Here's a chance to listen to the title track from Home Before Dark live in concert from Neil's BBC concert performance. Click here to hear it on the net, you will have to fast forward to the approx 40 minute mark to hear Diamond's performance. Speaking of the BBC show, here is a nice article from BBC news, which includes a photo from the concert.
Time to have a celebration! Neil Diamond has his first ever #1 Album, as his new Rick Rubin produced disc debuts at number one this week on the Billboard Album charts. Though he has scored 45 previous albums in the Billboard top 200 chart, this is the first to rocket to #1. Congratulations Neil! Check out the full Columbia Records press release here.
A great Billboard Q&A with Neil Diamond (link) confirms the #1 Spot, in which Neil drops this exciting tidbit for us hardcore fans - "In this show, there are quite a number of songs that haven't been done for 20 or 25 years."
Rolling Stone attributes Neil's sales success in part to "a guest mentorship on American Idol, soundtracking Boston Red Sox victories, that Urge Overkill cover in Pulp Fiction or a last minute surge for Mother’s Day gifts.." Link here.
MTV reminds us that Neil Diamond has never before had a number one album, and "That’s why this week is so sweet for the Solitary Man, because according to the latest SoundScan figures, Diamond’s Rick Rubin-produced Home Before Dark has broken that bad-luck streak, selling close to 146,000 copies to top next week’s chart. This was no doubt made possible by the tremendous boost of having some of his classic tunes featured (and, you know, mostly murdered) on that popular singing contest “American Idol.” Link to MTV article here.
Other #1 album press mentions include The New York Times, E! Online, and Variety, to name just a few.
More commentary on the Home Before Dark CD: The National Post (link) praises Pretty Amazing Grace, "which the 67-year-old premiered last month on American Idol, is an elegant love song that sounds like it was recorded after last call in a Memphis whiskey bar..."
Check out this great Neil Diamond Photo Gallery featuring tons of images from his latest Today Show appearance. From Sirius Radio: Due to fans' requests, SIRIUS Satellite Radio will extend Neil Diamond Radio, its exclusive commercial-free music channel dedicated to Neil Diamond, for an additional two weeks through the end of May. To celebrate the channel's extended two-week run, Neil Diamond will guest host his own show on Neil Diamond Radio, personally selecting music by recording artists playing unique renditions of songs he wrote, such as UB40's reggae version of "Red, Red Wine" and Frank Sinatra singing "Sweet Caroline." Diamond will also share stories behind his new album, Home Before Dark.
I am glad to see that Neil Diamond is going to be working on his next album when he finishes the tour in January. I am also happy for Neil to be chosen as
MusiCares person of the year at the Grammys in Feburary.I can hardly wait for his next album to come out. Congratulations Neil.
Posted by: Laura Hanawalt | Nov 29, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Pretty Amazing Grace is very good, but "Another Day" with Natalie Maines should be played on radio. It is clearly a top ten hit with a fantastic arrangement. Great stuff, can't wait to see him in Philly.
Posted by: Vic B | May 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Pretty Amazing Grace is very good, but "Another Day" with Natalie Maines should be played on radio. It is clearly a top ten hit with a fantastic arrangement. Great stuff, can't wait to see him in Philly.
Posted by: Vic B | May 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM
PEOPLE MAGAZINE has made "HOME BEFORE DARK IT'S "CRITICS PICK," givng it fourt and a half stars/
Posted by: Daniel T. | May 16, 2008 at 11:45 AM