Album Spotlight – Nils Lofgren “Acoustic Live”
treitz3
Posts: 19,027
SKU number 69910-41295 (For reference). This is a regular, run of the mill Redbook CD. Nothing audiophile and nothing special. Just a regular old CD.
With that said, I know that many audiophiles abhor this album. Especially those who have traveled many hundreds of miles to listen to the same ol’, same ol’. Audio shows play this seemingly ALL the time, especially the song “Keith Don’t Go”. Trust me. I understand. I got tired of that song as well. Audio show after audio show, I would walk out of a room if that song were playing. It was simply too much of a repeat and quite honestly, a “simple” song for a Hi-Fi system to reproduce. No low bass or ultra low bass. Just simple for even a bookie to reproduce... until you progress in your system but that's another story.
Tonight, after many hours of gardening yesterday, my body needed a break. So, what better way to relax, than to head to the listening room and relax whilst listening to some great tunes. I started with “Y” and headed toward “A” in reverse alphabetical order. The Yellowjackets were up first and I made it all the way (with selective albums/songs) to “N”.
That is when I landed on Nils Lofgren’s album, “Acoustic Live”.
So now, my observations. This is typed as it normally is. Not professionally but just relaying to you what I jot down as I am listening. It may be completely out of order, but it is what it is.
First off, it IS an excellent recording. Throughout most of the album. There are a couple of spots in the first few tracks that get a little bit hot with the guitar for a short stint but as the rest of the album goes on, it settles down to what an audiophile or musical enthusiast would love.
This was the first time listening to this album in what I would presume would be 2 years? I do not exactly know how long but it has been quite some time. All I know is that I wanted to listen to song #2, “Sticks and Stones” again... but truth be told, I also dig “Believe” and “Black Books” and wanted to listen to those as well.
This album was first introduced to me by the now rare posting George Daniels. I hope I am giving the right credit here, as it has been well over a decade since I first heard it. Please forgive me if it was you who introduced it to me.
As one is listening, at least on my system, you will be in first or second row with the stage about 2’-3’ above the ear. The venue sounds somewhat small, like it has around 200 or so people. You can definitely tell it is a smaller venue and not something like an outdoor concert with thousands of folks enjoying the performance.
As for the performers? The album states absolutely nothing concerning any information, so I will provide to you what I actually hear on the album itself via my system. There is definitely more than just Nils playing on a guitar. It sounds like there are two, possibly 3 guitars playing at some certain points during the album…though not all the time. Just during certain selections/songs.
One other guitarist chimes in from time to time behind and to the right and if that same guitarist moves during the performance, he/she goes to the opposite side of the stage, although I would swear that I heard 3 guitars during one or two songs.
There are also what sounds to be 2 or 3 background singers that chime in from time to time, albeit rarely.
I am not convinced that this performance is entirely acoustic. There is a piano off to the slight back left (acoustic) but also a well-balanced synthesizer or equivalent instrument that I cannot quite place on the sound stage. Both come and go throughout the album.
When Nils goes solo. You can (or should) easily “see” where he is strumming the guitar versus where he is plucking. Slides and so-called drumbeats via the guitar are also heard and I will get into that later. Nils’ voice and guitar has enough clarity and dynamics throughout to please even the most discriminating of audiophiles. Plenty of texture and definition, clearly separated.
One word of note – Especially in today’s world… listen to the words of “Blue Skies”. The world could use more of that right now. You’ll get it when you listen, and you can thank me later.
I love how on the song, “Black books” a second guitar plays the “Drumbeat” to the right and back a little bit. Things like that I live for in musical reproduction… Using things that are abnormal for “normal” things. Speaking of using guitars as a drumbeat? It seems as if on the song, “Mud In Your Eye”, there are 3 guitars playing said drumbeat. Even though this may have been done a couple of times throughout the album, this was clearly my favorite of them all. Just… too cool.
To sum things up? The song, “Tears on Ice” would have been my choice for audiophile what-nots at audiophile events. Not only for the sound (even though both are VERY easy for a Hi-Fi rig to reproduce IMO), the acoustical information, macro and micro dynamics, live aspects and presence with “Tears on Ice” would have been a much better choice… and much shorter of a song as well. Perhaps, not as much fatigue in the audiophile world.
Tom
With that said, I know that many audiophiles abhor this album. Especially those who have traveled many hundreds of miles to listen to the same ol’, same ol’. Audio shows play this seemingly ALL the time, especially the song “Keith Don’t Go”. Trust me. I understand. I got tired of that song as well. Audio show after audio show, I would walk out of a room if that song were playing. It was simply too much of a repeat and quite honestly, a “simple” song for a Hi-Fi system to reproduce. No low bass or ultra low bass. Just simple for even a bookie to reproduce... until you progress in your system but that's another story.
Tonight, after many hours of gardening yesterday, my body needed a break. So, what better way to relax, than to head to the listening room and relax whilst listening to some great tunes. I started with “Y” and headed toward “A” in reverse alphabetical order. The Yellowjackets were up first and I made it all the way (with selective albums/songs) to “N”.
That is when I landed on Nils Lofgren’s album, “Acoustic Live”.
So now, my observations. This is typed as it normally is. Not professionally but just relaying to you what I jot down as I am listening. It may be completely out of order, but it is what it is.
First off, it IS an excellent recording. Throughout most of the album. There are a couple of spots in the first few tracks that get a little bit hot with the guitar for a short stint but as the rest of the album goes on, it settles down to what an audiophile or musical enthusiast would love.
This was the first time listening to this album in what I would presume would be 2 years? I do not exactly know how long but it has been quite some time. All I know is that I wanted to listen to song #2, “Sticks and Stones” again... but truth be told, I also dig “Believe” and “Black Books” and wanted to listen to those as well.
This album was first introduced to me by the now rare posting George Daniels. I hope I am giving the right credit here, as it has been well over a decade since I first heard it. Please forgive me if it was you who introduced it to me.
As one is listening, at least on my system, you will be in first or second row with the stage about 2’-3’ above the ear. The venue sounds somewhat small, like it has around 200 or so people. You can definitely tell it is a smaller venue and not something like an outdoor concert with thousands of folks enjoying the performance.
As for the performers? The album states absolutely nothing concerning any information, so I will provide to you what I actually hear on the album itself via my system. There is definitely more than just Nils playing on a guitar. It sounds like there are two, possibly 3 guitars playing at some certain points during the album…though not all the time. Just during certain selections/songs.
One other guitarist chimes in from time to time behind and to the right and if that same guitarist moves during the performance, he/she goes to the opposite side of the stage, although I would swear that I heard 3 guitars during one or two songs.
There are also what sounds to be 2 or 3 background singers that chime in from time to time, albeit rarely.
I am not convinced that this performance is entirely acoustic. There is a piano off to the slight back left (acoustic) but also a well-balanced synthesizer or equivalent instrument that I cannot quite place on the sound stage. Both come and go throughout the album.
When Nils goes solo. You can (or should) easily “see” where he is strumming the guitar versus where he is plucking. Slides and so-called drumbeats via the guitar are also heard and I will get into that later. Nils’ voice and guitar has enough clarity and dynamics throughout to please even the most discriminating of audiophiles. Plenty of texture and definition, clearly separated.
One word of note – Especially in today’s world… listen to the words of “Blue Skies”. The world could use more of that right now. You’ll get it when you listen, and you can thank me later.
I love how on the song, “Black books” a second guitar plays the “Drumbeat” to the right and back a little bit. Things like that I live for in musical reproduction… Using things that are abnormal for “normal” things. Speaking of using guitars as a drumbeat? It seems as if on the song, “Mud In Your Eye”, there are 3 guitars playing said drumbeat. Even though this may have been done a couple of times throughout the album, this was clearly my favorite of them all. Just… too cool.
To sum things up? The song, “Tears on Ice” would have been my choice for audiophile what-nots at audiophile events. Not only for the sound (even though both are VERY easy for a Hi-Fi rig to reproduce IMO), the acoustical information, macro and micro dynamics, live aspects and presence with “Tears on Ice” would have been a much better choice… and much shorter of a song as well. Perhaps, not as much fatigue in the audiophile world.
Tom
~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
Comments
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I dont see this one offered on Tidal, so I might just start searching for this CD listen to a lot of Nils, but I have never heard this one thanks for the heads up.Home Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
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Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin
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Nils was big in DC and Baltimore back in my formative years.
His big (ish) hit of those days, when he had a band called Grin. I lovesme this one
https://youtu.be/nfmtIGZtAD8
I'd reckon the titular album of this thread'd be pretty good.
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Since it was not on Tidal, I found a new CD on E-Bay and ordered it. I read a review that the red book CD sounds as good as the SACD and that buying the SACD isn't necessary should arrive next week.Home Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+
Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin -
While I have not heard the SACD? I was wondering myself today whilst listening what more an SACD could offer? My gut and experience told me "not a damned thing".
FWIW. Enjoy when it gets in. This is some really good music IMO.
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
bought SACD and CD but the SACD not better than normal CD. So I recommend buy a normal CD is good enough. This Live recording is one of best in the world.
2 people found this helpful
Found this review on Amazon but I got it new for $14 shipped on EbayHome Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+
Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin -
Mark. No "White Lie". I love you bro'... LOL
This sounds nothing like what you referenced. It's all (mostly) acoustic and no where near what that video showed. FWIW.
You should really dig this album on your speakers/rig compared to what you posted.
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
It is available on Tidal now. Added March 2019.-izafar
Goldenear Technology Triton 1 - Benchmark AHB2 - Benchmark LA4 - Auralic Vega - Auralic Aries Mini - Marantz TT-15S1 - Clearaudio Nano -
On Spotify as well."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
And qobuz...Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
Game Room 5.1.4: Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
Bedroom 2.1 Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer -
It is available on Tidal now. Added March 2019.
That's the only thing I dislike about Tidal, you can go to the artist click see all albums and they are all not there sometimes you have to do a specific search on a certain album and it comes up. I just found this on Tidal this way. Listening to it now sounds great. I already ordered the redbook and it's in transit. I will compare it on CD and Tidal once I get it to see if the redbook is all that. It definitely sounds fine streaming on Tidal right now.Home Theater
Parasound Halo A 31 OnkyoTX-NR838 Sony XBR55X850B 55" 4K RtiA9 Fronts CsiA6 Center RtiA3 Rears FxiA6 Side Surrounds Dual Psw 111's Oppo 105D Signal Ultra Speaker Cables & IC's Signal Magic Power Cable Technics SL Q300 Panamax MR4300 Audioquest Chocolate HDMI Cables Audioquest Forest USB Cable
2 Channel
Adcom 555II Vincent SA-T1 Marantz SA 15S2 Denon DR-M11 Clearaudio Bluemotion SDA 2.3tl's (Z) edition MIT Terminator II Speaker Cables & IC's Adcom 545II Adcom Gtp-450 Marantz CD5004 Technics M245X SDA 2B's, SDA CRS+
Stuff for the Head
JD LABS C5 Headphone Amplifier, Sennheiser HD 598, Polk Audio Buckle, Polk Audio Hinge, Velodyne vPulse, Bose IE2, Sennheiser CX 200 Street II, Sennheiser MX 365
Shower & Off the beaten path Rigs
Polk Audio Boom Swimmer, Polk Audio Urchin -
I have this, don't like it. Nils Lofgren self titled is much better.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Nils’ self-titled is a really good album. Have t heard this one yet
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I had gotten burnt out on this album from the over-play at audio shows.
Listened through after work and had a thoroughly enjoyable 1 on 1 session with my 2 channel."Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip -
The only track of his with which I am familiar is the “bass & drum intro” on the Nils Lofgren Band Live album. I dig it but I usually use it when I get new speakers or gear to evaluate (it’s not in regular rotation). Thanks for the recommendation Tom!Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
Now where did I first hear this?JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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You bro'! You get the credit for this one. You introduced me to one of the songs on this album. I think it was the "overplayed one, "Keith don't go"....but.....BUT......it brought me to the album.
After all of the hype and overplaying was gone and I actually sat down and listened to it? Pretty damned good recording/album.
Rock on wit'yo'bad self! (BTW, I miss you and Janice....and that Wedding soup)
Tom~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
Ooohh, that wedding soup is the best!!! I know I had two bowls and might have had three. Thanks Janice Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
