Nils Lofgren "Nils"

Today’s Cool Album of the Day (#128 in the Series) is Nils Lofgren, Nils.

Nils is the sixth solo album by guitarist Nils Logren, and and the fourth studio release.

Nils came to prominence as a member of Crazy Horse and before that, Grin.

He’s been a member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street band for over 25 years.

Nils was my favorite for a number of reasons but mainly for No Mercy. No Mercy is a boxing song written from the viewpoint of the victorious boxer as he feels sorrow for his soon to be defeated opponent.  It’s quite the unique song.

But there indeed many great pieces of music here.  Others include I’ll Cry Tomorrow, and a great ballad in Shine Silently. Randy Newman’s Baltimore is another gem.

Nils was produced by Bob Ezrin. It was released in 1979. It peaked at #54 on the Billboard Top 200 Charts.

Short and Sweet today.  It gives you more time to go listen to music!

Here’s a live, 1991 version of  No Mercy.

Track listing

All tracks composed by Nils Lofgren; except where indicated

1. “No Mercy” – 4:06
2. “I’ll Cry Tomorrow” (Dick Wagner, Lou Reed) – 4:28
3. “Baltimore” (Randy Newman) – 6:43
4. “Shine Silently” (Lofgren, Dick Wagner) – 3:48
5. “Steal Away” – 4:08
6. “Kool Skool” – 3:17
7. “A Fool Like Me” (Lofgren, Lou Reed) – 3:11
8. “I Found Her” (Lofgren, Lou Reed) – 3:36
9. “You’re So Easy” (Lofgren, Bob Ezrin, Dick Wagner) – 5:54

Personnel

• Bob Babbitt – bass
• Stu Daye – guitar, vocals
• Bob Ezrin – percussion, keyboards, vocals, vibraphone
• Jody Linscott – percussion, conga
• Nils Lofgren – guitar, accordion, keyboards, vocals
• Tom Lofgren – guitar, vocals
• Doug Riley – organ on “Baltimore”
• David Sanborn – saxophone on “A Fool Like Me”
• Allen Schwarzberg – drums