Vetiver Album: “Thing of the Past”

I saw these guys open up and back up Gary Louris. I was instantly hooked on them and bought both of their albums that night. I am even more amazed with Thing of the Past, which might be my favorite for this year. You'd think this was album of originals the way it is played with great emotion and subtlety. I love it so much that I've looked into most of the artists that they cover. It's mellow, lots of acoustic guitars,but very catchy and rootsy. Sounds like it could have come out in the late sixties, early seventies. Check it out and don't hesitate to look into the other artists such as Bobby Charles, Loudon Wainwright, Ronnie Lane, Michael Hurley, Townes Van Zandt, and Matthews Southern Comfort.

This was my first introduction to the music of Vetiver. I was intrigued at the idea of the band doing a covers album of songs by fairly obscure artists. I'm impressed. Very well chosen songs and performed with flair. Nothing bizarre or interpretations too radically different; just plain good versions of good songs. Most are in a folk-rock vein with acoustic guitar and melodic vocals. Again, nothing jarring or abrasive. Hopefully, fans of the fans will also be inspired to seek the originals of some of these songs, by great artists such as Bobby Charles, Loudon Wainwright, Ronnie Lane, and Townes Van Zandt. Way to go, Vetiver. Now, I'll be seeking out more of THEIR music too.

Following two great albums, 2004's self-titled album and 2006's "To Find Me Gone", band leader Andy Cabic hit writer's block, and so instead he decided on doing a covers album, and what a great decision it was.

"Things Of The Past" (12 tracks; 47 min.) brings covers of a couple well-known tracks, but mostly unknown songs, and what a delight this turned out to be. "Hook and Ladder" (of Norman Greenbaum, better known for "Spirits In the Sky") is delightful. Townes Van Zandt's dark cover of "Standin'" is another stand-out track. But THE highligth of the album is the 6+ min. Hawkwind cover of "Hurry on Sundown", completely remade from the original, it is just beautiful and a reason enough to buy this album. The other outstanding track is "Sleep a Million Years", a cover of a Dia Joyce (whom I admit I've never heard before).

In all, this is a tremendous album from start to finish, what a delight. Vetiver has released a new album just recenty comprising of new material which I intend to check out soon. Meanwhile, "Things of the Past" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!