DIAMOND SHOWS WHY HE'S THE REAL NEIL DEAL.

Byline: Fred Shuster Music Critic 

A solitary man?

Not Neil Diamond, who drew thousands down ash-choked freeways to Staples Center, where the performer reeled off five decades of hits in a refreshing two-hour show that was thankfully short of show-biz smoke and mirrors.

Unlike most of the superstar acts who've packed the downtown sports arena in the past year, Diamond relied on hard work rather than a hidden hard drive. Backed by a sturdy 14-member band, the affable singer-songwriter performed in an unexpectedly personal fashion on a simple, wide-open stage that hid nothing. Thursday's first-night concert was entirely carried by one of the most recognizable voices and prolific back catalogs in pop history.

Those lucky enough to catch one of Diamond's four Staples shows - continuing tonight and Sunday - will hear hit after familiar hit: ``Sweet Caroline,'' ``Cracklin' Rosie,'' ``I Am ... I Said,'' ``Desiree,'' ``Cherry, Cherry'' and ``Love on the Rocks,'' among many others.

The enjoyable set covers material penned during Diamond's years in the Brill Building pop factory, through his fringed-jacket-and-sideburns period, ``The Jazz Singer'' and beyond. Two Diamond classics made famous by others, the Monkees' ``I'm a Believer'' and UB40's ``Red, Red Wine,'' had 'em dancing at their seats.

The man who launched a million karaoke moments and at least a dozen tribute bands - some of whom are actually making a living - has a long-standing reputation for dramatic show-biz gestures. But Thursday, sporting black slacks, a black shirt dotted with muted rhinestones and Cuban-heeled boots, the 64-year-old Diamond simply sang his songs from a single spot, occasionally extending an arm toward the audience and making a point of acknowledging those seated behind the stage.

The audience, which reflected a surprisingly wide age range, from 20s to 60s, was enraptured. One 34-year-old fan, Donny McGuire of West Los Angeles, knew the words to nearly every song. ``Neil's voice and stage presence is just phenomenal. He's a commanding, powerful performer,'' a plainly thrilled McGuire said after the concert.

We have just two minor quibbles: It would've been great to hear Diamond sing his own ``Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon,'' which was covered so effectively by Urge Overkill on the ``Pulp Fiction'' soundtrack. And we longed to hear a sample from the forthcoming stripped-down Diamond disc, ``12 Songs,'' produced by Rick Rubin and due Nov. 8.

Diamond sparkled in other ways, too. Unlike other superstar acts that now charge up to $450 for a top ticket (say hello to the Rolling Stones, folks), Diamond kept his price to a $95 max. Long may he reign.

Fred Shuster, [phone]

fred.shuster(at)dailynews.com

NEIL DIAMOND - Three and one half stars

Where: Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles.

When: 8 tonight and Sunday.

Tickets: $55 and $95. [phone]; ticketmaster.com.

In a nutshell: The always-dependable entertainer brings his sweet, rough voice and good-natured delivery downtown for a highly entertaining, hits-packed show.

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Photo:

Simplicity is key, and a barrage of familiar hits doesn't hurt, either, as Neil Diamond captivates the Staples Center crowd on the first night of what will be a four-night stand.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer