The Magnetic Fields Album: “69 Love Songs Vol. 1”

Description :

Also available as part of 69 LOVE SONGS, a 3-CD box set on Merge (169). <p>The Magnetic Fields: Stephin Merritt (vocals, acoustic, electric, classical, & steel guitars, ukelele, mandolin, violin, penny whistle, recorder, melodica, acoustic & electric pianos, organ, keyboards, synthesizers, acoustic & electric percussion); Claudia Gonson (vocals, piano, drums, percussion); John Woo (guitar, banjo, mandolin); Sam Davol (cello, flute); Daniel Handler (accordion). <p>Additional personnel: LD Beghtol, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms (vocals); Ida Pearle (violin). <p>Engineers include: Charles Newman, Chris Ewen, Claudia Gonson. <p>D.I.Y. indie pop is perhaps not the first place where one would look for a successor to Cole Porter and the Gershwins, but that's just one of the surprises of the Magnetic Fields. Singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt's lyrics are awash in odd similes, brilliant multilayered puns, and tricky internal rhymes, yet never fail to reveal genuine emotional content, whether ruefully cynical or wide-eyed and romantic. His tunes, influenced equally by pre-rock customs, ABBA, and post-punk experimentalism, are as unforgettable as his words, and the 23-song 69 LOVE SONGS, VOLUME ONE is a 56-minute tour de force, exhibiting Merritt's many talents at their finest. Ranging from the country-tinged "The One You Really Love" to the acapella Broadway homage "How Fucking Romantic" and touching on several other genres in the process, this album never ceases to amaze and delight. The CD is available as part of a three-CD box set or by itself.

But this is great stuff. The lyrics are clear, funny and poignant. The melodies are smart and beautiful. You can't help but get a kick out of it, which is surprising for something so stark, minimalist, dark, and sad underneath. Your kids would probably love it, if you don't mind the occasional bleep word. I keep this one in the cd player in my kitchen so I can sing along while chopping up potatoes.

Wow. How did I ever miss this album. These guys are just the best. Sardonic, romantic, beautiful music, can't be bagged. This stuff is just not normal. It is very very American, very carolina, very beatnik cafe, very outdoor picnic, very replay in your room with the door shut. Real musicians, real instruments, real voices, adorable lyrics that are not predictable, I can't believe they are not famous. I guess I'm glad they're not. I want to keep them as a secret.

I can't imagine not wanting the whole box set, but if you really only want to get 1/3 of this set, either for yourself or as a gift for someone, I would definitely recommend Vol.1. It has the catchiest songwriting and the most easily accessible melodies. Start here!

I really enjoyed this album. It's really different, quirky, trippy [choose a pertinent adjective]. I am not, perhaps, the most cool and in the know person to talk to about music, so I had never heard of The Magnetic Fields before. I was reading a review of the new Belle & Sebastian release FOLD YOUR HANDS... (which I liked, too ~ though perhaps not as much) and there was review suggesting TMF, so I bought it and was positively surprised. I just bought Vls. 2 and 3. Stephen Merritt is a really gifted songwriter/performer and I will definitely be looking for his work with the Gothic Archies, etc. He reminds me of Morrissey, somewhat, but better and not as smug. Some of the highlights of Vl. 1 are I Don't Believe In The Sun, Chicken With It's Head Cut Off, Nothing Matters When We're Dancing, etc. The only songs out of the 23 that I didn't like were Reno Dakota and How F*cking Romantic.

Oh, man, can this guy write a pop song. My "this guy," I'm referring to Merritt himself, because, let's be honest -- he is the heart and soul of this band, which is the best of his several musical projects.

I like Magnetic Fields a lot, and chose to review this album because, out of all his work, this one is his finest achievement. There are about a dozen tracks in this collection that I've been listening to for years that have never grown tedious, which would seem to contradict the notion that it is mere bubble gum pop (a la the Gothic Archies). There is more emotional and musical complexity than meets the eye (or ear) upon the first few listens, when you'll find yourself humming along and tapping your toes (or steering wheel).

The only problem with this 3-album set is that it includes about 20 songs too many. Maybe even 25 or 30. The moments of pop brilliance are interspersed with gimmicks and throw-aways, and this is unfortunate.

But really, who can write 69 pop masterpieces? I don't expect that from anyone. I just think the collection would be even more memorable if Merritt hadn't insisted on including 69 songs (yeah, yeah, we get it -- 69. heh heh.) and had instead made this a two album set.

But this still deserves 5 stars, without a doubt.