Editor:

I was so happy to see a full-page article in the Wildcat about Neil Diamond ("A 'forgotten gem' in the annals of rock history," Feb. 22). Mark Reynolds' article was funny, but I think he has missed some of the essence of Neil. While Reynolds may like to l isten to Neil, I didn't get the impression that he actually could feel Neil in his soul.

For those of us who really love Neil, he is one of the most powerful singers/songwriters in the world. A true Neil fan would not compare Neil to Tony Bennett or peg him as "a potential Aqua Net" sponsor.

Neil Diamond has preserved his place in music history with his energetic and truthful songs. Neil puts so much of himself into his music, and the beauty of it is, it doesn't just happen on his albums. In concert, Neil transcends his superstar status and s ings to each individual. He has fun with his music and performs each song as if it were his first time. From the first chords on his guitar, he has the entire crowd on its feet. And the crowd isn't just made up of old people, either. Given, there are a lo t of older people in attendance, but on the floor is a rowdier crowd than anything I've seen at Lollapalooza, except maybe a little less wrecked. Neil makes you happy you came. He smiles and jokes with the crowd € and then, before you know it, you're danc ing on your chair singing "Cracklin' Rosie." Neil is an artist, but unlike Michael Stipe, he doesn't feel he needs to express his energy by flicking off the crowd. He puts it in his music and we true Neil fans can feel that.

I was a little hurt with Neil's new ventures into country music, but let's not forget what he has accomplished so far. Reynolds pointed out many of his great songs on his 12 Greatest Hits, and let me remind you of his two-disc album, Glory Road. But I can forgive Neil for his misdirection into country music this past Saturday (Feb. 24) on "Neil Diamond ... Under a Tennessee Moon." Other musicians have been enticed by money to do stupid things. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant got back together and murdered a f ew of their incredible songs from Led, and we don't like Led any less. Sure, every singer makes mistakes. For me, I'll just sit back with my Neil CDs, which you can't get at a thrift store, and melt in the energy. Mr. Reynolds, I think you might want to g o back and listen to Neil again. Neil is not a joke; he is for real. People have a hard time admitting how much they like Neil and these type of sarcastic articles don't help. Your article was well intentioned, but let's be brave and tell the world how g reat Neil is. If someone doesn't understand, I feel sorry for them. Neil - experience him.

Jeff Pierce
biology senior