Mix Tape of the Day: January 24, 2015 - Diamond Day

It's time for some Neil Diamond.  This one's for all our parents.

1. Cherry, Cherry - Neil Diamond (1966) Diamond got his career started as a songwriter, penning hits for other bands.  Finally, in 1966, he got his chance to perform on his own album and along with it came his first big hit.  This song's structure would later be imitated by other rock groups, proving that Diamond had many musical talents besides lyric writing.

2. I'm a Believer - The Monkees (1966) Did you know that Neil Diamond wrote for the Monkees?  And he penned the Shrek classic "I'm a Believer"?  Well, it was news to me!

3. I Got the Feelin' (Oh No No) - Neil Diamond (1966) Diamond's first album contained a lot of covers, but along with "Cherry, Cherry" and "Solitary Man," Diamond's own work certainly shined through.  In fact, I like this one better than "Solitary Man."

4. Shilo - Neil Diamond (1967) Diamond likes singing happy love songs, but everyone needs a little emo time.  Of course, Diamond's sadness sounds a lot like his happiness.

5. Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond (1969) Here it is.  The big one.  The only Neil Diamond song you'll ever need.

6. Cracklin' Rosie - Neil Diamond (1970) Cherry, Caroline, Rosie...pick a girl, man.  Wait, this one's about wine?  Man, I'm not good at metaphors.  Shoulda included this one on my wine mix, then.  It's pretty fun.

7. I Am... I Said - Neil Diamond (1971) Whoo! Chills!

8. If You Know What I Mean - Neil Diamond (1976) I like when Neil starts his song slow and then makes it really loud and exciting, if you know what I mean.

9. Forever in Blue Jeans - Neil Diamond (1978) Yeah...wearing blue jeans is the best!  Wear them! Forever!

10. America - Neil Diamond (1980) While Diamond continues to make music to this day, this was kind of the end of his Seventies Hey-Day.  But hey, who doesn't love a big ol' song about America?

11. Red Red Wine - UB40 (1983) After leaving it off my wine mix, I decided to bring this one back to the table.  Diamond apparently loves this cover of his song.  It's easy to see why.  That reggae beat really wakes up the song.

12. The Art of Love - Neil Diamond (2014) So, Neil Diamond released a new album a few months ago.  He is still trucking along.  It's definitely got his signature style.  I preferred the simple "Art of Love" the best.

13. Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon - Neil Diamond (1967) Truth be told, I'm not the hugest Neil Diamond fan.  But thanks to its inclusion, I really enjoy "Girl."  It just has a strange melody for a chorus that makes it instantly memorable.  Although it was a cover version in the film, the two sound so similar that I opted to include the original.  If it's Mia Wallace's favorite song, then it must be good!