Diamond credits tone-deaf girlfriend for Maines duet
12 August 2008
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Neil Diamond has his girlfriend to thank for his hit duet with Natalie Maines; because her inadvertently taped background singing inspired the hitmaker to call on the Dixie Chick.Diamond insists he never considered Another Day as a duet until he heard his Australian girlfriend Rae Farley singing with him on a playback demo tape.He explains, "It really wasn't until I was working with a little cassette player and my girlfriend was singing along with me, while I was writing it, that it struck me as a duet."At first I didn't appreciate her singing along, but she was in the background there. When I listened back to it, I thought, 'Yes, this absolutely should have a girl singing there.' It sounded great, despite the fact that Rae can't sing a lick."When I finished the song, I spoke to (producer) Rick Rubin about it and he immediately suggested Natalie Maines. He said she was a great singer, so we sent the record over to Natalie."We both went into the studio and we both sang the song. I really enjoyed the company out there, and she is a wonderful singer. She had a great attitude and it was fun."
Comments
by dojo 12 August 2008
I've been a huge Neil Diamond fan most of my life. Haven't heard this but I can well imagine Neil and Natalie as an excellent pairing on a duet.
Neil, pay attention to Rae. She's knows what works.