After the generally restrained, often bare arrangements of Leonard Cohen’s first three studio albums, New Skin For The Old Ceremony – Cohen’s fourth studio album – allowed for grander instrumentation. Producer John Lissauer and Cohen broke the spell at just the right moment. The opener, “Is This What You Wanted”, starts with a distinct level of defiance and the sound of drums clearly meant to surprise. “Chelsea Hotel #2” – Cohen’s parable regarding an encounter with Janis Joplin – remains the album’s best-known song and one of Cohen’s all-time finest, written with his guitarist Ron Cornelius. “Who By Fire” and “Take This Longing” further continued Cohen’s streak of writing solemn but spirited songs that felt timeless. “Lover, Lover, Lover”, “Field Commander Cohen”, and “Leaving Green Sleeves” (based on a reworking of the 15th-century folk song) demonstrated Cohen’s wilder (often humorous) side, which hadn't been overt on previous studio albums. While this set has never attained the "essential" tag of his first three studio albums, in many ways it’s more truthful to Cohen’s full range and more easily enjoyed for its humor.

By the time Leonard Cohen began his recording career in 1967, the iconoclastic Canadian troubadour was already well established as a poet and author. He quickly emerged as one of the era's most original and influential singer-songwriters, building a large and legendary body of work that continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.
Much of Cohen's reputation and mystique was established by his early work for Columbia Records, particularly the five albums he recorded between 1967 and 1974. Now, these five classic albums, unavailable on vinyl for two decades, have been lovingly restored to their original LP format.
For their new Sundazed editions, all five albums have been meticulously remastered and have been sourced from the original Columbia Records stereo masters in order to preserve the sound of the original albums. In keeping with the exacting standards for which Sundazed has become known, each album will be pressed on high-definition vinyl, with complete original cover art.
1974's "New Skin for the Old Ceremony" saw Cohen taking a turn away from the spare sound of his earlier releases, with such numbers as "Chelsea Hotel #2," "There Is a War" and "A Singer Must Die" featuring expanded instrumental arrangements and some of the most expressive vocal performances of Cohen's career.