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If you didn’t already know, Magnetic Fields have released their new album this month entitled Distortion. What I don’t get is why everyone is so hyped up about it. Giving it 3 well-listened spins, I can’t say this album is anything better than “just ok”. What baffles me is why Distortion is dazzling critics all over:
“The songs themselves are as lush and prickly as anything Merritt’s ever made. ” - The Onion
“This is a terrific album, one fully ready and suited for headphones; an album that should be easily enjoyed by all and that will surely be loved by many.” - Delusions of Adequacy
“The perfect antidote to a season of false cheer and frozen toes.” - Entertainment Weekly
“Distortion is really a triumph of the evening-out.” - Lost At Sea
I like Magnetic Fields as much as the next guy, but Distortion had an overwhelming melancholy winter feel that grew tired pretty fast.
Distortion peaks somewhere at around ‘Drive On, Driver’, ‘California Girls’, and ‘Please Stop Dancing’, but when the album is not reaching some sort of high, it bombs really low. All in all, Distortion includes songs that can keep a fan happy, but does it ever reach previous highs? Frankly put, no.
So please explain the hype! I am open for flames, praise, mockery, and other comments in general.
Magnetic Fields - California Girls
Magnetic Fields - Please Stop Dancing
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Anonymous 01.19.08 at 5:48 pm
I love the Magnetic Fields, and I love this album, but that is possibly the worst cover art I’ve ever seen.
Reena 01.19.08 at 5:49 pm
I’ve had this for a while and haven’t got around to listening too much. Whole thing is kinda “same-y” — every song seems like it was recorded through the same thrift-store amp — which is cool if your gonna do different shit with it, but it gets a little tedious about halfway through, otherwise.
Anonymous 01.19.08 at 5:53 pm
after several listens…. the writing doesn’t seem as catchy as usual.
on the other hand… it usually takes me a while to really get into a new Magnetic Fields album. i’ve dis-liked most of their albums on first listen.
it’s a billion times better than Showtunes.
Magnusvon 01.19.08 at 8:50 pm
I am pleased to see this blog!! I have a great love for the Magnetic Fields and have REALLY tried to like this album, but there is definately somethiing missing… I also have read the same glowing reviews and am equally as puzzled. Perhaps it is Merrit’s use of The Jesus and Marychain’s album Psychocandy as an influence for this album. I have always been a fan of the clean synth, cello or drum machine sound of the other albums.
Tibi Puiu 01.21.08 at 9:20 am
Well it’s a very good album, their second best, after 69 love songs, but I guess you’re a bit right about the excessive praise and publicity. I think a reason for it’s high appeal, is the fact that Merit, kinda, never did something like this before, and the fuzzy, distorted and under-produced songs, sound remarkably well; damn catchy too.
Anonymous 01.27.08 at 7:32 pm
Thank you for having the guts to call BS! I thought I was the only one. This thing is practically unlistenable, And they’re actually touring behind it? I thought Stephen had “sensitive ears”… how will he stand all the racket? I don’t mind when my favorite bands try to expand their horizons, but this is a big letdown from the very under-rated “I”.
Gary Lucy