He is sometimes forgotten in the canon of world stars of the 20th century, but Neil Diamond certainly belongs in that canon. Started as Tin Pan Alley composer, he guaranteed many a hit, especially
The Monkees. But during the 70's Diamond developed into the crooner with that characteristic cracked voice. His hits (which everyone effortlessly sings along) are too many to mention. The London Symphony
… Orchestra now performs a large anthology of these late seventies. Knowing Diamond you expect this to turn out great in songs like I Am...I Sad and Love On The Rocks. But the orchestral arrangements sound remarkably subdued and Diamond himself seems to be restrained too. It especially emphasizes the qualities of his songs. So many classics that apparently there was no room for Solitary Man of Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon. (MR)more
