Posted on: April 6, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

 

Stephin Merritt is able to create a title that both works with the existing Magnetic Fields discography as well as establish a new tack for the band to take. What results with Love At The Bottom of the Sea is a title that will appease old and new fans alike, while adding a different tool to the band’s repertoire. I like the transitory opening God Wants Us To Wait, a track that touches upon the different approaches and styles that Magnetic Fields have taken over the last twenty years.

I feel that the album’s unique sound is established with the single Andrew in Drag. At about two minutes, the track succeeds as the band is able to conceptualize an idea and make it soar in little more than the opening strains. Goin’ Back To The Country shows a similar laser-like focus; the Magnetic Fields are not playing here. I’ve Run Away To Join The Fairies is an impressive late-album track, pushing up the tempo and momentum considerably. This has an effect of keeping listeners focused in on Love At The Bottom of the Sea until the final arrangements of All She Cares About Is Mariachi finish.

I believe that Love At The Bottom of the Sea is a stronger effort than many of the 200s MF albums as it shies away from the gimmicks that hindered them; with Merritt focused purely on making the tracks the bgest they can possibly be, something wonderful occurs. Taken as a comprehensive release, this release hearkens back to the quality of releases like 69 Love Songs or The Charm of the Highway Strip. Check the band out whenever they come to a town around you, and keep an eye out on their various social media platforms for more news about the band.

Top Tracks: God Wants Us To Wait, I’ve Run Away To Join The Fairies

Rating: 8.0/10

Magnetic Fields – Love At The Bottom of the Sea (CD) / 2012 Merge Records / 15 Tracks / http://www.merge.com / http://www.houseoftomorrow.com

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