Have you heard his Taproot Manuscript?? Its his take on African music as is done like an opera
Neil Diamond.........
Okay, so I've never been much of a Neil Diamond fan. Although I think he was great during The Band's "The Last Waltz" concert, I never bought any of his records. Then a few years ago, at my wife's urging, I reluctantly went to see him in concert. Wow !!!....he was sensational, and I've since learned to really respect him as a singer.
Well, I recently purchased "Home Before Dark," his latest CD. It may very well be the best male vocal recording I have ever heard. It is simply fantastic, and through my Rotel/Rogue/Vandersteen system, it sounds as if he is absolutely "in the room." The songs are terrific, and the recording seems perfect. How do you guys and gals feel about this album ?
Well, I recently purchased "Home Before Dark," his latest CD. It may very well be the best male vocal recording I have ever heard. It is simply fantastic, and through my Rotel/Rogue/Vandersteen system, it sounds as if he is absolutely "in the room." The songs are terrific, and the recording seems perfect. How do you guys and gals feel about this album ?
12 responses Add your response
It's unfortunate that most of Neil's work on Bang Records has never been released on CD. A two record set of Neil's work on Bang Records that is worth tracking down is Double Gold . This set contains the definitive versions of Neil's mid-1960's work: Disc 1 01. I'm a believer 02. Monday Monday 03. The long way home 04. I'll come running 05. Red, red wine 06. Shilo 07. Do it 08. Oh No, No 09. Love to love 10. Thank the Lord for the night time Disc 2 01. Solitary Man 02. New Orleans 03. Cherry, Cherry 04. Someday Baby 06. Kentucky Woman 07. The boat that I row 08. You got to me 09. You'll forget 10. Crooked Street 11. Shot Down Regards, Rich |
I have a double CD set called "Gold" that is mostly original studio recordings with very good sound + a few live versions of a few Neil Diamond songs at the end. IT is a wonderful collection for getting exposure to Diamond's better known classic works. The live versions at the end are mostly better than original versions as I recall. THe live version of "Girl You'll Be A Woman Soon" is a particularly extraordinary rendition of a lesser known yet classic Diamond tune that helped make me a believer! |
"Home Before Dark" is a real great album. Sound is outstanding on Vinyl, when they use a Digital Master, I don't hear it. But "12 Songs" (the Double CD, where his choices are on a separate Disc) is unique. Remembers me a little bit to Cash' 1. Album with Rick Rubin, a "Look into the former Life", but really, really good. |
I have a been a fan of Neil Diamond since I was 12, which makes it about 40 years now. The songs from both Home Before Dark and 12 Songs are very reminiscent style wise of Neil's work from the Bang and Uni Records days. If you are interested in some of his back catalog, you may want to try: Tennessee Moon The Best Years of Our Lives I'm Glad You are Here with Me Tonight Stones Live Gold Regards, Rich |