“But along with other great masters: Bob Dylan certainly, Joni Mitchell, Kanye West — everybody’s got their own list — Leonard Cohen is way up there in the ranks of American song, and songwriters,” — David Remnick says prior to sharing his interview with Leonard Cohen.

Kanye West in a tribute to Cohen? Leonard Cohen — an American songwriter?

If you’re bothered by this introduction, you aren’t alone. Just let it go, for what follows is a good interview. Focus on listening to Leonard Cohen speak.