12 Songs by Neil Diamond (CD, Nov-2005, Columbia USA)

Many Neil Diamond fans across the globe have heard that all of the early 60's photos of Neil under the Brooklyn Bridge and more were taken by his first cousin Len Rapoport. I am proud to say that I am "Cousin Len"

You can view some of my early shots of Neil at an old web site that really is not active anymore, but I have left it up since so many ND sites point to it at: http://www.mtigrp.com/ndfotos/

But enough about me...

For years we all attended every concert and performance Neil made here in the New York area. It was always fun seeing Neil perform, but also served as a great family gathering. Neil was always so gracious and generous seeing us after a two and a half hour performance and treating us to cold drinks and goodies and of course all the programs, tee shirts and other goodies they had been offering their concert fans.

But for over 40 years we went to the concerts to see our cousin. We went to let him know how much we loved him and were there in the audience to cheer for him and sing his songs...these concerts became an annual family tradition.

Over the years, we got used to his style and work and always went back to singing his classics...that was until 12 Songs came along. I need not bore you with all the facts that are already so well known by all his fans. I just had to let you know that I have become a huge Neil Diamond fan all over again...and he is my cousin.

I didn't expect to hear anything like the songs I heard on this great new album. Some of my favorites include, "We", I'm On To You", "Save Me A Saturday Night", "What's It Gonna Be", "Man Of God", "Face Me", and "Delirious Love". For the first time in years, I could again learn the words of the songs and hum the tunes. These new songs now stay in my head for days and weeks. I play them constantly when in the car or on my computer.

Hearing the new songs on this album we knew that People Magazine, Billboard and all the others who rated his latest work, were right on, with their reviews.

We had been invited to see Neil in Atlantic City on Dec. 3rd and when he sang "We" and "I'm On To You" we were in heaven. At our age it is hard to remember where our car keys are and now we knew all the words to his new songs and we loved it.

I can tell you that my cousin still knows how to hit home runs and the next day when we had a chance to spend some family time, we told him how much we loved the new album and he admitted it was the hardest project he had worked on in years. I told him I especially liked the arrangements and the instrumentals and he told me this is what the Producer does (Richard Rubin). He said the producer of a record is like a director is in the film industry. I now understand why this project was so hard and took so long...it is one of Neil's best works....ever.

All Neil Diamond fans or those that want to really enjoy one of the best albums being offered this holiday (with words they can understand and sing) should pick up a few copies of Neil Diamond's 12 Songs...you won't be sorry you did.