69 Love Songs

I've been listening to the Magnetic Fields' box set 69 Love Songs recently. I highly recommend that you check it out.



The songs are short (23 per disc), poppy gems that feature both great lyrics and beautiful music. (As with any collection of this size, there are hits and misses. But the misses are easily excused by the quality of the good songs.)

The musical style varies from song to song, as the Fields borrow from electronic, rock, folk, and country in their compositions. However, whatever the genre, each song shares the common characteristics of lush melodies and creative progressions. While the music has a pop sound, beneath the burnished surface is very deep, creative music.

However, it's the lyrics that really set this collection apart. The songs are alternately quirky, sweet, brooding, and dark -- often simultaneously. The word-play in many songs is clever and engaging, conveying the raw (and often conflicting) emotions triggered by romantic relationships.

The sparse production of the backing music allows the vocals (which alternate between a male and female singer) to shine through. The soulful voices of the singers make it seem that a friend is simply pouring out their feelings.

Give the Magnetic Fields a listen and let them share their feelings with you.