Although he's best known for his '70s work with Neil Young (on After the Gold Rush and Tonight's the Night) and as a member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band (starting way back in 1984), guitarist-pianist-singer-songwriter Nils Lofgren has also had a lengthy solo career, which is nicely showcased in this two-disc, multi-concert package featuring 44 songs. Of the three performances captured here—all recorded for Germany's Rockpalast TV series—the most recent, circa 1991, is by far the best, highlighting Lofgren's deft guitar playing (his finger-picking style recalls Mark Knopfler, but Lofgren's sound is largely his own), as well as a clutch of good songs (his compatibility with the Boss is obvious on “Moon Tears” and others, but the excellent “Cry Tough” is also one of Lofgren's oldest), and a rockin' band. The shows from 1976 and '79, on the other hand, are somewhat disappointing—especially the former, which is painfully dated in both sound (tinny audio, endless guitar noodling, and unwelcome echoes of the nondescript “corporate rock” peddled by REO Speedwagon and their ilk) and looks (big hair, spandex outfits). The truth is that Lofgren is a skilled musician who's perhaps more suited to the role of sideman than frontman. But while the second disc here might be put to better use as a coaster, the 1991 concert makes this well worth picking up. Presented in DTS 5.1 and Dolby Digital stereo, this is recommended. (S. Graham)
Nils Lofgren: Cry Tough
(2010) 2 discs. 252 min. DVD: $19.99. Eagle Vision (avail. from most distributors). Volume 26, Issue 3
Nils Lofgren: Cry Tough
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