The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields is a band led by the New York singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt. Albums released by Merritt under the name "The Magnetic Fields" usually consist of synth-pop music in a 19

The Magnetic Fields is a band led by the New York singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt. Albums released by Merritt under the name "The Magnetic Fields" usually consist of synth-pop music in a 1980s style underlying sometimes ironic, sometimes bitter and sometimes celebratory lyrics, mostly about love. While The Wayward Bus and Distant Plastic Trees (now most easily available together as a compilation) are sung by Susan Anway, all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself.

The most significant, popular and critically-acclaimed album to date is 69 Love Songs. This album really showcased the powerful song-writing abilities of this collaboration. The song-styling consisted of brilliant melodies normally medium to short in length. The result was a high number of quality songs that were quick to the point reminiscent of the early Beatles productions. Also of note is the musicianship demonstrated by various type of instruments used and how they were arranged. Some instruments that were used: ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, piano, flute, guitars of all shapes and sizes, various percussion instruments, and the usual setup of synths and effects, and a few other surpises throw in. This is a three CD set, released in the US as three separate albums (also available as a boxed set) and in the UK as a triple album. It features several guest vocalists on several different tracks.