Nils Lofgren – Cry Tough (Rockpalast/Eagle Vision DVD Set)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C- Concerts: B-
Though he
has worked famously with Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen, Nils Lofgren has had
plenty of success as a solo artist and after his band Grin broke up, cut
several solo albums and that included several tours to support them. These include TV appearances and Lofgren has
a history of appearing on the German TV show Rockpalast. Eagle Vision has collected three of these
appearances on a new DVD set called Nils
Lofgren – Cry Tough.
The
singer/guitarist made at least three appearances on the show and they are here,
with his 1991 show taking up the entire first DVD. This longest of the three shows has 20 songs
and shows him in veteran mode after his first years after a part of the E
Street Band, but his music is different than what he did with Springsteen or
Young. DVD Two has an even better,
shorter show from 1976 (9 songs) and about as good 1979 show (15 songs) that
show his work in a better light that has more of the energy of his solo albums
at least up to Flip (1985).
I am not
his biggest fan, yet when I watch him, he gives good performances and though I
never remember any of the songs, it is always interesting to hear them and watch
him in action in this case. There is no
doubt of his talent and has never had even one big hit, but his brand of
Rock/Pop (et al) is consistent and he has talent. These days, that is a fine alternative as
compared to what record labels are passing off as music these days, so this is
a set worth your time and is on par with his Springsteen work.
The 1.33
X 1 image on each concert is from analog PAL video and even when it is soft and
has other flaws (haloing, tape flaws, etc.) has fine color and is as well
transferred as expected. The DTS 5.1
mixes on all three concerts boost the sound as much as possible, sounding
better than the Dolby Digital 5.1 and 2.0 mixes also available. A paper pullout inside the DVD case is the
only extra.
-
Nicholas Sheffo
