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CRITIC REVIEWS
85
Free of any hip genre-signifiers, 2 sees DeMarco find his home in an endless jangle, humming down the Main Street of your brain with a guitar slung over his shoulder.
82
He's still not entirely upfront, but he has a knack for building songs where the realness of his subject matter lies just below the surface.
80
What '2' makes clear, quickly, is that DeMarco is a skilful songwriter.
80
Compared to Rock and Roll Night Club, 2 is a more polished and refined take on his brand of minimalist rock, structured around his keen songwriting.
80
There is something unique about Mac DeMarco in 2012, his sound is very traditional in both form and style but there is a very refreshing quality at the heart of 2.
80
The whole thing is breezy and effortless – just pretty little nuggets of melody and ennui.
80
In an era of indie rock that’s very much about mixing and matching precisely chosen influences, there’s some thrilling about the way Mac DeMarco’s best work sounds like no one but Mac DeMarco.
80
Mac DeMarco seems plenty cocksure. There’s a self-assured streak that keeps the 22-year-old Canadian’s second album on an even keel throughout.
80
Mac DeMarco may assume a trashy façade, but beneath that lies a genuinely talented songwriter who writes what he knows and keeps us entertained while he does it.
70
Every song is fascinating in that no matter how much the meaning of each track seems obvious, there will be something new to consider or understand after every listen.
70
DeMarco is still a befuddling character, but the compressed landscape of 2 takes steps away from his cartoonish beginnings toward something equally strange, but possibly more grown up.
70
He owns these songs of slackerhood completely, delivering a lean collection of 11 that concisely communicate the nature of the 20-something daydreamer – no more, no less.
60
It angers and delights in equal measures, and without the try-hard imagery the record wouldn’t stand out quite as much.
60
It manages to sound refreshing, perhaps because the ground covered here is so far off rock's current beaten track.
This album reminds me of home.
In New Zealand, at lest with my family and friends, one of the highlights of any get together or meeting or hangout or whatever is the 'Beach BBQ'. This is a pretty self explanatory, it's just a good ole BBQ that we happen to have on the beach. It's not a complicated thing to wrap your head around, yet there is this specific vibe to the whole event that I've never pinned down. It's an extremely wholesome event, with good food, great company and a lovely vibe. But ... read more
In New Zealand, at lest with my family and friends, one of the highlights of any get together or meeting or hangout or whatever is the 'Beach BBQ'. This is a pretty self explanatory, it's just a good ole BBQ that we happen to have on the beach. It's not a complicated thing to wrap your head around, yet there is this specific vibe to the whole event that I've never pinned down. It's an extremely wholesome event, with good food, great company and a lovely vibe. But ... read more
On equal playing field in my mind with Salad Days, DeMarco exemplifies the idea of chill. The artist brings an undeniable charm to guitar-based music, taking on the shape of yesteryear in jangle pop like no one could imagine would ever return to.
That charm is an ever present lifeform across 2. DeMarco has a cool and calming air about him, both in his minimalistic style and his uncaring attitude, yet that by no means delegitimizes his songwriting ability. It may seem like DeMarco couldn't ... read more
That charm is an ever present lifeform across 2. DeMarco has a cool and calming air about him, both in his minimalistic style and his uncaring attitude, yet that by no means delegitimizes his songwriting ability. It may seem like DeMarco couldn't ... read more
Mac DeMarco. What can be said about him that hasn't already been said? He's a commodity. An enigma. His charisma and charm are unmatched to the rest of the faces in music these days. He's a cool dude making cool music. 2 is a chill album and when you listening to this man you'll find yourself lingering for more.
While not as transcendent as Salad Days, 2 is a solid album of memorable tracks. Mac's jocular lyrics partner perfectly with his jangly guitars. 'Ode to Viceroy' remains one of my favorite Mac songs and is a total blast live.
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Year End Lists
| #10 | / | Time Out London |
| #12 | / | Obscure Sound |
| #20 | / | Beats Per Minute |
| #21 | / | Complex |
| #26 | / | Urban Outfitters |
| #29 | / | NME |
| #30 | / | Spinner |
| #37 | / | Treble |
| #43 | / | Pitchfork |
| #68 | / | Crack Magazine |
Track List
- Cooking Up Something Good
- Dreaming
- Freaking Out The Neighborhood
- Annie
- Ode To Viceroy
- Robson Girl
- The Stars Keep On Calling My Name
- My Kind of Woman
- Boe Zaah
- Sherrill
- Still Together
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Added on: October 15, 2012