Thing of the Past

While Vetiver’s Andy Cabic is linked to freaky-folk king Devendra Banhart (they run a record label together), there is nothing “freaky” about his own music. Cabic is a sincere ‘70s-influenced singer-songwriter who remains true to his admiration of that era and his own innate singing talents. He feels no need to embellish his simple ruminations with anything besides the most elemental and essential musical backing. 2008’s Thing of the Past is a collection of obscure covers that reflect Cabic’s eclectic, excellent taste and even includes several of the originators contributing along (Vashti Bunyan on “Sleep A Million Years,” Michael Hurley on “Blue Driver.”) Fairport Convention’s Ian Matthews’ “Road to Ronderlin” rolls along with ease. Spacerockers Hawkwind are given a spirited jugband sprint for “Hurry On Sundown.” Loudon Wainwright III’s “The Swimming Song” is delivered without tipping the subtle humor. Townes Van Zandt’s obscure “Standin’” is brought to light and life. Overall, it’s a quiet album meant for late night listening beside a crackling fire, worthy of sitting next to the works not just of the composers included here, but others from Jackson Browne, Tom Rush, Tim Hardin or any other late-60s-early 70s troubadour fondly remembered.