The Magnetic Fields

indie popindielo-fialternativeindie rock

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The Magnetic Fields is an American indie pop band that formed in Boston, MA in 1988 by Stephin Merritt. Albums released under the name "The Magnetic Fields" often consist of synth-pop music in a 1980s style underlying clever lyrics which are usually heavily ironic. While synth-pop often forms the foundation of their music, The Magnetic Fields' music borrows from many other styles, notably country, folk and indie pop. The band was originally formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1988 by friends Merritt and (percussionist/pianist/vocalist) Claudia Gonson. While 1991's Distant Plastic Trees and 1992's The Wayward Bus (now most easily available together as a compilation, The Wayward Bus / Distant Plastic Trees) are sung by Susan Anway (b. 1951 - d. 2021), all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself. Longtime members include: Gonson, (cellist) Sam Davol, and (banjo player/guitarist) John Woo. Contributors include (but are not limited to) the singers Susan Anway, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms, and LD Beghtol, and the accordionist/writer Daniel Handler (famous for writing the childrens' books A Series of Unfortunate Events under the alias Lemony Snicket). Their most popular and best-selling album to date is 69 Love Songs issued on Merge Records as a triple album of mostly short songs. The album is notable for its employment of many unorthodox musical arrangements and downright impressive quantity of material presented. Instruments used on this album include the ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, piano, flute, xylophone guitars, various percussion instruments, and a standard setup of synths and effects. It features several guest vocalists on several different tracks.

Source: Last.fm

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