Neil Diamond's autobiographical, introspective "Shilo" wasn't released as a single until 1970, but had been recorded 3 years earlier.
The reason for the long layover? Diamond, at the time contracted to Bang Records, had a dispute with company management over the song, as the record company preferred teeny-bopper pop from Diamond, who left for Uni Records (later MCA) the next year. Out of spite, Bang released "Shilo", with a new backing track to match the work that Diamond had been doing for Uni, in 1970. It's become a concert staple, though, ever since, after Diamond re-recorded it for 1972's "Hot August Night".
Diamond spins the tale of his own imaginary childhood pal. One of his endearing qualities is his ability to connect with his audience. I think it's safe to say Bang went belly-up after this.
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