Musical Review: The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise

 The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise was very enjoyable.  It presented the Neil Diamond story by framing it in a therapy session, with the therapist using the Neil Diamond songs as a place to focus her therapy; In a real sense Diamond put his life into his songs.  The ensemble went from them being backup singers to there being characters in his life.  The musical is presented with two Neil Diamonds, his current self watching his his then self and the rise of his career.

Diamond has had three wives, which means he has gone through two breakups.  Most of them ended amicably, but his second wife took his houses in the divorce.  His first wife was his high school sweetheart, Marcia.  She had a baby before Diamond started his career.  His second wife could be credited as the person who discovered him, Jaye.  She was with Diamond for 25 years, but eventually his being on the road took its toll.  His third wife, Katie, encouraged him to seek therapy, and to gor through with the musical.  His wives share in singing some of his songs, including, "Hello Again," "Song Sung Blue," "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," "Love on the Rocks" and "Play Me." "Play Me" is a very romantic duet.  The first act ends with Diamond being faced with writing a song to gt out of a repressive contract.  The song was "Sweet Caroline" which he sang with the audience.  

Diamond was a performer until his Parkinson's disease making so he couldn't continue.  In the musical all the songs were written by Neil Diamond, some with collaboration but mostly by himself.  When he started his career he said he had already written 50 songs.  His first song to become a hit, for the Monkees was "I'm a Believer."  He eventually started performing his own songs.  His manager, Jaye, who later became his wife, encouraged this.  

The climax of the musical the two Diamonds performed as a duet, "I Am I Said."  The doctor used this as an empty chair exercise, witting in one chair as the king, and another as the frog.  "Have you ever heard the story about a frog who dreamed of being a king, and then became one."  Sort of the Neil Diamond story rolled up into one line.  

This musical is really good, and I loved the music.  The thing that makes it special is the dancing.  There was some crazy dance moves going on.  For our night the part of Neil Diamond then was played by Joe Caskey.  

I also liked that there is a noe from Neil Diamond in the program explaining how the musical came to be.  It was a nice touch.

Music Review: Neil Diamond--The Ultimate Collection

 I don't think you can ever get enough Neil Diamond Music.  This 2 C.D. set has 40 songs, 19 on the first CD and 21 on the second.  That is a good start in getting enough Neil Diamond.  He includes songs he wrote that were sung by other artists like, "I'm a Believer" and "Red Red Wine." He sings a couple duets, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Barbra Streisand and "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" with Dolly Parton.  80 percent of the songs were written by Neil Diamond.  My favorite Neil Diamond Song has always been "Song Sung Blue."  It is simple and sweet and has a catchy tune.  There are many others to like: "Sweet Caroline," "I Am I Said," "Hello Again," "Longfellow Serenade," "Play Me," 'Soolaiman," "September Morn," "Kentucky Woman," "America," "Hearlight," and many more.  This is a whole lot of familiar songs that bring back nice memories.  Lots to love.  

In Theaters: Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson in ***** Song Sung Blue: Musical

 Sheri and I attended this movie of Neil Diamond music.  It is the story of Lightning (Hugh Jackman) and Thunder (Kate Hudson) a couple of singers who did a Neil Diamond tribute concert.  They meet doing impersonations of other singers.  And eventually team up and create a Neil Diamond act.  They marry.  Their children add an important part to the story.  She has two children, Rachel and Dana (Ella Anderson and Hudson Hensley.). He has a daughter Angelina (King Princess.) Rachel and Angelina become friends.  There is much negativity to their performing, but they persevere and overcome.  They do the opening act for Pearl Jam, and sing with Eddie Vedder (John Beckwith.) 

But tragedy intervenes.  Thunder is hit by a car and loses a leg.  She spirals into depression with pain medication addiction and psychotic features.  They eventually land when she is admitted into a psychiatgric hospital.  She rekindles the dream and instills this in Lightning.  They first perform in a Korean restaurant, but eventually get a large concert show, the same day as a Neil Diamond show.  They both sell out.  That night they are to meet Neil Diamond, but again fate intervenes.  Lightning's heart catches up with him.

I do not think you can get through this movie without tears.  The last tribute sung byThunder to Lightning is very emotional.  "I've Been this Way Before" 

I've seen the light
And I've seen the flame
And I've been this way before
And I'm sure to be this way again
For I've been refused
And I've been regained
And I've sung my song before
And I'm sure to sing my song again

Once again
For I've been released
And I've been regained
And I've seen your eyes before
And I'm sure to see your eyes again
Once again

Some people have to laugh
Some people have to cry
Some people have to make it through
By never wondering why
Some people got to sing
Some people got to sigh
Some people they never see the light
Until the day they die

But I've been released
And I've been regained
And I've been this way before
And I'm sure to be this way again
Once again
One more time again

Just one more time

This movie is based upon a true story.  

Music Review: Neil Diamond :Tap Root Manuscript (1970)

Some of this CD is classic Neil Diamond, and others is music of a style which doesn't appear in any of his other work.  He includes some children's songs, and a mass in this CD.  An instrumental "African Trilogy" sounds something like the Jonathan Livingston Seagull music.  Keeping with the African theme he sings to the lion.
There are two classic Neil Diamond songs, "Cracklin' Rose" and "Soolaimon."  My favorite form this set is "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother."  We all should watch out for each other.  This song is an original Diamond number, but it has such a beautiful message.  It was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell.  It was first recorded by Kelly Gordon, but became a hit for both the Hollies in 1969 and Neil Diamond in 1970.

Music Review: Niel Diamond: Touching Me, Touching You

In this 1969 album Neil Diamond presents nine songs.  Of the songs four are the work of others, and five are his own creation.  My thoughts is that the Diamond songs are terrific.  While the covers were performed better by others and are forgettable.  I enjoy all of Diamonds works.  Watch for the great baritone singing in "And the Singer Sings His Song."  It is so lovely and in Diamond's range.  The energy in "New York Boy" and "Holly Holy" just move me.  Of the Covers, "Both Sides Now" is the best.  This song from Joni Mitchell has a beautiful message.  

The Diamond songs are really beautiful.  They include: 
New York Boy
New York City, look at me now
Being stared at from behind the plow
Mississippi, don't get annoyed
I ain't no hippie, just a New York boy

And the Singer Sings His Song
Once, it was once
Long ago

And the singer sings his song
And the children dance along
And the singer sings his song
And we dance along
And the singer sings his song
And we dance along

Ain't No Way
Smokey Lady
and Holly Holy
Call the sun in the dead of the night
And the sun gonna rise in the sky
Touch a man who can't walk upright
And that lame man, he gonna fly
And I fly, yeah, And I fly

Holly holy love
Take the lonely child
And the seed
Let it be full with tomorrow
Holly holy

Music Review: Neil Diamond: Cherry Cherry Christmas, 2009

Cherry Cherry Christmas Neil Diamond 2009  This is a great collection of songs.  I don’t even know if Neil IDamond is CHritian (“The Chanukah Son” is included in the set) but the music is well done.  He starts with a parody of some of his own songs.  “Cherry Cherry Christmas” is a humorous son where the titles of many Neil Diamond Songs appear throughout such as “Don’t have a song sung blue year.”  I especially like “You Make It Fell Like Christmas” as Diamond sings of people who bring the Christmas spirit all year.  “Christmas Dream” is also very well done, and gives a depth of loving and worshipping Jesus at Christmas.  There is a short instrumental “Meditations on a Winter Night” that is also enjoyable.  Diamond also presents his version of “Amazing Grace.”  This is a show stopper. 

Music Review: Neil Diamond: Moods

This album is the eighth for Neil Diamond.  It was released in 1972.  This album included two hit songs, including his second number one song "Song Sung Blue."  This song is simple and easy to sing, but is everyone's favorite because they can sing along.  It is also a good song to sing when you're down as it cheer you up.  The other song hit song is Play Me."  On this album Diamond also sings in Spanish "Canta Libre."  He sings about pies, a baby song sort of with "Gitchy Goomy."  There is also a short instrumental.

Music Review: Neil Diamond: Love Songs

This is a compilation album produced in 1981.  Most of the songs are written by Neil Diamond, however he does sing "Both Sides Now" from Joni Mitchell and "Suzanne" written  by Leonard Cohen.  It is interesting that this album is called Love Songs, while many of the songs are falling out of love songs, like "If You Go Away" and "Last Thing on my Mind."  Diamond even plays marriage therapist in "Husbands and Wives" which has a very good message.
Angry words spoken in haste
Such a waste of two lives
Its my belief
Pride is the chief cause in the decline
In the number of husbands and wives
I have found those words to be very profound.  
Something very unique in this album.  Diamond sings Falsetto in "A Modern Day of Love."

Music Review: Neil Diamond: September Morn

  This is a record I had as a youth, and I purchased a used c.d. at the Streetlight C.D.  This is vintage Neil Diamond, but this disc really doesn’t have any block buster songs.  “September Morn” is fun to listen to.  It is a mellow song with a good tone.  “The Good Lord Loves You” gives a positive message to those who have been down on their luck.  I also enjoy the version of “I’m a Believer.”  However the other songs in the group are pretty forgettable.  There is one I particularly dislike, “Stagger Lee.” Which is the story of a murder related to losing at gambling.

Music DVD: Neil Diamond Greatest Hits Live (2002)

This Neil Diamond has many oldies and goodies,  but then also many songs I am unfamiliar with.  He starts with America which he sang for "Jazz Singer." He then goes more mellow with September Morn.  Some of Diamond's classics come through, "Sweet Caroline," "I Am I Said" and "Cherry, Cherry."  These always please.  He does a duet with his female backup vocalist, and his voice overwhelms hers.  "Forever in Bluejeans" which was co written by himself and his guitar player is a crowd favorite.  He pays tribute to John Lennon with a medley of Beatles songs.  Over all this concert is very nice, and very realistic.  You can see sweat rolling of Diamond's face, letting you know he doesn't hold anything back. This video shows Diamond at his best.  There are a few other songs I would like to hear, but you can't have everything.
There is a bonus music video at the end, "This Time."  It is very nice:

"This Time"

If there was time enough for me
To do it all, again
I promise you, that I would find
A way to make it right,
This time

This time I'd love you even more
I never thought, I could
But now I know, that I would find
A way to make it right
This time

Over again, I closed my eyes,
And I keep reliving it over again
It's over but then
I've got my dream
Don't no one dare tell me no

And you'd be mine this time for sure
Only got to show I care the way I do
And I'd be there this time for you.

If there was time enough to say
The things I feel inside
I promise you, I'd find a way
A way to say them right
This time

Over again, I closed my eyes
And I keep reliving it
Over again
It's over but then
I've got my dream
Don't no one dare tell me no

And I'll be there this time for sure
'Cause I'm not the same man
That I was before
And I'm nothing at all
If I'm not yours
I only got to show I care the way I do
And I'll be there this time for you
Yes, I'll be there this time for you

Music Review: September Morn

September Morn:  This is a record I had as a youth, and I purchased a used c.d. at the Streetlight C.D.  This is vintage Neil Diamond, but this disc really doesn’t have any block buster songs.  “September Morn” is fun to listen to.  It is a mellow song with a good tone.  “The Good Lord Loves You” gives a positive message to those who have been down on their luck.  I also enjoy the version of “I’m a Believer.”  However the other songs in the group are pretty forgettable.  There is one I particularly dislike, “Stagger Lee.” Which is the story of a murder related to losing at gambling.

Music Review: *****Neil Diamond Greatest Hits

Neil Diamond Greatest Hits 1966-1990

In this CD I have found an old friend.  I visited the used C.D. store across the street from where I work, Streetlight C.D.  They have a store full of old classics, but in the interest I only purchased three to start off with.  Each of my purchases was an old friend, and none more than Neil Diamond’s hits.   This two-C.D. set offers 37 hit songs.  I must admit that there are a few I don’t care for, but for the most part I scored each song either four or five stars.  There are a couple favorites.
I was a fan of the Jazz Singer movie, and this has three songs from the movie.  My favorite is “Hello.”  This is the classic story of separated lovers.  There is also a song form Jonathon Seagull entitled “Be.”  Another classic.  Then of course there are the songs that I really love, that get to Diamond’s soul.  “I am… I said” which is delivered with lots of energy, and explores the life of being separated by work from the ones you love; your home, while making a home for yourself in new environs.  Similar to Sheri and I heading to California 20 years ago.  A friend of mine pointed out that to say, “I am I said, to no one there, and no one heard, not even the chair,” is sort of a silly lyric, but I love it anyway.  “Sweet Caroline” is another favorite.  Songs such as this just make you tingle inside with pleasure.  “Song Sung Blue” is also fun.  My only complaint is that some of the songs were recorded at a concert, and includes mumble jumble to get the crowd excited.  I like the original version of the songs.  A couple more favorites are “Longfellow Serenade” and “Holy Holy.”  Neil Diamond has a way of putting lots of energy into a few lyrics.  Another treat is a duet with Barbra Streisand, “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore.”  This collection mixes older songs with a few newer ones.  This song is wonderful. 

Music Review: Neil Diamond: Hot August Night (To mmboe)

This is a two-album live recording of Neal Diamond 1972 concerts performed at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.  He played ten sold-out concerts at the theater.  This album includes many Neal Diamond classics, as well as a few other fun songs.  I listened to it on You Tube. 

Some of the classics, "Son Sung Blue" which is a sing-along-song.  Others are "Shilo", "Sweet Caroline", "Holy, Holy", "Cracklin Rose", "And I am I Said."  However my favorite parts in listening were songs that never were very popular.  He had a set of almost children's humorous songs, "Porupine Pie" and "You're so Sweet".  He sang in Spanish with "Canta Libre" "Freedom's Song"; "I sing with my heart for your children and their children." 

He gets country, and funny in "Soggy Pretzels", "You were crying in your pretzels."  Someone is playing the steal country guitar.  He tells a country song story.  I think he may be making fun of country, but I'm not sure.

One thing is for sure, this double album shows Diamond's talents and versatility.  He is truly a performer, and is at his best here.

Music Review: ***^Neil diamond, Three Chord Opera.

Neil Diamond is a master at making the simple beautiful, and this C.D. proves it.  This C.D. is released by Columbia , 2001.  The music and lyrics were written by Neil Diamond.
I go way back with Neil Diamond, enjoying his music in high school, having a couple of his albums, and singing some of his songs in choir. I was looking forward to listening to this music.  I even went to a concert at USU on one occasion.
My first reaction when I played the first song was, "Man, Neil Diamond sounds old."  However as he went to the next song, he didn't sound so old.  His baritone tones came through with clear tones and the songs presented some nice melodies and rhythms.  In some of the songs he told moving stories, and others, he was just having fun.  "I Believe in Happy Endings" and "Elijah's Song were touching ballads.  However it was when he brought up the tempo that things became exciting.  "At the Movies" and "Baby Let's Drive" were just fun.  My favorite song was "A Mission of Love".  Granted part of the song sounds like the Pharaoh in "Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat" but it moved and was exciting.  It also carried an important theme that of serving and helping each other. 
The other song that has an important theme is "Leave a Little Room for God".  "Leave a Little Room for God As You're goin' Through the Day.  Leave a Little Room for God He won't Get in Your Way."
Granted this disk doesn't have any big name hits (Song Sung Blue,) nor the heartfelt energy (I am I Said) of some of his earlier work.  But It is worth a listen and I enjoyed going down memory lane.