Neil Diamond - Hot August Night (Remastered / Expanded) (2CD)
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Free Music Notes for Hot August Night (Remastered / Expanded) (2CD)
Free Music Review: Let there be Neil...
Hit: 5 Stars
I've always considered Neil to be more of a Rock singer than a Pop singer, not that I have a problem with Pop, but just look at this guy on the classic cover shot.
As other fans have said, this is great song after great song, and the man was just in his element in front of this appreciative hardcore audience. I used to have this on vinyl at the time, but like an idiot I leant it out, and it met the same fate as some of my Jack Jones LPs.
It's hard to even pick out my favorite songs from this stunning collection, it's just one of those classics that you just have to savor as a whole. I certainly agree that it's one of the greatest live albums of all time, and yes, it has worn better than Peter's Comes Alive album, which mainly dates due to that awful mouth wah wah thingy that he overused.
Yep, this is about as good as it gets, and it would make a fantastic Christmas gift for a musically discerning friend or loved one.
It's true, good times never seemed so good!
Free Music Review: Unique and unparalled !
Hit: 5 Stars
Its a pity that these performances at the Greek Theatre in LA is not (yet!) available in VDO as this concert was recorded in 1972 when Neil Diamond was considered one of the hottest properties for any recording company. He was at his prime when his voice had that cutting edge and his compositions were indeed awesome by any standards. By any yardsticks this album is a masterpiece and considered as a tracing point for his later live albums.Each track has been rendered with his awesome power and style. With his unique band and a string sections with horns, the music comes alive and leaves you wanting for more and more. And since this album is now remastered and re-released with additional tracks, perhaps the VDO maybe not so far behind.
If you dont own this album or havent heard any tracks, here is that golden opportunity to get it now with additional bonus tracks.
Indeed as Robert Hilburn commented,'His audience falls like plums at his feet.'
Free Music Review: One of the all-time best live albums
Hit: 5 Stars
Neil Diamond's greatest strength has always been his live performances, and "Hot August Night" is by far the best of the recorded shows. Production-wise, the sound is phenomenal--you would never guess that this was recorded twenty-eight years ago. The same goes for the stellar arrangements, which in many instances often surpass the original recorded versions of the songs (the most notable instance of this is "Holly Holy," which in its original version was rather soulless but on here flat out ROCKS). The orchestration adds rather than detracts--"Prologue" will give you a good idea of what to expect. There are too many highlights to list. If you're like a lot of people who think that Neil Diamond is just some middle-aged guy who bellows out sappy ballads and overly grandiose anthems while wearing really sparkly shirts, you've never heard this set, and you're about to have all your illusions shattered. It's that good. Period.Free Music Review: Diamond at his very best
Hit: 5 Stars
Not many artists are able to perform live as well as they do in studio. Of the top of my head I can honestly only think of Bruce "the boss" Springsteen who may even be better live than in studio. Many live albums are available with Neil Diamond and he's never bettered this exceptional performance. It's like here everything fell completely in place; Neil's vocals are top-notch, the band sounds great and even the audience contribute alot. Diamond classics such "I am, I said, Play me, Stones, And the grass won't pay no mind" sound even better here than originally heard. Upbeat songs such as Sweet Caroline, Holly holy and especially You're so sweet sound MUCH better here than in their studio incarnations.
Neil Diamond isn't for everyone, he has devoted fans and people who really don't like him. For a devoted fan this album is a must, for the casual fan it's highly recommended and for a non fan; give it a chance, you'd be surprised.
Free Music Review: The best live album - EVER!
Hit: 5 Stars
My father turned me onto this album (via the car 8-track!) in 1974 when I was 11. I have loved it ever since. I still get goose bumps as the violins begin "Crunchy Granola Suite" and all the way through to the awesome encore, "Brother Love's...".This album is a religious experience for me. What an incredible performance Neil Diamond gives. It's a shame that he never really recaptured this mind-blowing effort in subsequent releases (i.e. Hot August Night II, Love at the Greek).
I just received the new re-mastered version with the three additional tracks. I was stunned to hear that there were new tracks! Why was this not on the 11 o'clock news!?!?!?! To me, this is like discovering there are 3 newly unearthed Commandments.
The sound quality seems much improved (less hiss). So thanks Neil, for one of the best - and most underappreciated - albums of all-time!