Mac DeMarco is a Canadian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose free-and-easy style has helped to define an entire generation of indie rock. His new record, simply titled Guitar, came out last week; to celebrate, we reached out to Mac and prompted him to give us ten of his favorite songs for hyper-specific situations. His answers, which provide insight into both his new body of songs and also just the general Canadian experience, are below.

Best song to listen to while doing household chores?

“The Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News

Huey just knows how to get your shit jacked up. And when you clean, you need your shit jacked up.

Best song by anyone from Yellow Magic Orchestra?

“おいしい生活” by Akiko Yano

I don't know the name of this song, or even the name of the album, I used to have a version with phonetic English titles of it, but I'm not even gonna try anymore. It's always been my favourite song of hers, I love the small sounds. I love that it's short. Sometimes it's hard to explain why music is good. This song is good. This whole album is good.

Best song for a long drive in a van?

“Had to Fall in Love” by The Moody Blues

I drove alone from NYC to Salt Lake City several years ago, and quit smoking on the same drive, took me maybe three days. It was really horrible, had really bad withdrawals. I listened to this song maybe 400 times, just couldn't stop. I don't know if that makes it a good or bad song for this application.

Best song that you heard on Canadian radio growing up?

“Some Kinda Wonderful" by Sky 

I watched Much Music more than the radio and I always remember the video for this song. Very year 2000 energy, the two guys are walking down a highway. I listened to this whole album a couple months ago, a masterwork, a triumph.

Best song that inspired your most recent album?

“Mines Of Narshe” by Final Fantasy VI OST

I don't know if this directly inspired me, but something about the harmony in my album reminds me of the harmony of this song. I also hear early Pink Floyd? I don't really listen to song music that much these days, so I think inspiration must come from some soup deep inside my guts that's been sitting there for a long time with shit like this in it.

Best song by Ryan Paris?

“Dolce Vita” 

It must be “Dolce.” Ryan’s miracle. I've heard it announced from his own lips. The song that keeps on giving. Sent down from the heavens above. Oh baby telephone.

Best song that they might play at a Tim Hortons? 

“Go for Soda” by Kim Mitchell

Maybe this song played at Tim's years ago when it was released, not sure what the chances are it would be played today, but if I did hear it in there, it would be Canadian excellence. The music video for this song is also strange and amazing.

Best song by anyone who used to be your roommate? 

“Preston 'Great-Ass' Imfat” by Tonstartssbandht

This is one of my favorite Tonstartssbandht songs. I lived with Edwin and Andy for a long time in NYC. I also lived with Andy in hotel rooms on tour for many years more. I remember hearing this song when they put it out and being amazed that someone I knew made something that sounded like music so much.

Best song that is really fast?

“Crash” by Daryl Johns

Daryl just walked into my bedroom about five minutes ago, he's lost his phone charger. He was only wearing these mustard colored hippy pants. Pretty early rise for the young man to be honest, I'm impressed. We're gonna rehearse for the tour in a couple hours, he's sleeping in the cottage down the lawn with Pedro. The song "Crash" formerly known as "Gabriel" but even more formerly known as "Crash" is a fast song and it rocks.

Best song that is really slow?

“A Broken Alphabet” by Tim Story

Tim Story is a genius, I first heard this album a few years ago, I listen constantly still. We were in a castle in Sarzay in France with my friend Kirin when I first found it, very strong French castle vibe to Tim's music. Medieval, European. Tim has a very different harmony than I was used to when I encountered this stuff, was a bit resistant at first but I really love it.