The Magnetic Fields is an indie pop group led by the multifaceted musician Stephin Merritt and formed in 1990. The project takes the name in reference to André Breton’s work “Les Champs Magnétiques”. The project started with Merritt playing all the instruments, although after a few months, Claudia Gonson, Sam Davol, and John Woo joined Merritt, to perform live. Their debut show, in 1991, was as openers for Galaxie 500 show at “TT the Bear’s Place” in Boston. Their most acclaimed work is the 1999 triple album “69 Love Songs" in which Merritt plays instruments such as xylophone, flute, piano, mandolin, banjo, and percussion, among other instruments. The album also features guest vocalists LD Beghtol, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms and musical performances from Lemony Snicket on the accordion. Their next albums such as “Distortion” in 2008 and “Realism” in 2010, featured a more folk sound.
Music, Pop
Music, Rock
Music, Rock
Electronic, Music