Nonesuch Records
Released January 26th, 2010
Realism is the The Magnetic Fields' 9th album, and there is one thing that keeps each new release exciting: the ever-changing sound of each album. The Magnetic Fields' Stephin Merrit constantly experiments with new genres, sounds, instruments and themes in his work over the 18 years of the bands existence. Previous albums focused on synth-pop, folk, country, cabaret, noise, and strange blends of each (synth-pop-country). Realism takes the exact opposite route as 2008's Distortion, which relied on distorted noise-pop (a la The Jesus and Mary Chain), and instead uses only stripped down stringed and keyed instruments without any pedals or other digital manipulation.
What's also impressive about the musicianship of this album is the complete lack of any drums (though tambourines are used on the most up-beat, fun song on the album "The Dada Polka"). Instead rhythm is established through the amazing number of layers of instruments. On one of the best songs on the album, "Walk A Lonely Road," there seems to be about 20 different aural layers washing out and over you.
The best moments of this album recall the 69 Love Songs opus and 2004's I, particularly the opening track "You Must Be Out of Your Mind" which is another highlight. Though one complaint with Realism that I have is that about half of the songs are good and the other half are quite forgettable. Sorry Stephin, but I'm just not that into a song about a doll's tea party played on a ukulele. And, much like Distortion, Realism lacks any songs that grab you in that fun, catchy pop-way that earlier MF albums had. But Distortion did end up growing on me more and more as the year went on and ended up as one of my favourites of '08. I suspect this album will do the same.
RIYL: Leonard Cohen, Beirut, The Antlers
Rating: 6.5
I almost dished out 35 bucks to see them.
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