Lofgren, Nils - The Loner: Nils Sings Neil
List Price:
Our Price: $11.25
You Save: $5.73 (34%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $10.02 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more new music releases
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Music CD Cover
Artist: Lofgren, NilsEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2009-03-24
Music Label: VISION RECORDS
Free Music Notes for The Loner: Nils Sings Neil
Free Music Review: Sometimes A LONER Shines Brightest In His Solitude
Hit: 5 Stars
I have to be honest....I don't own a single Neil Young album! While I've always respected him as an artist, there was just something about his voice that I couldn't get into. That was one of the reasons I held off buying this disc...even as a decades-long Nils Lofgren fan (going all the way back to the A&M days!), I was worried that there might somehow be more Young on the album than Lofgren.
Well, nothing could be further from the truth! Unlike, say, Steve Earle's new TOWNES album, THE LONER does everything a good tribute album is supposed to do...it A) briliantly showcases the artist being celebrated, while B) allowing the artist doing the celebrating to remain true to themselves and "speak" in their own voice. This album honors the power of lyrics more than almost any album in the last 40 years, and Lofgren does it brilliantly by backing himself solely with either only acoustic guitar or piano. This minimalist approach allows Lofgren to soar, resulting in an effort that's just nakedly beautiful and honest.
In honor of that honesty and beauty, I'm going to do something a little different...rather than "review" each song, I'm going to comment on my favorite thing about each cut. Here goes!
I've loved "Birds" ever since I heard Valerie Carter's lovely version. Here, the muted piano and Lofgren's plaintive statement of "It's over" are both heartbreaking and captivating. A great way to kick things off!
"Long May You Run" has an easy-going, folksy vibe to it. Lofgren takes an iconic track and strips it down to it's core, turning it into a universal wish/tribute to and for good times and good luck, no matter which way the roads have forked. Gorgeous!
"Flying On The Ground" is one of my favorite cuts...Lofgren's vocal is just killer, but it's the power of the lyrics here that really got me: "But if crying and holding on/And flying on the ground is wrong/Than I'm sorry to let you down/But you're from my side of town/And I miss you."
There's something about Lofgren's lead vocal on "I Am A Child" that just slays me...sweet, innocent, honest, it just anchors the track in a way that's absolutely breath-taking. And, once again, the lyrics are particularly poignant. Another gem!
Lofgren's piano playing takes center stage on "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"...it transports you to another time and place (picture a pub or saloon around the turn of the 20th century). Toss is an angelic vocal, and you have a real beauty.
There's no denying "Harvest Moon" is an absolute classic, but, once again, Lofgren manages to make it his own while still honoring it. His guitar playing is simple, yet elegant, while his vocal has a relaxed lilt to it. And I LOVE the line "Because I'm still in love with you/I want to see you dance again!"
"Like A Hurricane" is sheer poetry: "Once I thought I saw you/In a crowded, hazy bar/Dancing on the light/From star to star/Far across the moonbeam/I know that's who you are/I saw your brown eyes turning once to fire." Doesn't get much better than that!
The disc's title track has a bit more of an edge to it...Lofgren's vocal has a bit more grit to it, while his playing seems a tad...harder. All of this adds up to a nice balance, with "The Loner" being one of the disc's centerpieces.
"Don't Be Denied" is probably the album's most linear story/song, but it's the cut's early lyrics that are the most powerful: "When we got to Winnipeg/I checked into school/I wore white bucks on my feet/When I learned the Golden Rule/The punches came fast and hard/Laying on my back in the school yard." Powerful stuff.
There's a bluesy, boozy quality to "World On A String." Lofgren's guitar just tumbles out of the speakers, in a way that seems both effortless and other-worldly. He is, without a doubt, one of the most gifted ~ and important ~ guitarists in the history of rock.
"Mr. Soul" has a nice sinister groove to it. The vocals snake in and out, with a touch of a growl to them. They're layered over a sparse arrangement in a way that really complements both. The saying "Less is more" comes to mind here.
Things take a 180 degree turn with "Winterlong", a delicate piano ballad. A heartfelt vocal, lovely piano runs and strong lyrics ("I've waited for you Winterlong/You seem to be where I belong") all come together in an understated, yet dazzling, rush.
"On The Way Home" has a nice, earthy vibe to it. In an almost conversational manner, Lofgren let's the song just spill out. The chords chug along, the words paint a vivid picture: "When the dream came/I held my breath with my eyes closed." Another winner!
"Wonderin'" showcases the many sides and facets of Young's work...you have a spirited, almost jolly, barroom piano arrangement, coupled with darkly somber lyrics ("I been walkin' all night long/My footsteps made me crazy")....and it all works! That's true artistry!
Things end on a strong note with "Don't Cry No Tears." Lofgren delivers a stellar lead vocal, while his finger-picking is sharp, precise and fluid. Once again, the track just flows, sort of like musical mercury. VERY nice!
But that's just par for the course as far as this album goes. Extending SO far beyond my expectations, this is, without a doubt, one of the best albums of the year thus far, as well as one of the best tribute/covers albums EVER. Not only do we get to experience/appreciate the sheer poetry of Neil Young's work, but, with THE LONER, we also get treated to the absolute artistry and talents of Nils Lofgren. And that's a one/two punch that can't be beat!
(As with all my reviews, I am docking the disc half a star for not including the lyrics, a MAJOR misstep here!).
The Loner: Nils Sings Neil Poster
Nils must have formed a strong bond with Neil Young and his songs while touring and recording with him. He cuts straight to the heart of Harvest Moon; Long May You Run; Only Love Can Break Your Heart; Birds; The Loner; Winterlong; Wonderin' , and eight other Young tunes on this stirring 2008 tribute!Pop Music CDs
Music Genres
Top music charts in Pop Music CDs
Yvette Freeman - Dinah Was (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection)Release date: 2005-04-12; Music CD
Best price: $21.07
Price in other shops:
Twin Sisters Productions - Building Character Music CDTWIN SISTERS PRODUCTIONS; Release date: 2007-01-01; Music CD
Best price: $8.99
Price in other shops:
Bernadette Peters in ConcertDVD
Best price: $129.99
Everything Must Go/ Two Against Natureby Steely Dan
Published: 2003; Music CD
Scattered Ashesby Ihsahn / Emperor
Candlelight Records/Emi; Published: 2009-07-28; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $9.75
Price in other shops:
![Christmas at the Biltmore Estate [VHS] Image](/images/Christmas-at-the-Biltmore-Estate-VHS-076700437X-X.jpg){kind=small}
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate [VHS]A&E Home Video; Release date: 1998-09-04; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $13.51
Price in other shops:
The Shadow: Rare Radio Gems (Rare Radio Gems)Release date: 2002-09-01; Published: 2002-09-01; Music CD
Best price: $20.00
Price in other shops:
On the Shoulders of Giants, Vol. 1: An Audio & Musical Journey Through the Harlem Renaissanceby Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Release date: 2011-09-06; Published: 2008; Music CD
Best price: $1.98
Price in other shops:
Francis Durbridge, Paul Temple & The Gilbert Case - Radio ShowRelease date: 2003-05-12; Music CD
Best price: $21.49
Price in other shops:
The Serenaders - My One and Only YouRelease date: 2011-05-28; Music CD
Best price: $8.76
Price in other shops:
Top Rated Albums
Nils Lofgren - I Came to DanceRelease date: 2010-08-24; Music CD
Best price: $9.93
Price in other shops:
MusiCares Tribute to Neil YoungSony; Release date: 2011-05-31; DVD
Best price: $10.53
Price in other shops:
The Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary Edition (3DVD)Release date: 2011-10-24; Published: 2011-11-15; DVD
Best price: $17.77
Price in other shops:
Nils Lofgren - Nils Lofgren Band - LiveRelease date: 2003-03-18; Music CD
Best price: $12.91
Price in other shops:
Neil Young International Harvesters - A Treasure (CD)Release date: 2011-06-14; Music CD
Best price: $8.10
Price in other shops:
Cinnamon Girl: Women Artists Cover Neil Young - Cinnamon Girl: Women Artists Cover Neil YoungRelease date: 2008-02-12; Music CD
Best price: $9.31
Price in other shops:
Live AcousticMusic Video Dist; Release date: 2006-11-21; DVD
Best price: $9.12
Price in other shops:
Nils Lofgren - Ultimate CollectionRelease date: 1999-11-09; Music CD
Best price: $9.66
Price in other shops:
Nils Lofgren - Old SchoolRelease date: 2011-12-06; Music CD
Best price: $9.13
Price in other shops:
Nils Lofgren - Nils Lofgren - Acoustic LiveRelease date: 2006-02-21; Music CD
Best price: $8.31
Price in other shops: