Today is Neil Diamond’s birthday. That reminded me that I had the opportunity to chat with the iconic singer-songwriter in 2010, just as he was preparing to release his cover album Dreams.
As is customary, a significant portion of our conversation had to be clipped due to print space constraints. But I have restored it here. Enjoy:
Neil Diamond is living his dream. “To write the music that I feel, to be as honest as I possibly can be in that music, and to hopefully have people share the experience of that music — that has always been my dream,” explains the singer-songwriter, his instantly recognizable baritone rumbling down the line from his New York City home.
“My dream is already being fulfilled and I’m going to take full advantage of it as long as I’m around.” However, on his latest album, the self-proclaimed “Jewish Elvis” draws on the work of a few other songwriters.
The aptly titled Dreams is a collection of ’60s and ’70s covers, from classics like The Beatles’ Yesterday and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to lesser-known treasures like Harry Nilsson and Randy Newman.
His own early success, I’m a Believer, is also featured in the set, which replaces the originals’ pop and rock backgrounds with calm, gently orchestrated backdrops. “I haven’t given a name to the style,” he admits, “but it does seem like the arrangements are very natural and unforced and right.”
With the record hitting stores and online this week, the 69-year-old musician discussed cover songs, his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nomination, and whether or not he is hip. Here’s how things went:
Last I heard, you were working with producer Rick Rubin on your third album of original songs. Where has this come from? This CD was truly an accident. I started recording in my studio just over a year ago. Just to sing. Just for the simple enjoyment of singing.
I didn’t have my own music. So I just started singing my favorite tunes from the past. I’d record them with just a guitar and store them away. The next week, I’d come in for a day and do the same thing. Just to keep my mind focused, to lift me up, and to stay connected with music.
After a few months, I realized I had. I began recording a selection of songs that were meaningful to me and had left an influence on me throughout my life, particularly those from the 1960s and 1970s.
They all felt genuine, natural, and positive. I chose some and played them for the people at Columbia Records out of curiosity, and they liked what they heard and encouraged me to continue.
Which is exactly what I did. I ended up getting the Dreams album.
