Song of the Day: Mac DeMarco - My Old Man

Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJ’s think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on The Midday Show with Cheryl Waters, is “My Old Man,” by Mac DeMarco, from his upcoming 2017 album, This Old Dog, due May 5th on Captured Tracks.

Mac DeMarco - My Old Man (MP3)Mac DeMarco hardly needs an introduction at this point. While he only has two full-length albums to his name, the musician's carefree charm, knack for crafting catchy guitar licks and joyous songs, and ability to give every crowd he meets a sense of community, has made him a can't-miss act and indie hero for years now. It's also why he has been able to stay in the minds and hearts of hardcore and casual fans alike, despite not having released a full length album in three years. A move from New York to California inspired the decision to take more time on his usually rapid-fire song writing process, forcing fans to endure a three year wait between full lengths. The consistent excellence Mac DeMarco implements in his music ensured that the wait would be worth it and the two singles that have been released for the album have eliminated any remaining doubt. This Old Dog is out May 5th and is self-described as an "Italian rock-record." The album will showcase a lack of electric guitar and an abundance of synths and drum machines that may make some Mac fans nervous. His ability to create lush soundscapes (and occasionally chaos) with his electric guitar has always been a calling card for his music. But one listen to song of the day and album single "My Old Man," puts all fears to rest.

The track features a twangy, repetitive acoustic riff, a well rationed soft synth and a plucky drum machine beat that mesh to provide mellow waves for Mac to ride over with his always calming voice. The stripped back track gives Mac's lyrics room to resonate, and the song tackles the relatable and often horrifying theme of realizing you are more like your parents than you thought. The track certainly does show a shift in sound, but it is still a Mac DeMarco song through and through. This Old Dog may be full of new tricks, but "My Old Man" assures that the album will be full of the same Mac DeMarco spirit fans first full in love with.

You can catch Mac DeMarco at The Moore on September 10th. For more information on that show and to see the rest of his tour, check out his website and Facebook page. In the meantime, watch Mac DeMarco perform the This Old Dog title track in a dog grooming parlor below: