Neil Diamond The Bang Years: 1966-1968

Neil Diamond The Bang Years: 1966-1968
Neil Diamond transitioned from professional songwriter to performer when he signed with Bang Records in 1966. There, he cut two albums -- his 1966 debut The Feel of Neil Diamond and its 1967 sequel Just for You -- that contained his greatest songs: "哠olitary Man,�" "咰herry, Cherry,�" "咷irl, You唋l Be a Woman Soon,�" "咾entucky Woman,�" "員hank the Lord for the Night Time,�" "咺唌 a Believer,�" "哛ed, Red Wine,�" "員he Boat That I Row,�" "哬ou Got to Me,�" and "哠hilo.�" All these, along with the rest of the two Bang albums all presented out of LP order, are on Columbia/Legacy唖 2011 The Bang Years: 1966-1968, by far the best overview ever assembled of this crucial era for Diamond. It唖 not just that these are Diamond唖 best songs but these are his best records: crisp, lively, colorful pop tunes balanced by luxurious moody brooding ballads. Once he turned into a superstar Diamond tended to rely on his innate showmanship, but here at the beginning of his career he sounded hungry and knew how to have fun, giving these records a snap that still stings decades later. And Diamond knows just how good these recordings are, as indicated by the terrific autobiographical liner notes he唖 penned for this collection, notes that give this music context, but they唕e not necessary to appreciate The Bang Years: this is pop music that唖 so pure it needs no explanation. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi All Music Guide