Vetiver
Thing of the Past (Fat Cat, Gnomonsong)
By Laura Pearson
Published: June 4th, 2008 | 1:00pm
With Thing of the Past, the breezy, California-based Vetiver do what fans would expect. They pay homage to their folk, country, and blues forebears: artists like Michael Hurley, Loudon Wainwright III, and Townes Van Zandt. Featuring contributions from enigmatic singer Vashti Bunyan, this 12-track album also includes songs from Hurley himself, whom Vetiver bandleader Andy Cabic has dubbed his "favorite living songwriter."
Although the album is aesthetically rooted in some of what fans might expect, the band digs up many lesser-known gems as well — tracks penned by singer-songwriters like Garland Jeffreys, Biff Rose, and Dia Joyce. There are country love songs and folksy road tunes and even a foot-stompin' Hawkwind cover, replete with harmonica breakdowns. The result is a lovingly crafted album full of very natural, seemingly effortless arrangements. In fact, Cabic has said that making Thing of the Past was one of his best recording experiences to date. Taking on songs he didn't write "offered a useful combination of restraint and freedom ... bringing out the best in [himself] and the other musicians."
Strong opener "Houses," written by Elyse Weinberg, features a steadily building chorus; one by one, voices and guitars join with Cabic's voice to create a sonic "circle around the sun." The next track, "Roll on Babe" by Derroll Adams, is a freewheeling road song; one that is thematically similar to tracks on Vetiver's 2006 LP To Find Me Gone — coming, going, aimless roaming — a soundtrack for rolling past miles of green countryside, windows down.
Another road track, albeit a markedly more pensive one, is "Road to Ronderlin," written by Ian Matthews. Cabic's soft vocals and the spare guitar accompaniment combine to wistful, haunting effect: "Oh road, sweet road, where can you be?" he sings as the mist closes in. Meanwhile, the steadily chugging tune "Blue Driver," written by Michael Hurley (who lends harmony on the chorus), also asks questions of the road: "Blue endless highway, where do you come from?" The catchy melody entices listeners to keep the windows rolled down, sit back, and enjoy the view on this Vetiver-steered trip through Old(ish) Weird(ish) America.
Thing of the Past, with its sing-along choruses, meandering road themes, and fittingly mellow arrangements, isn't simply a covers record; it's an expression of gratitude. Each track is a tip of the hat to some beloved musical predecessor — whether known or unknown to the listening public — and Cabic and company seem genuinely joyful to share these songs. The mood is light, the route both new and familiar; all in all, a journey worth taking.
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