As Neil Diamond’s songwriting evolved, he wanted to move away from preppy pop hits to more personal work. His manager, who was doing well financially from the previous iteration, had some reservations about his song about an imaginary friend “Shilo.” Proto-emo introspection was not what the kids wanted, he thought, and would not release the track. Until, of course, it became a fan favorite, a category in which it remains to this day.
In her new cover for the show Good American Family, Weyes Blood has a similar certainty about the route forward to Diamond, intuitively feeling what her fans need from her alter ego. Here, she creates a lush atmosphere for her vocals. The atmosphere and tone are, in many ways, less angry that the original. Diamond is disappointed, but also angry, that his father cannot make the time to spend with him. What is he doing that is more important than spending quality time with his son? Natalie Mering’s voice does not crack like Diamond’s, as she does not feel the same rage. The diction is as clear as the message. If those around her do not appreciate her, she appreciates herself, and her imaginary friend validates her rather than being a poor substitute for parental love. Most people would not choose to be strangers to their parents, but some cope better than others.
