THE CHRISTGAU CONSUMER GUIDE

THE BAND; "Northern Lights — Southern Cross" (Capitol):: I have always found myself put off by the sprung quality of the Band's music — the sense that if someone were to undo the catch its works would be propelled forth in all directions. Instead of energizing the impulse to piece together the lyrics — in the manner of the Stones, not to mention Bob Dylan — the sound of albums like "Big Pink" and "Stage Fright" (not "The Band," though, or "The Basement Tapes") tends to reinforce their own metaphorical impenetrability.