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This is the Pentatonix singing Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah," a masterpiece of a song--no one will ever write lyrics like that again. This is not one of my favorite versions, even the Jeff Buckley version is not my favorite. I prefer John Cale's version--earnest, simple, the way it might be sung in a church.

However...in this video is a fashion item I've been thinking about. Ten or fifteen years ago you couldn't throw a stone without hitting a girl who was wearing that black brimmed hat that the male singer with a high voice is wearing. I can't seem to find info on this hat--what it's called, where to get it, etc. All I remember is every PSL-loving girl had one back then. It's time to bring it back!

This has the flat brim of a gaucho, but it is not a gaucho. Gauchos have a more structured top, while this is round, I think. It is also most certainly not an Annie Hall hat...those had more of a Virginia Slims/menswear feel. The key thing about this hat is that it was worn tilted back on the head, the way this man has it.

Please let me know if you remember this hat, or if you know what it's called. Here are the videos for the Pentatonix version, and the John Cale version:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRP8d7hhpoQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DinEKqtCDkg

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12 months ago

rachylou

Veteran

Had to look this up! It says Open Crown.

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Carol

(website)

Oh, wow. Thanks, rachylou! I'm sure that is the basic design.

LaPed

My guess would be the Stetson Amish: https://stetson.com/collection.....-hat-black

Echo

It is hard to tell how tall the top is, but it almost looks like a capello romano.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/6.....r-cappello

If that's too shallow, perhaps a wide-brimmed fedora?
https://www.e4hats.com/product.....=403200044

Janet

Not sure what that hat style is called, but it was popular with a lot of folky-rock types in the late 80s/early 90s (the era of Cowboy Junkies, Innocence Mission, etc). I also prefer the Cale and Buckley versions of that song — it’s been seemingly covered by everyone and their dog! LOL

Regarding the song, I've never encountered a better version than the original. With Cohen's deep voice and slightly less melodic style, it feels like a cross between spoken poetry and music (which all music with lyrics is at some level). And while I can understand people having preferences for different versions of the song, it has always puzzled me how many people call Buckley's the "definitive" version. I just haven't heard a cover that surpasses the artistry of the original Cohen version.

LaPed--that's very close, and probably would work. The ones I remember are rounder at the crown, but I do believe that's the look. Thanks.

Echo--the cappella romano is beautiful, but that's not it. That has more of a ladylike look. That fedora is pretty darn close, though. Good thoughts on Hallelujah--I looked up the Cohen version again, and I had no idea it was from 1984. I would swear it was from the 60s or 70s.

Janet--I loved the Cowboy Junkies, at least the couple songs I knew. I had no idea those hats were big then. I thought it totally belonged to the aughts. Dylan wore a gaucho well in the 70s, but it wasn't quite the same. I love those versions of the song--with such a song you need to make sure you're up to the task--you never want to record it just because.

Echo, I love that version too.

Carol, agreed about the decision to record yet another rendition of that song. Too many people seem to see it as either an exercise for their vocal chops or mistake it for a prayer song, LOL. I suspect it’s one of the most-covered songs of current times, and one in the least need of covering. I like Buckley’s version, but truth is I like his originals so much more — “Last Goodbye” kills me every time, and even just the opening notes of “Grace” give me chills!

Janet--yes, it's such an interesting litmus test to see if an artist can capture the spirit of that song, and if they're giving justice to those lyrics. I just watched the K.D. Lang version--I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. I just checked out "Grace" again--didn't he only have the one album?

It makes for a fun exercise. Who would do a good cover? I'll say Billie Eilish, John Legend, Phil Collins, Elton John, Tom Waits (would not be surprised if the Waits version already exists.)

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