Shilo (song)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Shilo" is a song written and recorded by Neil Diamond.
It was originally recorded in 1967 for Bang Records, but Diamond and Bang founder Bert Berns disagreed over Diamond's career path.[1] The singer wanted to move away from his early teen-oriented pop type of recordings that Berns favored, which led to Berns' refusal to release the more introspective "Shilo" as a single,[2] even though Diamond felt it was part of his development as an artist. "Shilo" was instead relegated to an album track on 1967's Just for You.[2] Shortly after what was said to be a "tense" confrontation with Berns, Diamond departed Bang for Uni Records in 1968.
Diamond went into a commercial slump, without hits. But by January 1970, his career had rebounded with "Sweet Caroline" and "Holly Holy" on Uni/MCA Records. Bang Records finally released "Shilo" as a single, albeit with a new backing track recorded to make it sound fresher and more like Diamond's current style.[2] This reached number 24 on the U.S. pop singles chart in spring 1970.[3]
Following this, Diamond reissued his 1968 debut album with Uni, Velvet Gloves and Spit, in October 1970, to incorporate a completely new recording of "Shilo".[2]
In any case, "Shilo" was not about the American Civil War Battle of Shiloh or the Israeli town Shilo, but was about a childhood imaginary friend:[1]
- Shilo, when I was young —
- I used to call your name
- When no one else would come,
- Shilo, you always came
- And we'd play ...
The song was Diamond's most autobiographical to date, making reference to his lonely childhood amongst turmoil.[1] Diamond's emotional investment in the song contributed to he and Berns coming into intense conflict.[1] Decades later, Rolling Stone would compare the song's stance to the emo style.[4]
Though not one of Diamond's biggest hits, "Shilo" has become one of his best-known songs, and is a staple of his concert appearances. It was included on the Diamond's 1972 Hot August Night live album as well as all of his compilation albums.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Jackson, Laura (2005). Neil Diamond: His Life, His Music, His Passion. ECW Press. ISBN 1550227076. p. 50.
- ^ a b c d William Ruhlmann. Neil Diamond: Biography. All Music Guide. Retrieved on 2008-04-30.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (1983). The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits: 1955 to present. Billboard Publications. ISBN 0-8230-7511-7. p. 88.
- ^ Dan Epstein. "Neil Diamonds' Jewels", Rolling Stone, 2005-11-03. Retrieved on 2008-05-08.
