Defending Neil Diamond

While I understand that a critic’s job is to criticize, I have to wonder if Mike Boehm has any understanding of Neil Diamond’s appeal (“Diamond’s Shining Moments,” Aug. 22).

Yes, I really like the “melodic pop songs with a firm, earthy rootedness in folk, R&B; and rock ‘n’ roll.” I also love the “bloated, histrionic ballads.” I don’t find Diamond’s voice to be grating at all; in fact he has a wonderful baritone that has only gotten richer over the years.

Why shouldn’t Diamond play music (the “inflated ballads”) that are crowd-pleasers? Isn’t that what performing is all about?

I also felt that the band solos were a great way to have an intermission for the main performer without taking a true intermission, which really would have been disruptive to the mood of the concert.

“America” is a song of hope and dreams. Should these be abandoned because of troubled times? Or can we celebrate our hopes and dreams, and work to make them come true for all people?

I guess enjoying music that makes me feel good about myself and others around me (i.e., schmaltzy) is hopelessly outdated. All I can say is thank you, Neil Diamond, for a great time, and please don’t change who you are!

CAROL JAKL

Irvine