It takes either a lack of smarts an an overabundance of chutzpah to kick off a concert album with a cover of Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane," but the classic does get Live From Pickle Park (Moonsong) off to an energetic start.  And the momentum keeps rolling.

The sound -- kind of boardwalk rock -- is right, even if the underdeveloped songs aren't always.  (Brian Leighton does know how to craft catchy choruses.)  The covers, including the juvenile "I'm Seventeen" and Bruce Channel's "Hey Baby" might have been fun in you were there, but seem unnecessary here. Leighton has a sweaty heartland charm that clearly connects with the crowd on the jubilant "True To Love," the early Springsteen-like "Man In the Moon," and the festive sing-along, "Shag."

--Jon Bream
Star Tribune Staff Writer