Hailing Hosono: DeMarco's Tribute

Mac DeMarco's reverence for Haruomi Hosono's musical legacy is no secret to those familiar with the indie icon. 

Now, as Stones Throw Records gears up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hosono's seminal 1973 solo debut, ‘Hosono House’ with a cover compilation album, DeMarco emerges as a leading figure in the celebration. Offering a tantalizing taste of what's to come, DeMarco unveils his rendition of ‘Boku Wa Chatto’ teasing audiences with a glimpse into the homage-filled journey that lies ahead.

Devotees of DeMarco's oeuvre will recall his previous nod to Hosono with the 2018 cover ‘Honey Moon’  a prelude to the harmonious convergence of the two talents on stage in Los Angeles the following year. Reflecting on his deep admiration for Hosono's work, DeMarco shared with Pitchfork, "Hosono is my hero... it is my honor to be a part of this compilation." With characteristic wit, he added, "I recorded this cover in Joe Bird's guest room in Paris, in August 2023. I hope my Japanese pronunciation isn’t too horrible."

As anticipation swells for the release, aficionados can rest assured that both digital and vinyl editions of the album will grace shelves and playlists alike sometime this year. So, as we await the unveiling of this musical treasure trove, let us bask in the shared reverence for Hosono's enduring influence and the boundless creativity it continues to inspire.

Imani Edwards

@imni.edwrds

Image: ‘Boku Wa Chatto’ Official Single Cover