Thing of the Past (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Kevin Barker (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, banjo); Sanders Trippe (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, harmonica); Andy Cabic (vocals, guitar, acoustic guitar, banjo); Michael Hurley (vocals, trumpet); Otto Hauser (vocals, piano, organ, drums); Brent Dunn (vocals, double bass); Meara OReilly, Abigail Chapin, Lily Chapin, Vashti Bunyan (vocals); Jonathan Wilson (acoustic guitar); Ben Kunin (sarod); Emma Smith (violin); Farmer Dave Scher (melodica, keyboards); Jason Quever (piano, keyboards).

Audio Mixer: Thom Monahan.

Recording information: Melva, Los Angeles, CA; The Hangar, Sacramento; Werehome, London, England.

Though Vetiver singer/songwriter Andy Cabic has been known as one of Devendra Banhart's right-hand men, he mines a far earthier feel than the spacey stylings often associated with "freak folk." Accordingly, THING OF THE PAST serves up a sound not dissimilar to 1960s California folk-rock, but it's also an all-covers affair that factors in the introspective musings of some of the era's marvelously moody troubadours. Tackling material by song-poets both familiar and esoteric, Vetiver brings both visceral snap and obvious affection to Townes Van Zandt's "Standin'," Elyse Weinberg's "Houses," Bobby Charles's "I Must Be in a Good Place Now," and many more. minimize