Blood Bank/More of the Past

Vetiver frontman Andy Cabic has a fine ear for killer harmonies and picking out an obscure gem to cover. What makes these songs work, as on Thing of the Past, are the pristine production (by Cabic and Thom Monahan) and deft execution by the band. Their version of Nils Lofgren’s “Just to Have You,” a rarity from his days with his 1970s band, Grin, has a loose back-porch quality — both intimate and freewheeling, allowing the listener to hear the beauty of the song. “Hills of Isle Au Haut,” by the reclusive Maine folk songwriter Gordon Bok, is appropriately spare, with the occasional jagged fiddle lines, contributed by underground folk legend, Michael Hurley. The opening cut, “See You Tonight,” originally by little-known ’70s Swedish psychedelic band The Wizards, is the knockout song. Filled with swirling electric guitars and cascading vocals, it’s a great pop song that defies a time period, yet remains timeless.

1 2 SHARE

0 Comments

→ post a comment

Song of the Moment

the hum

Release Me

New CDs from Vidagua, Side Iron, Johnny Render, Martin and Blades, plus Bob D’s birthday and radio news

in review

Fear Fun

By Father John Misty - Sub Pop Records

preview

Recent in review

May 17

Patti Smith

Van Duzer Theatre - May 10

May 10

Free Again: The “1970” Sessions

By Alex Chilton - Omnivore Recordings

May 3

Boys and Girls

By Alabama Shakes -- ATO

Today

44th Annual Kinetic Grand Championship Race

STAFF PICK / events, art, outdoors, sports, for kids, free / 9 a.m.-6 p.m. A 3-day, 42-mile kinetic sculpture race over land, sand, mud and water! LeMans start at the Noon Whistle on the Arcata Plaza. Follow the race through Manila, Eureka and into Ferndale on Memorial Day for the Glorious Finish. kineticgrandchampionship.com. 889-3024.