Reachin’ out, touchin’ me, touchin’ you

“Love on the rocks

Ain’t no surprise

Just pour me a drink

And I’ll tell you some lies”

– “Love on the Rocks,”

Neil Diamond

Oh, the sweet, sweet sounds of Neil Diamond. “Cracklin Rosie.” “Sweet Caroline.” “I Am … I Said.” All classics. And that soulful stare, that unruly hair … those eyebrows.

Though Diamond started his career almost 40 years ago, his music and likeness are still fresh in the minds of youngsters today thanks to karaoke bars, “Saturday Night Live” spoofs and super-dedicated cover band Super Diamond.

For the past ten years, San Francisco-based Super Diamond has been turning out faithful renditions of the big man’s music. For those who want a taste of this high-energy tribute, Super Diamond will play at the Crystal Ballroom this Saturday.

Led by frontman Surreal Neil – whose voice uncannily sounds as gravelly-smooth as Diamond’s – the six-piece band tours the country, playing to a loyal legion of fans. In fact, they consistently perform sell-out shows at places such as the House of Blues and Portland’s own Crystal. They have appeared on VH1, CNN and “The Today Show.” Diamond himself actually performed on stage with them in 2000, so they must be good.

Members of the Super Diamond Community (“Where Super Diamond Fans Connect!) offer the band much praise. For example: “Super Diamond KICKS ASS!!,” “You guys rule the universe,” and “We have stopped eating in order to afford our social calendar. Please, Super Diamond, come back to L.A., we’re starving!”

If this isn’t proof enough of Super Diamond’s superior Neil Diamond-channeling abilities, check out their Web site, www.superdiamond.com. It is a dazzling m퀌�lange of photos, sound clips and biographical information. It also features a page dedicated to the Sparkly One himself.

And if you’re still not convinced … C’mon, the cheese factor alone should leave you with fodder for conversations for months to come. Plus, you’ll have something to talk to your parents about at Thanksgiving.

Go. See. Bond.

Super Diamond

Saturday, Nov. 8

Crystal Ballroom

1332 W. Burnside

Doors, 9 p.m.; show, 10 p.m.

Tickets: $16 adv., $18 day of show

21+

superdiamond.com