Tom and/or Ryan:
Nothing to fire away about. Neil's original 60's persona ... singer/songwriter; black jeans; boots; guitar slung over the shoulder ... has long been viewed as the predecessor for the young Springsteen; young Billy Joel; etc. It's actually a compliment when considering the Neil Diamond circa "Cherry Cherry."
After awhile though, I think that that persona does trap a performer. How does a solo musician keep the audiences engaged over the years in venues like Madison Square Garden or the Meadowlands arena without the full blown theatrics? Look at the cover of the original Hot August Night (1972) ... it looks like Neil is masturbating for Christ sakes!
"The Jazz Singer" had some fairly decent music ("Love on the Rocks" and "Hello Again"), but the movie did make me want to poke my eyes out. It just wasn't the 70's, it's anytime that an artist becomes a caricature of himself (Eddie Murphy comes to mind).
This may be the real talent that Rick Rubin has ... his ability to draw out the real artist in these performing caricatures (like Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond).
Enjoy the Caribbean. When you come back give "12 Songs" a listen.
Regards, Rich
Nothing to fire away about. Neil's original 60's persona ... singer/songwriter; black jeans; boots; guitar slung over the shoulder ... has long been viewed as the predecessor for the young Springsteen; young Billy Joel; etc. It's actually a compliment when considering the Neil Diamond circa "Cherry Cherry."
After awhile though, I think that that persona does trap a performer. How does a solo musician keep the audiences engaged over the years in venues like Madison Square Garden or the Meadowlands arena without the full blown theatrics? Look at the cover of the original Hot August Night (1972) ... it looks like Neil is masturbating for Christ sakes!
"The Jazz Singer" had some fairly decent music ("Love on the Rocks" and "Hello Again"), but the movie did make me want to poke my eyes out. It just wasn't the 70's, it's anytime that an artist becomes a caricature of himself (Eddie Murphy comes to mind).
This may be the real talent that Rick Rubin has ... his ability to draw out the real artist in these performing caricatures (like Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond).
Enjoy the Caribbean. When you come back give "12 Songs" a listen.
Regards, Rich