Album of the Week: Here Comes The Cowboy — Mac DeMarco
The ever chill Mac DeMarco is back with his latest studio album Here Comes The Cowboy — but does it live up to his last release?
Mac DeMarco has been an underground favourite in the lo fi indie pop/rock scene for a while — 29 year old self-proclaimed “jizz jazzer” has slowly gained a following over the past few years as producer of lazy, minimalist songs;
perfect for bedroom listening that threatens to send you into a pleasant stupor. Here Comes The Cowboy is the musicians first album since 2017, when he released the surprisingly insightful This Old Dog. Prior to 2018, DeMarco had released all his music through Captured Tracks but partially due to creative conflicts, the musician has parted ways the label to pursue his own, simply called Mac’s Record Label.
With the critical success of his previous album and 2015’s Another One, this new endeavour marks a new era for Mac. Although his sound hasn’t changed drastically, the singer/songwriter proves that he can still make chilled out bops that are just as feel-good as before. Here are the Top 5 tracks from the album:
Nobody
This slow, Lou Reed inspired ballad is simple and stripped back, as many of the songs are on this LP are, but it brings more substance than first meets the ear. The instrumentals are repetitive but in a way that allows DeMarco’s vocals to shine through as he discusses the dehumanising ways in which musicians in the public eye can be treated. The video sees him dressed as a green monster, as he sings about being “another creature / Who’s lost his vision”, a common feeling for new artists hoping to make it in the music industry.
Preoccupied
‘Preoccupied’ juxtaposes lazy, summery, acoustic guitar with pessimistic lyricism. The bird chirping sampled throughout makes the track feels as though Mac could be playing outside in a sunny forest, but as the title suggests his mind is clearly on other things. Each verse is short, but makes you think with each line. He addresses the listener, saying you “Opened your mind, filled it with bullshit / Locked up your heart, without even knowing it / It must be a sign, the days that we’re living in”. The lackadaisical vocal delivery heightens his sense of preoccupation evident in the lyrics. Subtly and sublimely, DeMarco is commenting on the state of society without invoking the melancholy that often comes with it.
Choo Choo
Although lyrically repetitive, this aspect adds to the silliness of the track as he sings the song’s title over train whistles. Still, Mac manages to add a touch of the macabre as he invites the listener to “come and die with me”. The deliciously funk guitar makes for a refreshing change from the rest of the more country inspired sound on the album, and as a result it stands out in the tracklist.
Heart to Heart
‘Heart to Heart’ is a romantic, synth heavy track dedicated to his friend Mac Miller, who famously passed away from a drug overdose in September of 2018. Swelling synth chords on the chorus contrast with the minimalistic verses, which are a bittersweet reflection on his relationship with the rapper. “…we became really close, and I was going over to his place multiple times a week, up until the point that he passed away,” Mac told EW, “I probably wouldn’t have [put the song] on the album [without Miller’s approval before he passed].”
The combination of melancholic chord progression and thudding bass create a sad but atmospheric track that mirrors the poignant vocals. A touching dedication to his friend.
Little Dogs March
The guitar chords on this track are reminiscent of classic rock ballads, a fitting sonic soundscape for such a nostalgic song. Throughout the whole album Mac seems exhausted, and this track is no exception. On his album This Old Dog, DeMarco referred to himself as a dog and continues that theme here. The line “Hope you had your fun / All those days are over now” alludes to his partying days being over, an idea which he explores further on the song Nobody. Once again, this song is minimalistic but Mac’s lazy vocal style is calming, and conveys sense of acceptance for his current position in life.
The simplicity of Mac DeMarco’s latest LP doesn’t give the listener much to grasp on to, but what we do get is pleasant and at times thought provoking. Whilst it might not have the substance of This Old Dog, Here Comes The Cowboy is an easy listen where you can quite happily escape from the hustle and bustle of real life.
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