Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Magnetic Fields
• Album: I
• Label: Nonesuch
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-08-26

How, in the world, do you follow up a 3 cd set of love songs? Well, with a new label and with an album with all the songs starting with i, that's how. Not only do all the songs start with the letter i but they have taken care to go one step further by alphabetizing the songs. Stephen Merritt has taken a bit of time for this release and in doing so we are giving a batch of mature songs that could please your mom as well as your indie buddy. The songs are very subdued and relaxed until we hit "I thought you were my boyfriend". It heads off a bit in the vein of his other projects (Future Bible Heroes) but in reality, it's just a damn catchy song in the midst of some mopers. The mopers are good if you are in the mood for them. Stephen's voice is an acquired taste for some with his deep baritone but it has become the principle sound of Magnetic Fields. On i Stephen keeps all vocal duties to himself. "I'm Tongue-Tied" is a track that sounds like it could be on an off-broadway show. Hell, most of the album sounds like that. My favorite track is "I Wish I Had An Evil Twin", simply for the brilliant arrangement and clever songsmithing. Again, it's hard to follow up 69 Love Songs but Magnetic Fields have done a great job with i.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums