Neil Young gave Nils Lofgren his first big break when he pegged the young upstart to play guitar and piano (plus sing) on Young's 1970 classic, After the Gold Rush. Within a year, Lofgren was a member of Crazy Horse. Of course, he later went on to play guitar for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, but Lofgren still fondly remembers those early days — which is made abundantly clear on The Loner, a sparse album that plays like a paean to an old friend rather than an album of covers. Using the Martin D-18 acoustic guitar that Neil gave Nils after the Gold Rush sessions — the same guitar Lofgren played on the album — and a Hardman 5-foot baby grand piano that belonged to his wife's father, Lofgren recorded these 15 songs at his home.
Lofgren possesses the perfect voice, at once fragile and commanding, to interpret Young's songs. And his performances of "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" and "Harvest Moon" (both from After the Gold Rush) will make the hair on your neck stand up — just as it does when Young sings them. Lofgren reveals a little more of his rock 'n' roll personality on "Mr. Soul," but The Loner, as its title suggests, is best played by candlelight, when you're alone and emotionally vulnerable.
Track Listing:
1) Birds
2) Long May You Run
3) Flying on the Ground
4) I Am A Child
5) Only Love Can Break Your Heart
6) Harvest Moon
7) Like A Hurricane
8) TheLoner
9) Don't Be Denied
10) World On A String
11) Mr. Soul
12) Winterlong
13) On the Way Home
14) Wonderin'
15) Don't Cry No Tears
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