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Neil Diamond – Dreams (Columbia)
After a couple of Rick Rubin produced albums, which were stripped down and very personal, Neil Diamond returns to a more familiar sound with Dreams. With a far fuller production, he pays tribute to a selection of his favorite songs and songwriters of the rock era. Included are songs originally recorded by artists such as The Eagles (“Desperado”), The Beatles (“Blackbird”), Bill Withers (“Ain’t No Sunshine”) and Leonard Cohen (the ubiquitous “Hallelujah”), together with a reworking of his own “I’m A Believer”. Those that discovered Diamond for the first time on 12 Songs may well feel a little disappointed, but longtime fans will perhaps welcome his return to more familiar form.
www.neildiamond.com
Old 97’s – The Grand Theatre Volume 1 (New West)
It feels like the Old 97’s have been around forever. The Grand Theatre Vol. 1 is their eighth studio album, and they continue their exploration of a genre, which falls somewhere between Texas-style alt. country, power pop and Midwest rock. It’s not perfect by any means, but there are half a dozen of so outstanding moments that make everything all right. Take, for example, “The Magician” an upbeat rocker with a chorus that wont wash out. The title track rattles along like an early Tom Petty shitkicker, and the Johnny Cash inspired “You Were Born To Be In Battle” would indicate that the song still comes first.
www.myspace.com/theold97s
Rob F.
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