The Magnetic Fields – Distortion Review
Do the Magnetic Fields need an introduction? They are very well known in indie circles but if this the first time you’ve heard about them then here’s a brief summary: The Magnetic Fields are an indie pop band who’ve been around since 1990 who are known for their love songs, Stephin Merritt‘s deep voice and some pretty good writing. Merritt is known as being openly gay and sometimes isn’t afraid to express it in his lyrics. I never bothered to care that he’s gay but if you didn’t know then now you do.The Magnetic Fields are known for their release of 69 Love Songs a number I would probably choose myself (because I’m apparently a perv). Anyway I’ll admit I’ve only listened to a handful of songs by the Magnetic Fields but almost every song I’ve heard and have been able to acquire, I’ve really dug.
Distortion starts off with some pretty fun tracks. I laughed when I heard “Three Way” as all it contained were some entertaining instrumentals and Three Way! repeated 3 times. The Magnetic Fields exchanged vocals between Merritt and Shirley Simms on each track. California Girls is a fun song with the tune of “I hate California girls” quiet a catchy song yet meaningful. Simms sings this and I actually had a hard time believing these vocals were of a man’s…. (I should probably omit this). Simms made me miss Merritt’s deep baritone voice as I kind of expected his voice all the way throughout. Either way the tracks are great and whoever is singing it doesn’t matter.
This album has been garnering comparisons to the Jesus and Mary Chain style which has been emulated numerous times by other bands and usually has an addictive quality. I would say though that this album is more of a grower then a instant hit. I found myself not being able to get past “Three Way” and “California Girls” at one point but eventually I put on Distortion and fell asleep to it, allowing me to discover the rest of the album. I really enjoyed the lyrics and while I didn’t enjoy the “distortion” as much as I thought I would’ve this album is still great.
Maybe not that great of an album but very very solid and I enjoyed this album though there were some misses. If you give it time, I’m sure you can get to like it. I give it a 4.1 out of 5.
Since California Girls has been posted a ton, you can find it here, there and everywhere.
Here are 2 other tracks that I really dig:
The Nun’s Litany by The Magnetic Fields
Too Drunk To Dream by The Magnetic Fields
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Tags: Magnetic Fields
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“…but eventually I put on Distortion and fell asleep to it…”
I’m sure you didn’t really mean it that way.