Thursday, November 11, 2010

Neil Diamond

Can I just say how much I love Neil Diamond? I really do. Let me tell you a story about me and Neil.

I never knew him when I was growing up. I'm sure I heard a song or two of his on the radio, but I didn't know of him. When I was a freshman at BYU my sister Annie was driving me somewhere and was listening to The Jazz Singer soundtrack. I really liked it so she burned me a copy. Thus began a beautiful friendship. When I went home that summer I bought his two-disc gold album. Later I found out about his Christmas albums. Yes, he is Jewish, but his Christmas albums are great. In fall of 2005 I dragged my sister Alaina to his concert in Omaha. It was awesome! The best concert I've ever been to. I'm pretty sure we were the youngest people there, but it was great. In 2008, I had a birthday party for Neil. It was really fun. We had a lot of people come, played some Neil Diamond trivia, and had a birthday cake for him. Now I just found out he has a new album of covers of his favorite rock songs. It is officially on my Christmas list.

This sentimental post about Neil was inspired by last Friday. I was driving to my sisters house, and it was a beautiful day. Once I got off the freeway I rolled down the windows and turned up my Neil Diamond playlist. It was such a good feeling. How can anyone not listen to Sweet Caroline and not feel good? So good in fact I want to name our baby Caroline (see previous post). Or listen to the song "Hello Again" and try not to remember a time you were apart from the one you loved. I know its cheesy but, it almost made me cry. I was going to Annie's to hang out until it was time to pick up Eli from the airport. He was only gone for one night to interview in Galveston, but that song made me realize how much I missed him.
Here are some of my favorite Neil Diamond songs everyone should listen to at least semi-annually:
Cracklin' Rosie
Kentucky Woman (especially you, Emily!)
Forever in Blue Jeans
Love on the Rocks
Cherry, Cherry
The Story of My Life
Crunchy Granola Suite
Two-Bit Manchild
and of course
I'm a Believer

Now, go make yourself happy and listen to Neil Diamond. And think of me!

6 comments:

Sarah and Wes said...

Yeah I love Forever in Blue Jeans!!! Can you tell?

Heidi said...

I LOVE Neil Diamond, too!! And it's funny because I wanted Caroline to be Paige's middle name... for the very same reason. =)

Emily said...

Is the name Caroline really inspired by Neil Diamond? That's awesome!

Alainarae said...

You crack me up, Cherie. You sound a tad bit emotional. But the combination of powerful Neil Diamond songs and pregnancy will do that to you.
Do you remember the old perv who kept trying to bump hips with me?! That was a great night.. I have a cute picture of us from that night. Miss you tons!

Annie said...

I remember the day I introduced you to Niel. I was shocked that you hadn't heard of him. I know..just one more thing you can thank your big sis. for teaching you ...
I wanted to name PHoebe "Holly" the month before because I listened to Niel Diamond a lot that month. "Holly Holy" is one of my faves.

Kyle said...

That was one of the most memorable parties of my college career. Thanks for the good times and chest hair Niel!