Album Info
| Artist: | Neil Diamond |
| Album: | Jonathan Livingston Seagull (Original Motion Picture Sound Track) |
| Gatefold: | Yes |
| Released: | Australia, 1973 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Prologue | 3:19 |
| A2 | Be | 6:28 |
| A3 | Flight Of The Gull | 2:23 |
| A4 | Dear Father | 5:12 |
| A5 | Skybird | 1:12 |
| A6 | Lonely Looking Sky | 3:12 |
| B1 | The Odyssey | (9:28) |
| B1a | Be | 1:06 |
| B1b | Lonely Looking Sky | 2:32 |
| B1c | Dear Father | 5:50 |
| B2 | Anthem | 3:03 |
| B3 | Be | 1:06 |
| B4 | Skybird | 2:18 |
| B5 | Dear Father | 1:14 |
| B6 | Be | 3:26 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
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- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
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- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
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- We almost always ship your vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Released in 1973, "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is the soundtrack album for the film of the same name, composed and performed by Neil Diamond in collaboration with conductor Lee Holdridge. This album represents a departure from Diamond's usual pop and rock style, venturing into more orchestral and conceptual music. It's based on the novella by Richard Bach, and the album is notable for its atmospheric and meditative qualities, blending Diamond's songwriting with lush orchestral arrangements.
The album opens with "Prologue," setting a tone of introspection and grandeur. This instrumental track introduces the sweeping and emotive sound that characterizes much of the album, with Holdridge's orchestration providing a rich and expansive backdrop to Diamond's compositions.
"Be," perhaps the most recognizable track from the album, showcases Diamond's ability to craft a simple yet profound melody. The song, with its reflective lyrics and gentle arrangement, captures the philosophical and uplifting themes of the story.
"Skybird" is another standout track, featuring a more upbeat and rhythmic arrangement. This song contrasts with the more contemplative pieces on the album, demonstrating Diamond's versatility as a songwriter and performer.
Throughout the album, the interplay between Diamond's vocal and songwriting talents and the orchestral arrangements by Holdridge is a highlight. The music is both grandiose and intimate, conveying the story's themes of freedom, self-discovery, and transcendence.
The production of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is polished and cinematic, with a focus on creating an immersive listening experience. The mix balances Diamond's vocals and the orchestral elements effectively, allowing the narrative and emotional qualities of the music to shine through.
Lyrically, the album explores themes aligned with the novella's philosophical and spiritual narrative. Diamond's lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, complementing the story's allegorical nature.
"Jonathan Livingston Seagull" received critical acclaim and commercial success upon its release. The album earned Diamond a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack Album and was praised for its artistic ambition and beautiful compositions. It represented a significant artistic achievement in Diamond's career and demonstrated his capabilities beyond the realm of pop music.
However, listeners who prefer Diamond's more traditional pop and rock songs might find the soundtrack's orchestral and conceptual nature less appealing. The album's focus on instrumental and narrative-driven pieces might not resonate with those looking for more conventional song structures.
In conclusion, "Neil Diamond - Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is a profound and beautifully crafted soundtrack that showcases Neil Diamond's talents as a composer and storyteller. The album stands as a testament to his artistic range and his ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and thematically rich. It remains an important and distinctive work in Diamond's discography and in the genre of film soundtracks.
