The Magnetic Fields

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Cambridge, Boston MA, United States (1990 – present)

The Magnetic Fields is a New York-based group fronted by Stephin Merritt. Recent albums released under the name “The Magnetic Fields” usually consist of music in a 1980s style underlying clever lyrics which are often heavily ironic. While synth-pop often forms the foundation of their music, The Magnetic Fields’ music borrows from many other styles, notably , and .

The band was originally formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990 by friends Merritt and (percussionist/pianist/vocalist) Claudia Gonson. While 1991’s Distant Plastic Trees and 1992’s The Wayward Bus (now most easily available together as a compilation, The Wayward Bus / Distant Plastic Trees) are sung by Susan Anway, all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself.

Longtime members include: Gonson, (cellist) Sam Davol, and (banjo player/guitarist) John Woo. Contributors include (but are not limited to) the singers Susan Anway, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms, and LD Beghtol, and the accordionist/writer Daniel Handler (famous for writing the childrens’ books A Series of Unfortunate Events under the alias Lemony Snicket).

Their most popular and best-selling album to date is 69 Love Songs issued on Merge Records as a triple album filled with many fairly short songs that are reminiscent of early Beatles productions.
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Top Albums

  • 69 Love Songs
    The Magnetic Fields Play
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  • 69 Love Songs (disc 1)
    The Magnetic Fields Play
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  • Distortion
    The Magnetic Fields Play
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  • i
    The Magnetic Fields Play
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Top Tracks

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  • Lowbacca

    quick! is brilliant

    yesterday evening

  • rustcosta

    The new album is veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery rich. I'm not very fond of electronic bases, but listening to the album with a bit more of attention, it becomes clear that, once again, the joker of this band is heavily centered on the lyrics, the vocal melodies and harmonizations and the voice timbres. A combo that melts my heart. I love this band.

    yesterday morning

  • dancehalldaze

    i thought you were my boyfriend <3 new favourite

    Sunday morning

  • afterlaugh

    I don't know what I was doing with my life before I discovered The Magnetic Fields. Obviously something wrong.

    Sunday morning

  • flambito

    WHAT ABOUT A FUCKING SOUTH AMERICA TOUR, YOU FUCKERS? i love you.

    Saturday morning

  • likeadaydreamer

    You seemed to be, in love with me, which isn't very realistic.

    Thursday evening

  • Cox_of_Seagulls

    It grows on you.

    Thursday afternoon

  • dragiiin123

    what did y'all think of love under the sea?

    Thursday morning
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The End of the Tour at the Bottom of the Sea

17 May 2012 | from houseoftomorrow.com/

Tonight was the last night of the Tour at the Bottom of the Sea, and the band is now on their way home. There have been many exciting moments along the way--in addition to the new music video …

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