Distortion
by Magnetic Fields
  • Record Label: Nonesuch
  • Release Date: Jan 15, 2008
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 16
  3. Negative: 2 out of 16

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  1. 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.

Awards & Rankings

96
#96 Best Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
  1. AllMusic
    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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