Sunday, August 5, 2012

Hot August Night!

I'm not referring to the record breaking heat waves we've had this summer.  I'm talking about my favorite album of all time - Neil Diamond's "Hot August Night."



I first became aware of who Neil Diamond was in December of 1969 I believe.  I was home watching the David Steinberg show one evening.  He introduced Neil, who then sang his song "Holly Holy."  I sat on the sofa, transfixed.  It was the first time in my life where a song truly impacted me and I realized the power of music.  By the time he was finished singing, tears were running down my cheeks and I knew that this man was something special.  That Sunday morning when I was in church I took one of the note pencils and scribbled 4 words on the back of my program - Neil Diamond, Holly Holy.  I passed it across the pew to my grandmother and whispered "I want this record for Christmas."  I got it too!



Starting in 1970, when I was a freshmen in high school, Neil Diamond and his music were the backdrop to my teenage years.  Hits like "Cherry Cherry,"  "Sweet Caroline"  and "Solitary Man" blasted out of my transistor radio.  I remember walking to school and singing "Cracklin' Rosie" with my girlfriends.

Neil Diamond has an impressive career as a singer/songwriter that has spanned over 40 years.  Personally, I think he's a poet who does an excellent job of translating it to music.  It's just a bonus that he also has the singing talent and showmanship to back it up.  His songs are introspective and showcase his sensitive side.  He's not afraid to write what he feels.  It would be a real treat to sit and watch the man compose a song.  I can't imagine how he does it and the process must be fascinating.

His Hot August Night album was recorded in August of 1972 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles while he was there performing a ten night stand of sold out shows.  He has his own unique style of music that I like to call  "Symphonic Rock." He has a great love of string instruments and began his show with 3 minutes of pure, sweet instrumental music before the guitars and drums joined in and then he launched into "Crunchy Granola Suite."  I can only imagine that the audience must have exploded when he hit center stage.



I've seen Neil Diamond in concert and it's truly a memorable experience.  He's so genuine and exuberant and displays moments of vulnerability that allow you to see into the soul of the man.  He really sings each song from the heart.  And when he sings, he moves easily from soft love songs to rousing rock tunes that showcase that unusual catch in his voice and his gravel growl.  He seems to enjoy being on stage and performing for his audience.

I first purchased the vinyl LP of Hot August Night when it came out and that album was the main reason I invested my hard earned waitress money in a decent sound system for my bedroom.  I spent hours laying on my bed listening to Neil.  Later, when cassettes came out, I bought the cassette version so I could carry Neil with me in my car.  When I heard that the 40th anniversary edition of the ground breaking album was being released this year, I put it on my Amazon wish list and had it shipped out the day it was released.  I listened to the entire album, twice, within 12 hours of receiving it.

The new edition album is excellent.  The sound is so crystal clear and as he sings, the background is so quiet you can hear a pin drop.  In addition to all the classics that were on the original album, this anniversary edition contains 3 previously unreleased recordings and clips of musician intros.  That's 26 wonderful Neil Diamond songs.

This album contains my favorite version of Sweet Caroline.  Holly Holy can still bring me to tears and when he performs And the Grass Won't Pay No Mind, I find myself leaning in, paying close attention to the words.  Neil has a way of drawing you in and when he sings certain songs I believe it transports him to another place and time.  I think the best song he ever wrote is "I Am, I Said."  He bares his soul in that song and I will never get tired of listening to it.  If you're a Neil Diamond fan, then this Cd is a real treat.  If you're not a Neil Diamond fan - give him listen.


Thank you Neil for writing beautiful music.  I really enjoy what you do!

Lightload Towel Giveaway Winners!
(chosen using the Random Number Generator)

17 Gayle
4 Lavender Dreams
16 GPC
1 Dave

Please email me your addresses so I can mail them out this week.  Thanks again to Lightload Towels for sponsoring the giveaway!

This CD review was written only because I enjoy Neil Diamond and his music.  I received no compensation for writing this review and all opinions are my own.

14 comments:

  1. I am a Neil Diamond fan! I can't pick a fave, he has so many great songs. My daughter just went to a Neil Diamond concert in SLC Utah. She and her hubby are big fans, too.

    Congrats to the winners!!!

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    1. I just missed his concert here by a few days. I wish we could have cut our trip short so I could be there.

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  2. Kim - I have to tell you about a Neil Diamond concert I went to. I was young, about 13 or 14, and I knew who he was but not especially a fan. It was my first "grown-up" concert. I was visiting my sister in Toronto and my BIL got last minute tickets. It was at Maple Leaf Gardens and I remember being disappointed when we got there to find out tickets were in a small space behind the stage. The huge Gardens were spread out before us and we were going to see the back of Neil Diamond and his band for the whole show.

    When he came out, it was evident that he didn't know the seat arrangement either because he felt very sorry for us and said we must be special fans to be willing to pay for tickets to see his backside. He ended up turning around almost half the time throughout the concert. We were then so close to him that you felt that you were having a private concert. He was close enough to talk to us and ask questions. It was so cool and generous - it was the best, most memorable concert I have ever seen in my 50 years. Not only an amazing singer/songwriter but a truly generous spirit. J

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    1. You gave me goosebumps with this story! I have never, ever, heard anyone say a bad thing about this man. When you realize that so many of his musicians and singers have been with him for years, then it goes to show you what a great person he must be. Thanks for sharing that story. He was JUST here for a concert and we were on vacation when it was scheduled, or else I would have been there. Sob....

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  3. Oh yeah....his voice could melt chocolate in a snow storm! I love listening to him sing.
    Your post comes from your heart, Kim....I enjoyed reading it.
    xo

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    1. He does melt chocolate in a snowstorm! He melts my heart too.

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  4. Oh I just love Neil Diamond. I remember when this album came out, I was at my friend's for a sleepover and her older sister had it. She let us listen to it, over and over again. How he has changed (in looks) over the years, but I never get tired of hearing him sing and have even enjoyed his latest album released a few years ago. This was such a fun post to read, thanks for bringing back some wonderful memories - How I wish I had been at the Greek for one of those sold out shows! Ann

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    1. Oh, that had to be a fantastic night. What a memory for anyone who was lucky enough to be there.

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  5. Love it Kim! I will have some Neil on the boat for ya next trip.

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    1. You're on! Capt. Brian, Shelling on Cayo Costa and Neil Diamond. Hell Yeah!!

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  6. He really is amazing and is music is always in style. I had a next door neighbor that had all of his music...back when we were in our 30s and we listened to it all the time. We sure had fun watching our kids play and listening to Neil D.! Thanks for the sweet giveaway! I am thrilled!

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  7. I'd love to be on that shelling trip with you, we could sing our hearts out!

    And hurray! on winning the towel. I can't wait to try it out! I love winning - thanks!

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  8. I can't say that I am a true follower of Neil Diamond's music or most musicians for that matter but I do love music. I was fortunate to take in a Neil Diamond concert when I first moved to my city and it was fabulous. I'm not sure if he ever came back but it just so happens that he will be here this month. I don't think I'm able to go but it would be nice :)

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    1. If you go I want to hear all about it! Thanks for stopping by.

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