If you've always wanted to see Neil Diamond but haven't done it yet, go now.

The 67-year-old New York native launched his latest North American tour Saturday night at the Xcel Energy Center with the first of two local performances. A palpable sense of finality crept into the proceedings that, at least to me, suggested this could be his last tour.

Forgive me if I sound melodramatic — Neil Diamond concerts can do that to a guy — but something seemed off during Saturday's performance. Unabashed and amplified emotion is a key to Diamond's long-standing success, but this time around, he seemed much more committed to emphasizing his darker, introspective side. Perhaps the solemn tone of his latest album, "Home Before Dark," translated a little too literally to the stage — he played several tracks from it, including the single "Pretty Amazing Grace" — or maybe he was just feeling a bit under the weather.

Even Diamond himself acknowledged the stark tone, announcing to the sold-out crowd after the first few numbers: "Enough anguish, enough torment — it's time to dance." Which served as a perfect introduction to a rousing, extended take on "Cherry, Cherry." After that, there was more time to dance and even more time to brood.

Hardcore followers surely appreciated the lesser-known cuts from his catalog, like the 1976 b-side "Street Life" and the 1968 single "Brooklyn Roads." A clip reel of vintage Diamond family footage accompanied the

latter track, enhancing the lyrics' nostalgic bent but also playing out a bit like something you'd see screened at a retirement party.

Of course, the monster hits drew a monster reaction, including "Sweet Caroline," "America" and "Forever in Blue Jeans." Much like his 2005 stop at the Target Center, his voice sounded most strained on "Blue Jeans." Unsurprisingly, he gave the fresh material, like the title cut of his new album, his most obvious attention in the vocals department, with his ever-deepening rumble perfectly suiting the mood.

But what was most striking about the concert, which clocked in at less than two hours, was what Diamond didn't do — namely, his traditional encore of "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show." That was even after he specifically said last week during conference calls with reporters that he always does the song.

Diamond plays his second show at the Xcel Energy Center tonight, and some seats are still available through Ticketmaster.

Catch this guy while you still can.