Search - Nils Lofgren :: Nils Lofgren

Nils Lofgren's Best Solo Album

The Footpath Cowboy | Kingston, NY United States | 02/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nils Lofgren's self-titled debut album is also his best solo release ever. The songs basically run the gamut from pop numbers about love lost and recovered and celebratory anthems to more cautionary attacks on the music business, the latter of which is used as a metaphor for any kind of self-indulgence. Overall, this CD is both celebratory AND cautionary, serving as a reminder that I need to avoid getting into situations that I can't control in order to look good for any number of pretty actresses. The mix of celebration and cautiousness is a clear reflection of both the Italian and Swedish sides of Lofgren's heritage, the latter of which offers evidence that the Vikings preceded Columbus to the New World. Lofgren often got as good as this later (as on "No Mercy", from 1979's excellent NILS), but he never bettered this album."

The first (and best) solo outing by Nils

Siriam | London United Kingdom | 08/31/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember this coming out on vinyl and playing it to death and then seeing the man live on UK TV (Old Grey Whistle Test) and live on tour. It made one realise that his role in Grin and the support back up role for Neil Young especially on "After the Goldrush" had simply been preparation for a true "rock'n' roll crook" stepping out (as reflected in a song of the same name on this recording).



Congratulations to Hip-O in bringing it out in a pristine sounding CD. Not a bum track but sadly no extras (despite Nils doing many radio and TV recordings in promoting this release, as shown on the separate Hip-O CD recent "Back it up" issue). It all serves to underline that while Nils was clearly ready for his solo stepping out, he was well served in the event by the sure hand of David Briggs (of Neil Young and Spirit production credits) as co-producer and the impeccable support of Wornell Jones on bass and what seemed at the time a strange choice given his Mayall and Zappa conenctions of Aynsley Dunbar (before he sadly succumbed later to MS) but instead showed what an ace session rock drummer he was.



For me Nils has never bettered this release for its overall consistency, live sounding punch and what he does best of delivering great rock'n'roll songs whether ballads (Goffin & King's "Goin' Back") or rockers (the best example being the very topical at the time of release "Keith don't go", about the Stone's drug prosecution difficulties in Canada).



Cannot recommend too highly and hopefully I will not wear my CD out as quickly as I did my original LP!"