A real sparkling (Neil) Diamond! (All About Music)

Member Name: Leolover

Product:	All About Music
Date:	06/03/02 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fantastic, ageless singing voice, superb live performer, writes great songs

Disadvantages: Ridicule from 'trendy' music lovers if you admit to liking him!

I have just booked tickets for myself, my Mum and my boyfriend’s Mum to go and see one of the Neil Diamond gigs at Earl’s Court in July, and I’m really excited about it!

It may not be fashionable to admit to liking Neil Diamond, who’s considered a bit of a ‘grannies favourite,’ but I have been to three Diamond gigs over the years and consider him one of the best live singers around, and a very talented songwriter and musician to boot. And the fact that he’s been performing and recording for over FOUR DECADES must count for something! I admit that I initially only went along to the first gig to keep my Mum company, but I’ve grown to love this singer/songwriter and I don’t care who knows it!

Incidentally, I've noticed a lot of other twenty-and-thirty-somethings at Diamond's gigs, so it appears I'm not the only one with old fashioned tastes!


**** WHERE IT BEGAN…

Born Noah Kaminsky in the 1940’s, Diamond knew he wanted to write music and sing from a very early age. He started writing songs in his early teens, and although he initially went to college to train as a medical student, he ended up leaving his course to accept a songwriting position for a mere $50 a week! In 1966 Neil recorded his first three hit singles ‘Solitary Man,’ ‘Cherry, Cherry’ and ‘I got the feeling (oh no no)’ and also wrote the number one hit ‘I’m a Believer’ for The Monkees in the same year. Since then he’s never looked back, winning popularity not only as a writer and a singer but as an actor too, in the 1980 remake of ‘The Jazz Singer’ for which he composed and performed the soundtrack.



**** THE MUSIC

Here’s a list of my favourite Neil Diamond tracks, most of which I have to admit are from earlier in his career (1970’s and 80’s) although there are some
recent gems. I’ve also included certain songs that Diamond has written for other performers, and that have also been a success.


I'm A Believer (The Monkees 1966)

This is the song that made Diamond famous as a songwriter. The Monkees version of this gentle, upbeat pop song is a classic, but Neil recorded his own version of the track which is also very good. And let’s not forget Vic and Bob’s early nineties version, which was, shall we say, interesting!


Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good) Neil Diamond 1969

This was Diamond’s most commercially successful song, and never fails to get the audience on their feet and screaming with approval at his gigs. It’s a cracking song, and one of my favourites. Watch out for the gravelly low note in the first line!


Hello Again (Neil Diamond 1981)

If pressed, I would probably name this as my all time favourite Diamond track. It’s a haunting song from ‘The Jazz Singer’ and has a simply beautiful melody. It’s had me crying over my glass of wine before now!


You Don't Bring Me Flowers (Barbara Steisand & Neil Diamond 1978)

This was a successful duet for Diamond and Streisand and is another sad song about fading love. Heartfelt lyrics and a gorgeous melody.


Red Red Wine (UB40 1988)

Everyone’s heard the UB40 version, but Diamond also recorded his own version of the track which is in my opinion just as good. A classic track.


America (Neil Diamond 1981)

This track makes even non-Americans feel patriotic towards America! Another ‘Jazz Singer’ number, it’s a rousing feelgood rock track.


I Am…I Said (Neil Diamond 1971)

This is another beautiful song from one of Diamond’s earliest albums. Simply lovely – his voice is so powerful and perfect for this kind of soul
ful ballad.


Play Me (Neil Diamond 1972)

This is a song I’m seriously considering having my ‘first dance’ to if I get married…A wonderful love song, one of the best.


Song Sung Blue

I simply have to sing along to this one! It’s a really enjoyable feelgood track that Diamond sings really well live.


Love On The Rocks (Neil Diamond 1980)

Another ‘Jazz Singer’ track, this one’s about a love affair gone wrong, and it’s got the sweeping chorus and memorable lyrics that Diamond is so well known for. Superb.


I could go on an on…But these are my absolute favourites, and I don’t want to bore you with a list of everything the guy’s ever wrote (which would be pages and pages long by the way!)



**** THE GIGS

Neil Diamond is a fantastic live performer, and his gigs are pure magic. His voice is a dream to listen to – deep, gravelly and totally unique. He’s lost none of his vocal power and range with age. If you get the chance, I urge you to attend one of the gigs in London this Summer – but you’ll have to be quick, there are only three dates and tickets are selling fast!


**** FURTHER INFO

Log onto DIAMONDSVILLE.COM, Neil Diamond’s official website, for further info about albums, songs and tours.

Tickets for the London gigs in July can be bought from ticketmaster:

(www.ticketmaster.co.uk) or by calling the Earls Court Box office hotline on 0870 7397300.

I’ll leave you with a great quote from the man himself:

The human voice is the most important instrument at our disposal, yet it is one of the most difficult to understand or define.
You either hear it, or you don't. It either moves you, or it leaves you cold...it is more than just a sound...it is the soul itself.

------Neil Diamond, 19
74.

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