Tap Root Manuscript

---

---

Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-05-07 rating:
Neil's "World Music" First?
In 1972 and long before Peter Gabriel's PG4 and Paul Simon's "Graceland" attempts at World Music Neil made this album, which originally was an album of two halves. The first a mix of conventional/typical songs, the second in contrast almost a concept african themed suite and my favourite of the two - i muched preferred the Hollies version of He Ain't Heavy. In terms of his career this album together with the closely released "Serenade", "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" film score and the live "Hoy August Night" mark a peak for Neil Diamond, which was never to be repeated. Catchy tunes, naively beautiful, fantastic production (as you'd expect from Diamond), orchestras, drumming and heavenly vocals from African Choirs. And no I'm not a massive fan of Neil, but credit where it's due.....he got there before Peter or Paul and the rest didn't he? Worth the entry price for the second half alone but only a taster for the majestic, spiritually uplifting "Jonathan Livingston Seagull".

---

review by: Jonesy date: 2007-04-04 rating:
A Game of Two Halves - Both Excellent
When I think of Neil Diamond and his music, this is how I like to remember him. This is absolutely superb. Not only is it littered with quality material, it also formed the bedrock of a lot of his songs that became the framework of his stunning live show on "Hot August Night", another must have. br / br /The album is essentially split into two. The first half is a collection of some of his most inspired offerings to date. All 5 tracks are excellent. Why doesn't he play songs like "Coldwater Morning" more often - if at all? As previously mentioned in another review here, there is a wealth of material available to do an alternative show including such gems as this. br / br /As for the second half it is a triumph. A piece of work that just flows majestically, capturing a mood and excitement of music influenced by another culture, yet somehow filtered back to represent a modern interpretation. A work of genius by a man at the top of his craft. br / br /In many ways I have to thank none other than Noel Edmunds for my introduction to this album. Back in his "hey day", Edmunds used to host a very good radio show for Radio 1 on a Sunday morning. He himself was a great champion of Diamond and used to play a lot of his tracks, sometimes three in a row. He also used the "African Trilogy" theme as link music between items. Funny how we get influenced! br / br /I have knocked enough of Neil Diamond's efforts in the latter years, but where credit is due; I feel it should be rewarded with the appropriate words of reward. This really is a classic. If you rummage through any so called Neil Diamond fan's collection and this isn't there...........well they're not really a fan of the real Neil Diamond. Go and get it now! br / br /

---

review by: date: 2004-06-09 rating:
It doesn't get better than this.........
An absolute masterpiece. I "borrowed" the original music cassette from my father years ago and played it until the tape snapped! The African themed music has to be the best chill out music ever. For those who were disappointed with the Greatest Hits re-hashes, get this album now and your faith will be restored, and then some. My only complaint - it doesn;t last long enough! I can listen to this album over and over again. And have done..........


review by: date: 2001-05-30 rating:
A must have for real Neil Diamond fans.
Paul Simon eat your heart out! Diamond uses African voices and themes to punctuate this album that is a forgotten star of his catalogue, was it ahead if its time? You decide. Thankfully re-released this album is beautifully naive and beautiful. This has to rank as one of the must have records for any true Neil Diamond fans.

---

Similar products

Stones
Beautiful Noise
Serenade
Jonathan Livingston Seagull - Neil Diamond
Velvet Gloves and Spit

---

Similar categories

Music . Styles . Pop . Bestsellers
Music . Styles . Pop . General AAS
Music . Styles . Rock . General AAS
Music . Styles . Adult Contemporary . Bestsellers
Music . Styles . Adult Contemporary . Singer-songwriters
Music . Styles . Adult Contemporary . Male Vocalists
Music . Styles . Adult Contemporary . Pop Rock
Music . Styles . Easy Listening . Bestsellers
Music . Styles . Easy Listening . All Easy Listening
Music . Substores . Regular Stores . Artist Pages Filter Nodes . Main Albums
Music . Refinements . Format (binding_browse-bin) . CD . CD Album

---