Not" polished " yet in the commercial sense, this album still tells you a great deal about where the Neil Diamond "magic" comes from. The whole feel of it is of a young songwriter in New York in the sixties. Enjoy it for what it is. Shilo , Brooklyn Roads , are outstanding and revealing, but there are many other great tracks inc. Modern day version of love,Honey-Drippin` times, Sunday sun etc.. This is a raw, rough Diamond , but isn`t that what he got back to so successfuly in his most recent and deservedly praised 12 Songs ? This is an essential album for anyone who enjoys this great singer -songwriter (all his own compositions ).Take the chance, and trust Neil to make it worthwhile!