Hallelujah, and also Dammit.

I was all set to write an essay about Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"--which I first encountered in John Cole's version on the Cohen tribute album I'm Your Fan, and which has been appearing in a few threads on Sullivan's blog. But today Andrew Sullivan led me to this absolutely wonderful essay that goes into far more detail and analysis than I could have. (And, like me, the author dislikes Jeff Buckley's version. I'll go further: I really love Cohen's original last two lyrics, which no modern version preserves.) So if you know the song at all, go read this essay. It's a beautiful example of what cultural criticism can do. (Admittedly, it's long. But I think it's worth it.)

I just got back today from the hotel, and discovered that the country house I've returned to has a new flaw: the Internet no longer connects. I don't know why. But this means that posting will be more sporadic until I get this fixed. Story of my life, dammit.

P.S. For a MUCH shorter article, check out the new website Is Barack Obama Muslim.com. I assume it's going to regularly expand over the course of the campaign, much like Things Younger Than McCain.com.