Album Review – Jeff Crosby’s “Northstar”
Jeff Crosby is an important character in the alt-country, Americana, and independent country realm, and has been for a long time, and in a number of capacities. Though he’s now contributed five original records to the world, his name only has come up around these parts in the capacity of a side player, principally for his recent fill-in work with Reckless Kelly after the departure of the band’s long-time guitarist David Abeyta. He contributed largely to the band’s new album American Jackpot/American Girls as well.
It’s true Crosby is a perennial road dog and willing collaborator that will hitch a ride with almost anyone and lend a hand however he can. But it feels a little insulting to frame this singer, songwriter, and guitarist originally from northern Idaho (hence the kinship with Reckless Kelly) through the music of others, and not train the spotlight squarely on his solo efforts.
At first I was a little worried his new album Northstar would not be the ideal moment for introducing him to an audience of mostly country music listeners. And undoubtedly the album begins with a decidedly rock attitude, aside from the rootsy and sentimental “Hold This Town Together”—a well-written song about the dying of a small community.
The title track “Northstar” is much more alt than country, capturing Crosby in a claustrophobic mood where the city lights and rat race cloud his sense of direction—something he can sing about with authority as someone who spent too much time in Los Angeles paying too much rent, even if it resulted in getting a couple of his songs in the Sons of Anarchy soundtrack.
“Laramie,” “Out of My Hands,” and “Liability” are like an aching trilogy of heartbreak and resignation about the loss of love, and the realization it’s the fault of one’s own shortcomings, told through moody textures that when it comes to “Out of My Hands” could almost pass for early Radiohead, while “Liability” tortures you with the demoralization of unrequited love born on drawn out syllables.
But those looking for the country within Jeff Crosby, and the featuring of more steel guitar, this promise is greatly fulfilled in the second half of Northstar, starting with the really sad but sweet “Born To Be Lonely.” Then “My Mother’s God” delivers even more pedal steel, and probably the best line of the album, “Throw your heart in the river, hope it sees the ocean someday.”
Northstar is one of those records that a first or even second pass doesn’t reveal the full magic of, yet all of a sudden if you listen long enough, you’ll find yourself in a continuous play loop you don’t want to escape from. And whether you’re an alt-country nut or a dedicated twanger, there’s something to love here. In fact as a country fan you perhaps grow to like the rock-style songs even more. That’s what happens when the writing is so consistently good, and so is the production, like the expressive drums of the final song, “Red, White, Black, & Blue.”
Northstar is just the tip of the iceberg of the contributions of Jeff Crosby has lent to independent roots music, but it’s a really good place to start getting into this excellent but under-the-radar singer, songwriter, and stellar guitar player.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
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Purchase Jeff Crosby’s Northstar
Uncle2Pillow
June 12, 2020 @ 8:17 am
Just gave the album a full spin. I actually enjoyed it more than I was expecting. While maybe not super risk taking in the alt-country space, still was very solid. “Born to Be Lonely” was great. Also wasn’t the track, “Hold This Town Together” on Micky and the Motorcars new (2019) album too? same song?
OlaR
June 12, 2020 @ 8:43 am
It’s the same song.
JF
June 12, 2020 @ 8:39 am
Yes!! F**king love Jeff Crosby. He is also one of the most genuinely nice people you will ever meet. For those who like this, go check out “Waking Days” next (“City Girls,” Homeless and the Dreamers,” “Canyons” — it is all so good).
Between this record, his contributions to the new ones by Motorcars and Reckless, and dating Darci Carlson — this is shaping up to be Jeff’s year.
p.s. New Waylon Payne tracks out today. What??
Di Harris
June 12, 2020 @ 8:54 am
Just heard of Darci Carlson in your text.
Watched “Wild Reckless and Crazy”
Fun video.
Ballsy chic.
Really good, gutsy voice.
Thanks for throwing her name out there.
She will be fun to listen to and sing along with, on road trips
Trigger
June 12, 2020 @ 10:59 am
Darci Carlson is really good. Featured her on the site a couple of times.
Di Harris
June 12, 2020 @ 11:49 am
Mentioned Cunningham Peaches to my cousin Kim yesterday.
Was bragging on how Cunningham’s grows the best & juiciest peaches i have ever eaten.
They get run off from the snowmelt off the Colorado Rockies.
Make peach jam (and blackberry) to give as Christmas gifts to family & friends.
Kim belts out, Road Trip!
Cut her a look and said, 15 hour drive to Amarillo to meet the peach truck.
Lying in bed last night, was thinking if we’re driving all the way to Amarillo to meet the peach truck this Summer, i dam* sure want some new road trip music.
And here comes JF talking about Darci.
Thought, that’ll work!
Sorry missed your article’s on Darci, Trigger.
Guess i better pay attention!
JF
June 12, 2020 @ 1:53 pm
Darci backs it up. She is really good, and probably doesn’t get as much attention as she deserves because people focus on her looks.
OlaR
June 12, 2020 @ 9:10 am
Not the best idea to start the album with “If I’m Lucky”. Well…the album was released as a “rock” album here. Not indie, not country, not alt-whatever or americana…rock.
Let’s say the album is cross-format…& the album sits between all the chairs.
It’s a good one…no stinker & with some highlights like the title track “Northstar”, “Born To Be Lonely”, “Heart On My Sleeve” & “My Mother’s God”.
More New Music:
Michelle Billingsley – Not The Marrying Kind – Album (10 Tracks) – Released (06/11)
Somewhere between country, alt-country & americana Michelle Billingsley released her first album. 10 short tracks (“Kangaroo Court” is running for 3.21 min & the longest track). The majority of songs are much shorter. Michelle Billingsley is a storyteller & wrote all tracks on the album. A new artist worth checking out.
My highlights: “Mom Jeans”, “Once In A While” & “She’s Gone”…& the laconic voice of Michelle Billingsley.
JB-Chicago
June 12, 2020 @ 2:18 pm
Yeah upon the first full spin of Northstar I was hearing and thinking…..meh….melodic rock but then the last few tunes had a little twang. I’ve learned to give things a few spins so maybe……. I dunno, there’s so much good stuff out!
Ironically I did open the morning finding and running through Michelle Billingsley album. I know she’s not from here but she’s now living here in Chi town somewhere…….one can only wonder why….lol Never the less I found the album very interesting and enjoyed it. The cover, album title, and music all fits. Reminds me of Sarah Shook’s Devil a bit.
Then Trig mentioned Bryan James yesterday and yep that hit the spot!!! Going right into the rotation.
Bill Goodman
June 15, 2020 @ 8:03 pm
Know why 4 songs aren’t available to play on Spotify?
Kevin Broughton
June 12, 2020 @ 10:21 am
Good review. The record is outstanding.
RD
June 12, 2020 @ 2:27 pm
One thing is for sure, if there is ever a movie made about the Allman Brothers, this dude is playing Gregg Allman circa 1976.
hoptowntiger94
June 12, 2020 @ 5:52 pm
I’ll be listening to this album tomorrow while working. Thanks for the review.
Daniele
June 13, 2020 @ 2:37 pm
Aren’t the folks who try so hard to hold this rown together all country singers? Randy,Vern..?