Customer Reviews

Gold: Recorded Live at the Troubadour

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I see people diss this album because the sound isn't "big" enough. If you're looking for the "airbrushed" sound of lush orchestration, multiple percussionists, backup singers, and the huge productions which mark the decline of many great artists, then this album is not for you. Rather, this particular collection recorded live at a club in LA is Neil Diamond stripped down to his rockin' roots; just guitar, bass, drums, and Neil. He rocks your socks off from the beginning of "Lordy" all the way through the closing number, the best version of "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show" that I've ever heard. I've loved this album since my college roomate introduced me to it in 1995 and still jam my old vinyl version. I implore you to also discover this ablum and find Neil Diamond at the true height of his stage prowess. The between song banter is fantastic as well (eat your heart out, Wil Ferrel.)

Recorded live at Doug Weston's Troubadour in Los Angeles, "Neil Diamond GOLD" is an electrical-acoustical delight to the ears, performed in an intimate atmosphere. Originally released on the Uni label in the late '60's/early '70's, it's such a real treat to hear Neil perform some of his early Bang material live, as featured on this CD, and he really breathes life into these live numbers to boot. "Lordy", "Cherry, Cherry", "Thank The Lord For The Night Time" and "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show" (the former three tracks are from the Bang years) really showcase Neil's ability to rock with a little bit of a hard edge in all-out fashion, while the live versions of "Holly Holy" and "Sweet Caroline" featured here don't work quite as well without an orchestra. The orchestral arrangements work wonders on both "Holly Holy" and "Sweet Caroline", where these particular live versions can be found on the double live "Hot August Night" CD set, complete with orchestral arrangements, as mentioned above. Neil really tops himself on the live "GOLD" version of "Brother Love's", as opposed to the original studio version, as he puts a signature, hard-edged polish on this live version, where Mr. Diamond rocks out like no one else I've heard before, or since. There are no duds here in this semi-acoustic live masterpiece. "Neil Diamond GOLD" is a perfect CD to relax with after a long, hard day.

In 2002, it's hard to imagine Neil Diamond sounding this stripped down and soulful, but he does on "Gold" and it is wonderful. This was the late 60's and "LOve on the Rocks" and "Heartlight" were more than a decade away. This cd captures Neil live at the Troubador in L.A. Caught between the Bacharach pop stylings and emerging singer/songwriter Neil seems comfortable, earnest and uncalculating as he rethinks his arrangements for a more intimate (and yes, hipper), venue. THIS is the Neil Diamond who has been covered by the likes of Chris Isaac and Urge Overkill. An intelligent and passionate songwriter and a superb performer. He is clearly having a wonderful time and the versions of the classic tunes here are full of energy. While this is not the masterpiece that Hot August Night is, it is a fascinating counterpoint to the over the top production of that and subsequent albums. The production quality isn't great (ok it's rather poor) but Diamond's small band is tight and Neil himself is splendid. The emotion and energy of this performance surpass Hot August Night. With the orchestra and larger band gone, Gold presents Neil Diamond and his material for the true timeless classics that they are.

This is a great album. The version of "cherry cherry" alone is worth buying it for. Fabulous live album all around.

I have to concur with the other reviewers here, this is an amazing album...less polished than a lot of his later work. Neil has sporadically produced enduring work to this day, but personally I find this set, and the first Hot August Night to be the only live albums of his I have time for, no disrespect (I did enjoy the TV special he did a couple of years back though).

The only fault if any is the collector in me wonders if there's more!? This was recorded for a radio broadcast, for forces radio, I think, and while it's a good length as an album (about 50 minutes), I wonder if the live show was longer?

Either way it's a fantastic listen - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

In 1970, Neil Diamond, in his prime and at the peak of his UNI years, is at his most masculine, raspy best here. In this rare and intimate club date, Neil Diamond's stripped-down but solid, boomy rhythm section (possibly in their finest hour here) features the colorfully vibrant electric guitar work of Carol Hunter. Not only do they provide the glue for Diamond to plant himself, but play in and around the melody creating a unique 3D "intertwining" effect. Together with the raw harmonics created by tube amp equipment, are all captured for your listening pleasure in this outstanding, tasty feast for the ears.

It's hard to believe a recording this old could have such great sound. With excellent stereo separation, the sound leaps out of the stereo. I love HAN like most fans, but this is raw and rockin'. He puts so much energy in the music, giving the small crowd a great show. The basic instruments are great, particularly the drums and electric guitar. It's not the massive production of later years, but is still a pleasure to listen to. The best version of "Solitary Man" and worth the price just for the one song.
If only the CD was longer

This has some great versions of his songs recorded in a live nightclub setting. I really like the band and background singers.

Ok, so I remember this record from my childhood, Mom had the vinyl. With Neil about to release a new CD with Rick Rubin, I deceided to seek this out of print CD out.....it was worth it! This is Neil Diamond LIVE with a small band, no strings, no horns and very little (or less cheesy-ness than normal)....its Great! On Lordy and Brother Love's traveling Salvation Show Diamond Literally shreds his voice! its raw and real! Somebody should remaster and reissue this (with bonus material if possible)....this record was released by Neils old label after the success of Hot August Night, and to be honest I like this live record better! Its a raw, young Diamond, not over blown cheese....seek it out!

this is a rarity - a Live album that actually shows the emotion and heart that the singer shows when you are their to witness it. A must for any Diamond fan.