CD Review: ‘Distortion’ by The Magnetic Fields

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

By Henry Sweets

The tracks on The Magnetic Fields’ new album, “Distortion,” are addictive pop anthems full of biting wit and redemptive swagger. Singer/songwriter Stephen Merrit’s usual melancholy is anesthetized by distortions, twangs, and general airiness backing up the album’s impressive vocals. The sound is reminiscent of avant gardists like David Bowie or Tom Waits, but the songs play like B-52’s tracks.

Buyers beware - in order to access and enjoy this album, you need to have a tolerance for distortion on every track. The group’s breakthrough release, “69 Love Songs,” was a concept album arranged like a theatrical revue and sung with a minimalist dramatic feel. The music is rich but simply produced; the lyrics about the ins and outs of tricky love.
For “Distortion,” the band took their sound in a much different direction while preserving the lament of their lyrics. Background noise is arranged behind overarching lyrics and solo guitar. Everything is filtered and decked with reverb and feedback. The different layers deliver toe-tapping rhythms and the vocals invite you to hum along. The happy pop components of this album are pitted against dark love themes in an expansive contrast.

The albums playful opener, “Three Way,” is an orchestral rock piece. The second track “California Girls” jabs at superficiality and imbues the listener with a lighthearted bitterness that continues through the album.

Lines like “please stop dancing in my head, I have cried ’til I’m half dead,” and “I’ve got to get too drunk to dream / because I only dream of you,” might depict a desperate state of affairs - but “Please Stop Dancing” is a feel-good breakup song, and “Too Drunk to Dream” is ultimately humorous.

Sandwiched between these two tracks, “Drive on Driver” reflects the ambiance of the entire album. It is a song about moving on. The melodies convince you to enjoy life, while the lyrics and distortion evoke the depths of woe.

This album may not suit those who are not children of disillusionment or who don’t find healing in melancholy. But seekers looking for something both powerful and fun should give this a spin.

Courtesy The Magnetic Fields
Expect wit and swagger from their newest album.

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CD Review: ‘Distortion’ by The Magnetic Fields | Planet JH News Article: General Music Arts and Culture

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