The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields review – a double dose of life as Stephin Merritt

Splitting his 50 Song Memoir over two nights scrutinises all the ripe detail, heartbreak and humour of the songwriter’s journey from boy to hipster man

Graeme Virtue

27, Aug, 2017 @1:36 PM

Readers recommend playlist: songs about hedonism

A playlist in the pursuit of pleasure, with Pet Shop Boys, Magnetic Fields and Lionel Richie all joining the party

Scott Blair

11, May, 2017 @11:00 AM

The Magnetic Fields: 50 Song Memoir review – quirky and joyous

(Nonesuch)

Kitty Empire

12, Mar, 2017 @8:00 AM

The Magnetic Fields: 50 Song Memoir review – Stephin Merritt's richly observed life

Dave Simpson

09, Mar, 2017 @9:15 PM

‘From the inside, it sure felt like a cult’ – Stephin Merritt of the Magnetic Fields’ life in songs

On the band’s new album, 50 Song Memoir, Merritt dedicates one song to each of his years on the planet so far. Here are some of the pivotal years – and the stories behind the songs

Mark Beaumont

09, Mar, 2017 @4:20 PM

A history of the love song in 10 tracks

From gay anthems to online romance, love songs have charted our changing times. Here’s our guide to seven decades of swooning in pop

Jude Rogers

12, Feb, 2017 @8:00 AM

Stephin Merritt on his musical memoir: 'People who could be insulted, I cleared with them first'

The prolific Magnetic Fields songwriter has just unveiled his latest epic work – a track for each year of his life. He talks about how he sorted through the ‘mess’ of his past

Alex Needham

05, Jan, 2017 @1:42 PM

The sound of beating hearts: our writers' favourite love songs

With Valentine’s Day upon us, our music team choose the love songs they’ll be listening to over the bouquets and breakfast in bed

Alexis Petridis, Rebecca Nicholson, Tim Jonze, Harriet Gibsone, Dave Simpson, Tshepo Mokoena, Maddy Costa, Michael Hann, Alex Needham and Laura Barton

13, Feb, 2015 @12:52 PM

The Magnetic Fields: Andrew in Drag live session - video

Stephin Merritt of unconventional American indie band the Magnetic Fields visits the Guardian studio with his ukulele to perform his tragic love song

Ben Kape, Andy Gallagher, Mustafa Khalili and Josh Strauss

03, May, 2012 @10:13 AM

The Magnetic Fields – review

They may be as frumpy, geeky and dour as the Glee band hitting middle age, yet they provide one of the most sublime live experiences in music, writes Mark Beaumont

Mark Beaumont

27, Apr, 2012 @5:33 PM

Magnetic Fields: Love At the Bottom of the Sea – review

The comparisons with 69 Love Songs aren't going to stop – and once again the latest Magnetic Fields album can't quite match up, writes Tim Jonze

Tim Jonze

01, Mar, 2012 @10:15 PM

The Magnetic Fields – Love at the Bottom of the Sea: exclusive album stream

Your chance to hear the new Magnetic Fields album a week ahead of release

27, Feb, 2012 @4:57 PM

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