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. Ricko
    Feb 5, 2015
    5
    As an album "Distortion" relies heavily on the sonic characteristic after which it is named. A set of throwaway pop songs that hover between the quality marks of standard and decent that are given a whole additional dimension through the use of pedals and other studio trickery. Despite this innovation, there is no escaping the fact that the songs are middling. The likes of "Xavier Says"As an album "Distortion" relies heavily on the sonic characteristic after which it is named. A set of throwaway pop songs that hover between the quality marks of standard and decent that are given a whole additional dimension through the use of pedals and other studio trickery. Despite this innovation, there is no escaping the fact that the songs are middling. The likes of "Xavier Says" really doesn't belong in the same back catalog as 69LS. Hardcore fans will enjoy and even love but as curious music listener just checking stuff out its a disappointment.… Expand
  2. JohnMcC.
    Apr 3, 2008
    9
    Tuneless? I think not. A great pop album reminiscent of earlier Magnetic Fields records.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. JonR
    Jan 25, 2008
    9
    This is really a great album. Pessimism abound but these are some wonderfully crafted pop songs.
  6. JasonA.
    Jan 16, 2008
    8
    This is a really great album. Fans of The Magnetic Fields won
  7. ScottM
    Jan 15, 2008
    7
    It tends to wear out its welcome a bit but there are some pretty solid songs contained within.

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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