((The Magnetic Fields)) Band Profile and Upcoming Chicago Concerts - Oh My Rockness
The Magnetic Fields
Stephen Merritt is the driving force behind The Magnetic Fields. Though a full-fledged band, it is Merritt who writes, produces and sings most of the material, creating pure indie pop.
With The Magnetic Fields, Merritt crafts a product that is far greater than the sum of its parts. One wouldn't suspect his monotonous, under-confident voice and clever wordplay over lo-fi synth arrangements would be enough to father one of the most beloved indie bands of the last 15 years. But then again, who knew that a sprawling 3-CD mega-album entirely devoted to love (69 Love Songs) would not only succeed but would be destined to become a classic?
The ever-prolific Merritt keeps us guessing, whether utilizing his scathing wit or his transcendent sensitivity, to create his own pop formula that never sounds tired. And in the genre of indie pop, with so many bands ripping each other off, Merritt's original versatility is nothing short of amazing.
With The Magnetic Fields, Merritt crafts a product that is far greater than the sum of its parts. One wouldn't suspect his monotonous, under-confident voice and clever wordplay over lo-fi synth arrangements would be enough to father one of the most beloved indie bands of the last 15 years. But then again, who knew that a sprawling 3-CD mega-album entirely devoted to love (69 Love Songs) would not only succeed but would be destined to become a classic?
The ever-prolific Merritt keeps us guessing, whether utilizing his scathing wit or his transcendent sensitivity, to create his own pop formula that never sounds tired. And in the genre of indie pop, with so many bands ripping each other off, Merritt's original versatility is nothing short of amazing.
Published November 18, 2004
