Ode to Neil

Ok so this isn't necessarily a true Ode, due to no rhyming verse. It's more of a reminiscing of Neil, but anywho....My friend Jordan has recently posted in various places her love for Neil Diamond, and this got me thinking about the great memories I have of the man, and the reasons why this man is awesome.

1. The Jazz Singer (movie). Although this is a remake of the 1927 first "talkie" film, I love this version the most (I also love the Pure Country version too, well I consider it a version of the original film). Not only does it have an amazing soundtrack (see item 2), it helped me to understand the Jewish faith a little better. I don't know if that was really the intention, but I now know the dances, the songs, and some of the other rituals. My mom claims this movie is the reason I love Neil, as she was pregnant with me when she saw it in the theatre. I can't say whether this is true or not, but it makes for a good reason.

2. The Jazz Singer (soundtrack). This is one of the best soundtracks around. I love all of the songs, and have very fond memories as a child listening to the record (yes record, I'm that old) over and over (especially "America") and singing at the top of my lungs. I'm pretty sure my mom was so tired of hearing it, but she never let on.

This trailer is classic 80's dramatic cheese

3. Seeing Neil perform live. This has to be one of the best concerts I've been to. It's been almost 10 years since I saw him, but I still remember 50 year old women vying for him, throwing underwear at him and screaming like they were 12. It was the damnedest thing. Putting all that aside, he is an amazing performer, and with his sequin shirts you just can't lose.

4. Neil's new tour. The potential attendance of another Neil concert next summer excites me very much, and I really hope that I will be going, and that Jordan will too. She will enjoy it very much.