Search - Neil Diamond :: Live in America

Still in Great Shape

C. Kuschel-Toerber | Frankfurt, Hessen | 02/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The world has been offered five ND live albums in a mere 24 years (I don't think any artist has released that many official live recordings), and anybody who's ever been to a Diamond show will probably try to recreate these two-and-a-half very special hours when buying this double CD set.This album sounds great, and I do like the way Neil's voice matured with the years, but what really turns me off about this otherwise good collection (almost 150 minutes of music) is the constant inclusion of silence between the individual live recordings. You hear the roar of the crowds, then nothing, and then the cheers resume - very strange. Only the last three tracks, also recorded at different locations, have been mixed without intermission in the applause. Apart from that, the sound is brilliant. If you really need the fifth or sixth (counting Greatest Hits Collections) live version of "Cracklin' Rosie" is up to you, of course. But the album offers some nice surprise selections like "Missa" or alternate arrangements of early hits."

He's still got it...

R. Cusick | Norwood, MA United States | 03/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Yes, I am going to defend this cd. Seems like everyone on here trashes it. I have Gold, Hot August Night 1+2, and while this isn't as good as those; it's not as bad as everyone claims it to be. For a sixty year old, Neil can still sing. He's a little more gravily at times, but his energy makes up for that. The collection of songs is great. He does a lot of his older, upbeat tunes. I bought this on Amazon used for $2! For this price, how can you not afford to give it a chance?"

Awesome...

dupogord24 | Rock Island, IL | 11/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In one word Awesome...Love the America version.... I have a video of the san jose concert, and love the songs"