988 tour, which supported the “I’m Your Man” album, saw him perform “First We Take Manhattan” in various cities around the world. These live renditions often featured a full band with a dedicated drummer, enhancing the song’s powerful beat and making it a live favorite. One notable performance was at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1988, where the drums’ impact was particularly pronounced, resonating with the audience and reinforcing the song’s intense atmosphere.

The drums in “First We Take Manhattan” play a crucial role in conveying the song’s message and mood. They provide a steady, unyielding pulse that mirrors the song’s themes of defiance and determination. Whether in the studio or on stage, the percussive elements of the track ensure it remains one of Cohen‘s most compelling and memorable compositions, showcasing how integral rhythm can be in storytelling through music.