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: 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.