2008 digitally remastered reissue of Diamond's overlooked album, originally released four decades ago. Velvet Gloves And Spit, recorded in New York before Diamond had perfected the signature sound of his subsequent hits, was his first for new label Uni and appeared in 1968 to little acclaim. However, following the single success of 'Shilo' in 1970, the song was tacked onto the album and it was reissued in a new sleeve. Stylistically, the album covers the whole spectrum of contemporary sounds from romantic ballads to tongue-in-cheek social commentary to brash Pop gems not unlike his mid-'60s Brill Building output. Rev-Ola.
This is one of Neil Diamond's earliest albums. Never did understand what the title was all about. It's an interesting album because you don't find most of these songs on other Neil Diamond albums. Brooklyn Roads is a nostalgic piece about childhood that I have always loved and I think one of his best songs. The Pot Smoker's Song is rather dated and a bit odd with interviews interspersed throughout. I think this album shows just what a good singer Diamond was even at the start of his career, which has s..
This is really a great solid effort by Neil Diamond. I think some of your reviewers have kind of bad taste. This is the only album that you will find "The Pot Smoker's Song", as far as I know. It's a hoot, and should be in every one's collection. The songs "Two-Bit Man Child", "Brooklyn Roads", and the great "Shiloh" can't be beat. This is a outrageously underated album, and everyone should have this great cd in their Neil Diamond collection!!!
