Mac DeMarco
Another One
Captured Tracks [2015]
Fire Note Says: Grab a cup of coffee with Mac and enjoy his latest record!
Album Review: It’s always a big deal around The Fire Note Headquarters when Mac DeMarco releases a new record, since the release of Rock and Roll Night Club back in 2012, we have championed him as one of the truly unique and exciting acts in the biz, one whose every new release gives us a reason to celebrate. Another One, the latest release from DeMarco continues his hot streak, and while it features a more laid back and romantic Mac, his playing, songwriting, and production continue to evolve, taking his songs into new places.
Much has been made about the fact that DeMarco gives out his address at the end of the final instrumental track on the album, “My House By the Water”, and invites listeners to come over for a cup of coffee. It’s goofy, it’s odd, it’s charming, it’s a total Mac thing to do, but it would be a shame if that’s the only thing Another One is remembered for, because it’s more than just one goofy moment. “The Way You’d Love Her” shines as the album opener. It’s got all of the Mac trademarks, slinky guitar, sly loverman vocal and catchy melody, yep it’s a winner for sure. “Another One” drops the tempo down a notch, and that’s where it really becomes apparent that this is not your typical Mac record, these are love songs, and he is going to explore every facet of love, in these 8 songs. Have no fear though, this isn’t an album of torch songs or anything like that, “No Other Heart” finds Mac back in familiar territory soundwise, it’s yet another song to add to your “Mac DeMarco’s Best Songs” playlist. Compared to his last two records, Another One settles into a relaxed and casual mood, that fits these songs very well. It’s mellow when it needs to be, but he also picks up the tempo when he needs to. For an album of love songs, this one never gets bogged down at all.
My only issue with Another One is that at 23 minutes it leaves me wanting so much more. This one is being marketed as an album, but it’s really more of an ep, still, it’s fantastic, and you are going to want to pick this one up. Also if DeMarco and band play anywhere near you soon, make sure you make every effort to get out to see him, his show in Columbus last year was one of the best shows of the year, as great as he is on record, his goofy personality really shines on the stage!
Key Tracks: “The Way You’d Love Her” / “No Other One” / “Just To Put Me Down”
Artists With Similar Fire: Jonathan Richman / Ween / Ariel Pink
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, I am extremely proud of the area I grew up in and the influence it has had on the world at large, from the Wright Brothers to Robert Pollard, the area has been a center of innovation both technologically and artistically. During my college years at the University of Dayton, I found myself becoming more and more immersed in the local music scene, a period of time in the early to mid 90's that coincided with the rise of bands like Guided by Voices, Brainiac, and The Breeders, who added to the rich musical legacy of the area. Dayton is also the hometown of many giants of funk in the 70's and is also the birthplace of Jazz greats Billy Strayhorn, John Scofield and Bud Shank. I wrote extensively for The Fire Note, a great online magazine focused on indie rock, in the 2010's while simultaneously being a partner in Rockathon Records, before retiring from both in 2018. In 2024, my thoughts turned back to helping at Rockathon and more importantly to pick back up on my writing, and more specifically to write about my love of jazz. I'm always listening, always searching for something new, something great. It's been a lifelong journey, and I still feel like there is so much out there to hear.
- Kevin Poindexterhttps://thefirenote.com/author/kpoindexter/
- Kevin Poindexterhttps://thefirenote.com/author/kpoindexter/
- Kevin Poindexterhttps://thefirenote.com/author/kpoindexter/
- Kevin Poindexterhttps://thefirenote.com/author/kpoindexter/
