Customer Reviews

Live in America

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

The world has been offered five ND live albums in a mere 24 years (I don't think any artist has released that many official live recordings), and anybody who's ever been to a Diamond show will probably try to recreate these two-and-a-half very special hours when buying this double CD set.

This album sounds great, and I do like the way Neil's voice matured with the years, but what really turns me off about this otherwise good collection (almost 150 minutes of music) is the constant inclusion of silence between the individual live recordings. You hear the roar of the crowds, then nothing, and then the cheers resume - very strange. Only the last three tracks, also recorded at different locations, have been mixed without intermission in the applause. Apart from that, the sound is brilliant. If you really need the fifth or sixth (counting Greatest Hits Collections) live version of "Cracklin' Rosie" is up to you, of course. But the album offers some nice surprise selections like "Missa" or alternate arrangements of early hits.

Yes, I am going to defend this cd. Seems like everyone on here trashes it. I have Gold, Hot August Night 1+2, and while this isn't as good as those; it's not as bad as everyone claims it to be. For a sixty year old, Neil can still sing. He's a little more gravily at times, but his energy makes up for that. The collection of songs is great. He does a lot of his older, upbeat tunes. I bought this on Amazon used for $2! For this price, how can you not afford to give it a chance?

In one word Awesome...Love the America version.... I have a video of the san jose concert, and love the songs

I'm a new-ish Neil Diamond fan. I went to see him on his recent tour, and it was fantastic. 'Live In America,' although recorded over 10 years prior to me seeing him, somehow recaptures how great the show was. I am a big fan of live albums, and this is one of my favorites (and my record collection is pretty big).

The only reason I'm marking it down a star is because I prefer my live albums to sound like they're actually one concert. I don't care if it's from one show or not, as long as it doesn't fade the audience out and leave gaps between each track (as this album does) I'm fine with it. But, this is a minor annoyance.

Sure, his voice has aged, but he still puts on one hell of a show, which translates to this album perfectly. Check it out - I found mine on the Amazon Marketplace for $3.99 - at that price, what is there to lose?

This is the greatest version of "Holly Holy" I have heard yet! "America" WOW--It gives me chills! Lost on an island with just one cd forever...this is truly the one! And another hard to find favorite "And the grass won't pay no mind", it's on here, and it's really beautiful. Neil Diamond is the man! Theres my Dad, Jesus, and Neil Diamond :o)

I have been a fan of Neil's since 1969. Lost touch with his music for a few years/was reawakened this last August 30th at his concert here. This was the 1st CD I bought the next day. I LOVE IT! Listen to it alittle everyday..HE IS STILL AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEST! THANKS NEIL!

This CD capitvates the essential music of our time with this great performer. I have seen many of these tours with these songs and this collection does it JUSTICE. As an avid fan and personal friend of Neil, I can say that this is by far the best tribute to his live concert ability. Golf and Neil Diamond make this country great. This is AMERICA!

This is a vivid inspired performance across the country by a singer songwriter legend.It is without a doubt in my mind the best cd(s)Ihave of Neil Diamond and I have several. It boggles the mind that so many critics ? consider this an inferior product.After purchasing this item a couple years ago I couldn't stop playing it.Must have played it 50 or 60 X and didn't get nauseated or disgusted once(for those non Diamond fans that's a joke).Actually,you don't have to be a fan to like this cd ,just like Neil and a great performance.

I'm sick of all the critics dissing Neil Diamond. Sure, he might not be the most talented guy ever, but that's not the point of music. The point of music is the feeling you get from listening to it, and you can't help but feel great listening to all these hits live. Neil Diamond is the man and is one of the greats of the late 20th century!

Hey, ND fans, if you don't have the CD already, buy it!