Rough Diamond

Playing the title character in What About Bob?, Bill Murray explains to his psychiatrist, "There are two types of people in this world: Those who like Neil Diamond, and those who don't...My ex-wife loves him." Though blaming his ex-wife's love of Mr. Diamond for the failure of their marriage sounds a little crazy, Bob's point is right. It's a deal breaker...I can't imagine being with someone who doesn't get Neil. My favorite Diamond records are the live albums Gold: Recorded Live at the Troubadour and Hot August Night. Singing through his songs sounding like a wino on a street corner, Diamond slurs, stammers and forgets his own lyrics--it's amazing. In 2008, with the success of Diamond's Home Before Dark, he became the oldest performer ever to have a No. 1 record. Those live albums were recorded a long time ago; he's gotten even better with age. Catch him at American Airlines Center Thursday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55 to $120. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 214-373-8000 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Thu., Oct. 16, 2008