Neil Diamond Stages: Performances 1970-2002 CD

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 Great set, not enough early '70s cuts
How wonderful it is to have a recent Neil concert on DVD, I just wish they had shown the whole show. Diamondville was a nice look inside the band and how they live backstage.I feel like I know those people after listening to the music since the early seventies, reading the album credits, and seeing them in concert 6 times since 1982. Neil's voice is in good shape most of the tme on the later stuff, and it is interesting to to hear the progression over the years, and how he has changed phrasings to match the voice changes. The best surprises on the CDs for me were Once in a while, The last thing on my mind, Rocket Man and Lay Lady Lay from the late seventies. I liked that period because I listened to them as a teenager when they were released, except we could only read about Rocket Man, and Lay lady lay, as they were never released. I am very impressed with Rocket Man and Neils arrangement, he made it a totally different song in his own right, and it is very powerful as only he can make it. My only quibbles is You Got to Me was not a great version, and there is far too little from 70-72. I know there has to be more from that period as we saw a couple of years ago with the added tracks of Stones, Kentucky Woman and best all Walk on Water to Hot August Night . It was already the best album of all time, but those songs are incredible, especially Walk on Water took on a new life live. I would rather have seen more of that than he Christmas tunes. The Vegas concert is nice to have as I saw them on the same tour in '02 in Charlotte, and it is very much the same show with the great addition of Boat that I Row. All in all a wonderful early Christmas Present from my favorite Singer Songwriter and entertainer.
Submitted by a reviewer (Virginia) 
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 Diamond at his best
BEING A FAN FOR MANY YEARS AND HAVING SEEN MANY OF HIS CONCERTS WE REALLY DID ENJOY THIS SET. THE DVD OF THE DUBLIN CONCERT REMINDED US OF THE SHOW AT WEMBLEY, ENGLAND WHICH WE SAW AS PART OF THE SAME TOUR. CHRISTMAS SONGS ARE NOT NEILS STRONG POINT, BUT EVEN THESE WERE MAGIC PERFORMED LIVE WITH THE AUDIENCE REACTION. THE RARE RECORDINGS ARE A MUST TO HAVE FOR NEW AND OLD FANS. A REAL GOOD PURCHASE WHICH MAKES A EXCELLENT PRESENT. GO ON INDULGE YOURSELVES.
Submitted by a reviewer (Wokingham England.) 
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 All the stages of his career are exceptional
This is a definite must-have if only for the previously unreleased songs and for the long-awaited DVD. Although there have been many albums containing live tracks this is the ultimate collection following his performance career from the beginning to the present. Some of the tracks are rare happenings seldom heard in concert and therefore very special. The DVD is a real "gem" with up-to-date concert footage and an interesting & fun look behind the scenes on the "travelling salvation show". This set is just what we have all been waiting for. Congratulations to Sony & especially to Neil for finally releasing this and at such a great price.
Submitted by a reviewer (Australia) 
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 the most for the money
It is a great look at Neil Diamond's music and performances and the price was fantastic.
Submitted by a reviewer (So. St. Paul, MN, USA) 
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 24 carat Gold!
A gem for the fans, if not only for the inclusion of more recent concert footage.( why is there so little on DVD?) This collection follows the journey of a man who has very cleverly remained at the top of his game for over 40 years. The live recordings incapsulate the really unique concert experience- something quite different from the honey-dripping tones of a more youthful Diamond, that can be found to grace our vinyl collections. These are almost two different artists and the beauty of this collection is that it enbraces them both. Diamond fans will appreciate that the live experience is something quite different and therefore this package will enable them to relive it all! ALthough I am not overly fond of the inclusion of the Christmas CD, Neil Diamond redeems himself with his sublime offerings of 'Holly Holy', 'I am I said' and the previously unreleased 'Rocket man' and 'Lay lady Lay'. What this collection offers, perhaps above any other, is a raw connection with his audience. For concert fans, the DVD is 24 carat gold, but above all this package shows the immense talent of this man and which will leave you wanting more. Long live the mighty Diamond!
Submitted by Reviewer, (England)
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