To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Japanese experimental virtuoso Haruomi Hosono's beloved 1973 debut solo album Hosono House, Stones Throw Records is putting together a covers compilation featuring musicians from its roster. The first cover comes from diehard fan Mac DeMarco, who has recorded a rendition of "Boku Wa Chotto."
“Hosono is my hero, I love all of his music, I am eternally at his every beck and call, it is my honour to be a part of this compilation," DeMarco said in a press release. "I recorded this cover in Joe Bird's guest room in Paris, August 2023. I hope my Japanese pronunciation isn’t too horrible.”
In 2018, the Canadian singer-songwriter digitally released a cover of "Honey Moon" from Hosono's 1975 album, Tropical Dandy. The pair proceeded to perform the song together at a show in Los Angeles.
The compilation album has yet to have a firm release date, but it's due for both digital and vinyl release later this year. It will be released in partnership KAKUBARHYTHM & Bayon Production in Japan and feature interpretations of Hosono's work by Sam Gendel, John Carroll Kirby (with the Mizuhara Sisters), Jerry Paper, Pearl & the Oysters, Cornelius, Akiko Yano, Yuma Abe, mei ehara, rei harakami, Kukuku, and more.
Hear DeMarco's muted, twangy take on "Boku Wa Chotto" below.