Vic Chesnutt: North Star Deserter

Label: Constellation

North Star Deserter is a gorgeous, brooding return to form for the brilliant singer/songwriter Vic Chesnutt. Cliches like “woefully overlooked” were invented for artists like Chesnutt, whose acerbic lyrics, austere, Gothic-tinged melodies, and sweetly pungent vocals have inspired unparalleled devotion in, not the legions his talent deserves, but a small and loyal following. Even his fans have had much to grumble about over the past decade, however, as the consistent brilliance of his albums began to fade with the release of major-label debut About to Choke in 1996. Five studio albums later, even the most hopeful Chesnutt fans weren’t expecting such a glorious recovery. But North Star Deserter is that and more, an inspired collaboration with a motley crew of Constellation labelmates and others, including members of Silver Mt. Zion, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Fugazi. The ensemble adds richness and depth that serves Chesnutt’s simple melodies and spare vocals well. Coming almost twenty years into his career, North Star Deserter may well be Chesnutt’s finest work. (Anna)