In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Haruomi Hosono’s debut solo album, Hosono House, Stones Throw Records has curated a tribute album honoring the Japanese musician. The compilation will feature contributions from renowned artists such as Cornelius, John Carroll Kirby, Yuma Abe, Jerry Paper, and others. To inaugurate the launch, Mac DeMarco, a long-time admirer of Hosono, covered “Boku Wa Chotto.” Notably, DeMarco previously covered Hosono’s “Honey Moon” and had the opportunity to meet the musician in 2019.
Demarco said in a press release,
“Hosono is my hero, I love all of his music, I am eternally at his every beck and call, it is my honor to be a part of this compilation. I recorded this cover in Joe Bird’s guest room in Paris, August 2023. I hope my Japanese pronunciation isn’t too horrible”
Covering a song that already feels perfect in every way is no easy feat. Yet, Demarco manages to breathe new life into this cover, reviving the warm, acoustic sound reminiscent of his 2017 album, This Old Dog. While the original leans towards a twangy-country sound from the ’70s, Demarco’s stripped-back acoustic rendition retains the emotional depth of Hosono’s version. The song paints a serene narrative about finding solace in life’s mundane aspects, and Demarco’s interpretation adds a tranquil and intimate touch, enhancing the overall experience.
Take a listen to Mac Demarco’s cover here:
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New Orleans-based writer and curator that is most likely rambling nonstop about music and books.
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