Though it lacks its predecessor’s immediate accessibility, it benefits from an aesthetic texture that’s grander, darker, and more satisfying, if only for the sense that memoirs don’t have to be confessional; they can tell a life’s story through tone and structure in addition to words. A good gimmick, it goes to show, has the power to transcend itself.
50 Song Memoir might not lift itself into the same orbit of greatness as its gargantuan twin, but it’s still a strong work from one of the most singular songwriters of the last 30 years.
As a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on theAs a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on the Block has band sounded so relevant, so pure, and so in the moment. 50 songs here (8 are covers of one song by Pantera that I wasn't familiar with--a peculiar choice but I liked all of them except the dub step version). The word "Masterpiece" gets thrown around a lot on here, but that's exactly what Magnetic Fields has delivered. A stunner, folks.…Expand
Note: This review could've been longer, but I'm not as good at writing long pieces of work like the Magnetic Fields are.
Just like 69 LoveNote: This review could've been longer, but I'm not as good at writing long pieces of work like the Magnetic Fields are.
Just like 69 Love Songs, Stephin Merritt has managed to craft yet another large piece of music over two hours long. Also like 69 Love Songs, this album manages to be charming at almost every turn. The song "No" alone makes me like it (simply because I'm an atheist.) The Magnetic Fields manages to travel through the life of Stephin Merritt without ever trying to make the whole thing seem like some big event. It's just a life, but it's a pretty interesting life (Something like that would probably have been the intended theme for this album.)
"You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song"You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song Memoir is surprisingly dense with great music. Full of surprises and plenty of fun (Danceteria sounds like a closing credits song from "Bob's Burgers"). But equally tender and insightful. Love it.…Expand
The most vital Magnetic Fields release since 69 Love Songs, Stephin Merritt's autobiographical five disc collection of tunes has him soundingThe most vital Magnetic Fields release since 69 Love Songs, Stephin Merritt's autobiographical five disc collection of tunes has him sounding as vibrant and clever a writer as ever, which is something of a surprise given that MF's last album, Love at the Bottom of the Sea, was a slight, if amusing disc. It just goes to show that Merritt and company are at their best when they're being ambitious. I can't wait until he turns 100.…Expand
5 CD's long, this is the true successor to (and best work since) their "69 Love Songs" masterpiece. 50 tracks long, one for each year of5 CD's long, this is the true successor to (and best work since) their "69 Love Songs" masterpiece. 50 tracks long, one for each year of songwriter Stephin Merritt's life so far. For those of you who were fans of "69 Love Songs", this will be right up your street. Obviously at over 2 and half hours long, like any 50 track albums, it isn't your casual listen and it is a bit of work to get through. Maybe 5 percent of the album is over indulgence but that's what The Magnetic Fields have always been about, blending quirkiness/madness with genius. Spanning all types of styles but based on pop music I would class "50 Song Memoir" as essential listening but I do mean listening attentively. Your wasting your time giving it a casual spin as background music. A work of art in the truest sense.…Expand
Because of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I wasBecause of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I was impressed. Sure, there are some decent songs, but many seem like fill to me. And Stephin Merritt's voice just doesn't work for me. To be fair, I never really got into Magnetic Fields before and this might not have been the place to start. I hope all of you keep enjoying this, but I'm one who just doesn't get it.…Expand