Personnel: Neil Diamond (vocals, guitar); Barbra Streisand (vocals); Ellie Greenwich, Tommy Cogbill, John Barry.
Recording information: Grand Rapids, Michigan (1966 - 2001).
This 2005 set repackages 2001's excellent 2-CD set, THE ESSENTIAL NEIL DIAMOND, and includes a bonus, hour-long DVD of Diamond live in concert. The two-disc set chronologically traces the Brooklyn native's career path over the span of four decades. Packed with mono versions of classic '60s hits, Disc One alone would be a considerable canon for the average musician, thanks to songs like "Solitary Man," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Song Sung Blue," "Kentucky Woman," "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon," "Sweet Caroline," and "I'm A Believer." For Diamond, this was just a start, as he leapt to MOR god-like status via his duet with fellow Erasmus High alumnus Barbra Streisand ("You Don't Bring Me Flowers") and other sentimental sides including "Heartlight," "Love On The Rocks," "September Morn," and the patriotic anthem "America".
A number of in-concert cuts--especially the ones on the DVD--quickly dispel any doubts that Diamond's skills are equally as impressive on stage as they are in the studio. One listen to live favorites like "He Aint' Heavy He's My Brother," "Shilo," and "Brooklyn Roads" cinches Diamond's legacy as an American musical treasure.
