Sue made me do this
My new blogging buddy, Nostalgic Nana, and I seem to have a weakness for some of the same things.
For example, we're both fans of the music of Neil Diamond and Leonard Cohen.
I'm not sure how she feels about Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Il Divo, or -- to mention the only living movie star of which I am truly a fan (well, I like Christian Bale but he's so weird), the estimable Mr. Depp.
Guess we'll have to have a little chat about that.
When TG and I began dating, one of the first things we discovered was that we both loved Sherlock Holmes stories ... and Neil Diamond.
It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The Genesis Of Fandom
I began collecting ND albums after being given Greatest Hits (1968) as a birthday present when I turned fourteen (in 1971 ... didn't want you to think I turned fourteen in 1968 because that would be just too awful).
Eventually I guess I owned just about all of his LPs, but I don't have them anymore. I sold them at a garage sale in 1990 and I don't regret it.
Much.
I suppose if I had to choose a favorite Neil Diamond song, it would be September Morn. That's because my first baby was born on a beautiful September morning.
She'll turn thirty this September and I'll listen to the song, and I'll cry.
Some Things Can't Be Explained ... Away
But since I don't have to choose, I won't. I think Stones is one of Neil's most beautiful songs ever.
(No, not Stoned -- LOLOL which, according to TG, who got it from his fellow cadets at The Citadel who went to a Diamond concert in the early '70s, but which was I suppose more or less common knowledge when it came to Neil in those days, would perhaps in some cases be more appropriate -- but simply Stones.)
As with a lot of ND songs -- Holly Holy comes instantly to mind -- you're never quite sure what the lyrics mean but you listen anyway.
If you like Neil Diamond, that is. If you don't, you mock out the rest of us.
Which is fine. To each his own.
Reader Comments (21)
I love Johnny Depp too, Oh we'll have to fight of Christian Bale even if he is weird. Celebrate does that to some otherwise great looking guys. I just picked up a copy of Rudy to watch this weekend.
Irene, I hope you'll love Rudy as much as I do! And allow me to compliment you on your excellent taste in actors. My Christian Bale comment was tongue-in-cheek, as Mr. Depp has been known to be quite weird too. But Christian Bale was incredible in the movie Empire of the Sun not to mention Batman Begins and The Dark Knight ... and of course, Johnny as that pirate ... oooo la la.
I love Neil Diamond too! And Johnny Depp is a wonderful actor!
Who can resist that deep, rich voice? Love him! And when you're done with Johnny Depp, send him my way...
Mari ... I always knew you were a brilliant woman!
Donna M ... as to the voice, not I ... and me, done with Johnny Depp? How long do you plan to live? LOLOL besides when I get done there'll be nothing left ... maybe a gold tooth or two, but that's it. *evil grin*
You just tell Miz Donna M that she has Marty...Depp is MINE Ladies!!Hahahaaaa
Happy weekend to you! Oh, by the way, I have Every movie of the old Sherlock Holmes serial...Love Him!! Have read Every one of Watson's tales of him...
hughugs
Donna ... noooo! Donna M has Marty and you have the laundry ... Depp is MINE! LOLOL and I ain't gonna share.
Love Neil! Two songs come to mind - "Sweet Caroline", my Elizabeth's middle name and always a favorite, and another that I didn't discover until about 5 or so yrs ago. Ever heard "You make it feel like Christmas"? Always spurs me to thankfulness for my wonderful husband at the most tender time of the year...
Forever in Blue Jeans. Song Sung Blue. You know, some of his recent stuff is pretty catchy too.
Yes, loving your old guys and new guys.
Oh Jenny, please tell me that you adore Queen?
......tart!!Hahaaaaa
Sydney ... Elizabeth Caroline ... now there's a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. I'll look up the Christmas song.
Sue ... I cannot tell a lie! Not a Queen fan. You Brits seem to have the corner on that!
Donna ... I know, I know! LOLOL
Oh. Doom and Gloom. Hangs head low. Not sure if you can be my friend now.
But......sky brightening...you do like the Oakridge Boys!
I came of age to Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie Mercury was a genius. No one else can sing his songs.
Sue, I don't know from Freddy Mercury but I'll look him up. As to Queen, I got to thinking ... honestly? If someone said, "Name a Queen song or forever lose your chance of meeting Johnny Depp in person," -- which happens to be a dream of mine, and it must be when he's sober so he'll remember me -- I'd have to concede that I'll never meet Johnny. *SOBBBBBB* ..... but I'll go on YouTube and try to come up to speed Queen-wise ... not making any promises as, you know, I'm all about Josh Groban and Il Divo and such like. But I'm totally jeal that you're seeing/hearing THE OAKRIDGE BOYS in person tonite! Can't wait to read all about it.
Well, just to help you in your Johnny quest, how about Another One Bites the Dust, WE are the Champions, You're My Best Friend, We Will Rock You, Crazy little Thing Called Love? Classics.
hobbit, I listened to 1/3 of a YouTube of Bohemian Rhapsody ... and no way that will ever appeal to me so I guess we can't be friends ... sigh ... but I have other redeeming qualities so I know someday I'll meet Johnny anyway ... although I have heard (in passing) the songs You're My Best Friend, We Will Rock You (ballgames) and Crazy Little Thing Called Love (on a commercial) ... but wouldn't have known enough to attribute them to Queen. I have another Brit friend who's over the moon about Queen ... perhaps I should introduce you 'cept she still lives over the puddle. Please don't give up on me 'cause remember I do love Neil and Leonard.
Was a Diamond fan in my teens (in the 70's) and recently fell in love with him again after seeing a recent concert on DVD. 'Grandpa' Diamond (four grown children, six grandchildren) is still writing and performing at 69 and his deep, familiar voice is comforting, like that of a dear old friend.
Check out a couple of his newer songs from an August, 2008, concert at Madison Square Garden, New York City.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4db5DBkMlI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQKjqGolhdw
And some old favorites, the still sexy "Play Me"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu915MFokrs
And this one isn't with Barbara, but it is still pretty - the little dance at the end - sigh . . . "You Don't Bring Me Flowers".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzCnQOG1SDQ
Not every entertainer ages well - Mr. Diamond certainly has.
Joy ... girl you are preaching to the choir as it seems we're all of one mind here as regards the greatness of Neil Diamond. After all this I just might buy a newer album. Hard to believe he's nearly 70.
Perhaps Johnny and I will outlive you...
Donna M ... that right there is a sobering thought. If the two of you outlive me, I wish you every happiness ... as long as you talk of me fondly at least once a day! =:~D
I watched Benny and Joon after not seeing it for years. As with any of his characters, Johnny did a great job with Sam. I had forgotten how much I liked that movie.
My wife is a big Neil Diamond fan. She went to her 1st ND concert when she was 14. Not sure how many she's been to in total, but I've taken her to three concerts since moving to Atlanta. (Easy anniversary gift for me.)
That being said, I was never a big Neil Diamond fan myself. Back in Texas I declined to go to any ND concerts because my wife had friends there to go with to see him. So when I got her a set of tickets to go maybe 6-8 years ago, I wasn't really looking forward to going with her to the concert. I found the concert to be "not bad".
2nd one I went to I started to get into it, even trying to sing along. (SWEET CAROLINE! BOM! BOM! BOM! ) And had a pretty good time. So the last time he came to town, I surprised her with tickets in the fourth row on the right side of the stage. He had a moving platform so he did get to sing right in front of us. A great time indeed. (My wife of course was more than thrilled to be so close for the concert.)
So now I do say I like going to ND concerts. He puts on a very good show.
(My favorite song is "You Don't Bring Me Flowers".)
R'cat, yeah, it's very hard NOT to sing along with Sweet Caroline! Just something about that song. I guess your wife is a much greater fan than I, because I just really have never had a desire to see him in person. That is fantastic though, that she's had the opportunity to enjoy that experience so many times. And You Don't Bring Me Flowers is a beautiful song indeed. So poignant! Neil's one of the always-greats.