Neil Diamond - Home Before Dark
Posted by: Mr Underhill on 21 May 2008
Well you could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw what was No 1 in the UK & US album charts!
I've always had a soft spot for ND, and no - I don't mean a peat bog outside Dublin. I used to listen to a fair few of his albums in my teens, most of which I've still got.
Popped into HMV on the way home & bought the new album, ....and?
It's well recorded, and although non of the numbers are instantly 'likable' for me they are interesting enough to be slow burners - I think that this may be an album I end up liking quiet a lot.
....there's life in the old dog yet!
M
Posted on: 21 May 2008 by JamieWednesday
His last was excellent, IMO.
Posted on: 21 May 2008 by BigH47
quote:
His last was excellent, IMO.
I think so too. Bought for her ladyship but have listened a few times myself.She'll probably get this new one too.
Posted on: 21 May 2008 by ewemon
Didn't like his current single until I had heard it a few times. Stillw on't buy the album though.
Rick Rubins next bring in from the cold project is ZZ Top.
Wonder how this will turn out.
Posted on: 21 May 2008 by Chris Kelly
quote:
Rick Rubins next bring in from the cold project is ZZ Top.
They have never been away at my place!
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by tonym
Ordered my copy on vinyl last week - still no sign of it.
IMO Neil diamond's one of the great singer-songwriters. He lost his way at one stage with some naffy stuff, but his last album, "12 Songs" is him back at his best - great songs, lovely tunes, simply arranged.
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by BigH47
quote:
They have never been away at my place!
Mine either!
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by MilesSmiles
Just bought the album today, will give it a good listen tomorrow. Not only did it go to #1 in the US but it was as well his first US #1.
Along the way he set another record by replacing Bob Dylan as the oldest living artist to make it to the #1 spot.
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by Sundance
Despite his voice sounding a little faded these days... still an enjoyable listen.
Posted on: 22 May 2008 by northpole
I've only heard amazing grace on the radio and, whilst I bought & enjoyed the previous album '12 Songs', I have a notion that what I'm hearing is someone else's take on how they want ND to sound. That statement doesn't make much sense but I think I know what I mean! - I'm not convinced by the somewhat formulaic approach - something is missing.
Peter
Posted on: 23 May 2008 by TomK
I've always liked his popular stuff even though I've heard Sweet Caroline and Crackling Rosie murdered at so many Hogmanay and karaoke parties. However on a whim I bought Hot August Night this week and it's quite superb. I recognised his popular stuff of course but the rest is at least as good. Sound quality for a 1972 live recording is excellent and it's a thoroughly recommended album.
What else should I listen to? I confess I didn't care much for Tap Root Manuscript which was my last attempt to get into his stuff many years ago.
