John Cale
So just ignore the first paragraph of this entry, it'll make your ears bleed in anticipation. What follows is a detailed and fascinating look at the history of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" in the popular consciousness complete with charts, graphs, sound clips and commentary. Check it.
eh.www.amNY.com
PS This may merit me a smack, but Rufus Wainwright's version is my favorite.
PPS I was in an American Apparel store many years ago, and Jeff Buckley's venerated version was playing. Not being familiar with his cover (see above re: Rufus) I asked the clerk who it was. I was knocked unconscious by the force of his disdain.