Neil Diamond -- Hot August Night: NYC
on CBS
By Ally Matteodo
Neil Diamond performed his hits
live at Madison Square Garden in his beloved New York City, and this concert,
airing last Friday, August 14th (10:00 p.m. ET) on CBS wins the honor
of Best TV Show of the Week. During this hour-long special, Neil
returns to his childhood home in Brooklyn to see the apartment where he grew up
and fondly remembers his family’s past. However, the main focus of this special
is Diamond’s music and the concert itself. Neil started the night off with his
rousing “Cracklin’ Rosie,” followed by his first smash hit, “Cherry, Cherry.”
Nearing the midway point of the show Neil performed the joyful “Forever in Blue
Jeans,” followed by one of his newer songs, “Pretty Amazing Grace.” For the
finale Neil performed his anthem, “Sweet Caroline,” followed by the patriotic
“America.”
One of the noticeable
qualities of Diamond’s fans is the diversity; the hordes that descend upon the
Garden include young and old alike. Neil’s following demonstrates the classic,
universal quality of his songs. Their feel-good, lively beats have an
infectious quality that cause the whole stadium to jump to their feet to sing
along. “Forever in Blue Jeans” comments on the importance of love and the
inconsequential nature of money. The show rose to a crescendo with the
performance of “America,” the embodiment of the optimism and hope that America
represents. So many journey to America with the dream of opportunity, the chance
to make a name for themselves and their families, and Neil effortlessly embodies
this hope through his song and his own history. There is an honesty and
soulfulness that rings out when Neil sings; he doesn’t flinch if he hits a wrong
note or if his voice isn’t pristine, and he performs unflinchingly with a gusto
that is a lesson in how all of us should attack life.
Best TV Show
of the Week
The Parents
Television Council -
www.parentstv.org
