The Magnetic Fields: Realism

The Magnetic Fields
Realism
Nonesuch Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: Once again The Magnetic Fields take you down a different avenue.

Album Review:
Anymore I don't think you quite know what you are going to get with Stephin Merritt and his vehicle The Magnetic Fields. Last time we heard from him was just two years ago on the feedback heavy and appropriately titled Distortion [2008] record that was an excited return but before that, 4 years had passed. So with that, The Magnetic Fields make a quicker return to the scene and one would think this record might be a progression or regression back to some of their more indie rock roots but instead Realism is more of a laid back folk styled record. This direction still works for Merritt, as he is an excellent storyteller plus with the addition of his mainstay female vocal Claudia Gonson, many of tracks still retain a likable quality and have a definite replay value. The interesting quagmire here is that the same thing that makes this record different, holds it back from being great because the transitions here feel stagnant. Realism just does not flow smoothly and feels forced in places for Merritt to maintain the folk outline. Overall, certain songs would make a nice addition to any Magnetic Fields compilation you may have but Realism the 13 track album may eventually get lost in the shuffle.

Key Tracks: "You Must Be Out Of Your Mind", "The Dada Polka", "Always Already Gone"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Jonathan Richman
The Mountain Goats
Iron & Wine

The Magnetic Fields: Distortion [Fire Note Review 1/25/08]

Official Magnetic Fields Website
The Magnetic Fields MySpace
The Magnetic Fields Facebook
Nonesuch Records

-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta