The Magnetic Fields

It seems I simply can't get enough of the Magnetic Fields' truly expansive 3-CD release "69 Love Songs". Me? Love songs? Strangely enough, apparently, yes. Although they're not as much "Love songs" per se, as they are songs which have love as a subject matter. The songs are as musically diverse as they are thematically diverse - ranging from crooning ballads to country to 80's style synth-pop a la Erasure to, well, actually a heavy dose of Cole Porter-esque theatricality. Me? Musical theater? Strangely enough, apparently, yes. Whether it's the subject matter or the musical arrangement - there is plenty to 69 Love Songs that I really shouldn't like given my usual musical tastes. But I've found it impossible not to be consistently amazed by mastermind Stephin Merritt's wit and cleverness. If 3CD's is a bit much Love for you, I can point out that I am quite taken by Volume 1 in particular (they're sold separately). Or you could just go see them if they happen to swing through your town.

Links of note:

The Magnetic Fields homepage: http://www.houseoftomorrow.com - Also contains info on all of Stephin Merritt's various other side projects.

My review, 6/11/00, El Rey Theatre, LA.

If you'd like, you can email me here: richard@hearingmusic.com.

Oh, and all content on these pages is copyright Richard Lewis.