Neil Diamond - The Greatest Hits 1966 -1992 - Columbia

Review by: Jennifer Perkins

I hope Neil Diamond remembers his manners and sends VH1 a thank you note. Add bands like Poison and Meatloaf to that list who need to invest in pack of Crane cards. So many bands that have made the VH1 'Behind the Music' list owe a lot to these people. Just 6 months ago I enjoyed making fun of Neil Diamond just as much as the next guy, then something inside me changed. After I sat and watched the VH1 biopic, though I found him to be a bit of a narcissist, I still went out and bought his 2 CD greatest hits album. Hell, I have even since sat through the Jazz Singer in its entirety.

Now right up front I need to say there is something about this Greatest Hits Collection that pisses me off and this is it, some of the songs are live. I hate live music. Sure, I go see shows all the time, but when I am listening to a CD, especially along the lines of Neil Diamond, I want the exact sing a long recording I know and love. Live albums are full of stupid embellishments I care nothing about. I felt betrayed since nowhere on the CD does it mention that some of these songs are live and I feel that this is an important element to disclose.

Some of my favorites by Neil (God help me I have Neil Diamond favorites) were to my disappointment live. Take for example two songs you might be more familiar with by other artists "Red Red Wine" (UB40) and "I'm a Believer" (The Monkees/Smashmouth). I especially hate how at the start of the two songs he tells the audience who covered it. Others you might know and love like "Sweet Caroline" and "I Am...I Said" are also live. If you could block out the droves of assholes singing along in the crowd it might not bother you as much as it does me.

Thank God the really cheesy jams are not live or I would be one pissed off soft rock connoisseur. Songs like "September Morn", the ET theme "Heartlight", "Hello Again", "Love on the Rocks", and his infamous duet with Babs "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" are all studio recordings. Silky smooth overdubs, just like I like it.

There are plenty of perky Neil jams too. "Forever in Blue Jeans" has always been a goody. A number especially close to my heart after a 9th grade drill team routine is "America". Neil has some rockin' oldies. "Cherry Cherry", "Girl You'll be a Woman Soon" (Urge Overkill only wish they were half the man Neil is). "Kentucky Woman" and "I got the Feelin'" are here in all their glory as well.

Maybe you'll surprise yourself like I did with Neil Diamond's greatest hits. It was like an epiphany when I saw that VH1 special "Damn Neil Diamond Rocks". They don't call this man the Jewish Elvis for nothing.