Conversation with Joey

Another tidbit from Michigania. We are walking back to the cabin when we hear the beginning strains of “Sweet Caroline” wafting up from the beach:

Me: OH yeah!

Joey: What, you like that song???

Me: Of course! What’s not to love about Neil Diamond?

Joey gazes into my face intently, looking for signs that I’m kidding. I’m not. I try to explain that not loving “Sweet Caroline” is like… not loving America. And it’s even more criminal not to love it when it’s played at top volume on a crowded sunny mid-afternoon beach. Yeah, whatever, he says. And then a few minutes later:

Joey: Is Neil Diamond the one with dark greasy hair?

Me: No, that’s Neil Young.

Joey: Oh yeah. I always confuse them.

Me: Their music is sooooooo different.

Joey: Yeah, I know, but both of their last names are words.

Me: Both of their first names are Neil.