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Distortion - Magnetic Fields
User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11

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  1. JohnMcC.
    Apr 3, 2008
    9
    Tuneless? I think not. A great pop album reminiscent of earlier Magnetic Fields records.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. ScottM
    Jan 15, 2008
    7
    It tends to wear out its welcome a bit but there are some pretty solid songs contained within.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. JasonA.
    Jan 16, 2008
    8
    This is a really great album. Fans of The Magnetic Fields won’t be disappointed. The only detraction that I would have to add is that sometimes the production is a little tinny. Yeah, I know that Stephen Merritt was going for an early JAMC feel but I still wish that there was a little more bass in the mix. I’m also a huge JAMC fan but you’ve gotta be in the right mood to listen to Psychocandy and the same applies to this album. Even though it is very early in 2008, I think that Distortion is going to hold up well throughout the year and end up on a lot of critics year end best of lists in December. Courtesans and Mr. Mistletoe are the only 2 songs that haven’t really grabbed me yet. Stand out’s include California Girls, Too Drunk To Dream, I’ll Dream Alone and Old Fools. Stephen Merritt seems miserable in the same way that Morrissey is and you’ve got to love that!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  4. BrianS.
    Jan 28, 2008
    2
    All the tunefulness from the previous album is gone, replaced by a series of songs that are more kitsch than substance. If "Washington, D.C." was your favorite song from "69 Love Songs," you'll like this record. If you're looking for real songs, such as "I Don't Believe in the Sun" and "Long Forgotten Fairytale," you'll be disappointed.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  5. JonR
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    This is really a great album. Pessimism abound but these are some wonderfully crafted pop songs.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  6. scotts
    Jan 28, 2008
    5
    Not bad. not great. some solid tracks, but overall a less than average MF record. if you listen hard enough you can tell the songs are well written, however, with all the production and "distortion" it's hard to really enjoy it.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. All Music Guide
    70
    It's a double-sided hook that clears the murkiness from the remaining five tracks, while simultaneously improving the first half (especially tracks like 'California Girls' and 'Please Stop Dancing') when spun for a second or third time.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    The epitome of a melancholy winter record.
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  3. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Save the odd occasion where Merritt opts for smirking affect over emotional resonance, it all adds up to an excellent addition to an already distinguished back catalogue.
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