I'm not sure if this is kosher since this album isn't *technically* released yet, but much if not all of it is streamable online (yes, I am going to buy it tomorrow).

It's a big throwback to the pre-69 Love Songs sound. It sounds like a drum machine is used on most of the songs, and there's tons of reverb on everything. On the other hand, he's still using other vocalists and the production is fuller than it was back around Holiday, with much more guitar, so I wouldn't call it a retreat.

I don't like to judge song quality on a first listen, and that goes double for a band like The Magnetic Fields, but my first impression is that it's quite a bit more consistent than the rather disappointing i. It certainly has more energy at least.

I don't have much else to say about it right now, but I thought I'd get the ball rolling. Once I've more thoroughly digested the album I'll add some more specific commentary.

Not really a fan here, though there are one or two decent songs. The distortion makes it grating to me.

The entire album is streaming on their myspace.

Yeah, this album is due out tomorrow as a lot of online sites (Popmatters, DoA, P4K) already reviewed it today—I think it is the first major release of 2007.

From what I have heard, I do like it and this is coming from someone that doesn’t like much reverb or muddiness in his music. Merritt’s melodies and lyrics are still the most important here and those are high-quality. I do like the way they incorporate Gibson’s voice as she gives everything an added dimension.

For fans of the band, shoegaze or simply music, it’s definitely worth checking out.

dont mean to nitpick, but i know you mean 1st big release of 08 Fragile

Definitely checking it out. I only have a few song sby the Magnetic Fields but almost every song I've heard I've liked.

Sing Hallelujah!! The High Priest of Pop is back.

Is Claudia single?

First couple listens through - I love it. Definetly better than 'I', not as good as '69 Love Songs', but still really good.

One thing I'm noticing right now that was bugging me for a while - Xavier Says bears a strong resemblance to Jeremy (off The Wayward Bus, not the Pearl Jam Song). Knowing Merritt it could be intentional, I suppose..

Finding it fairly average after a few listens through. Don't have any problem with the distortion or anything, but most of the songs seem fairly samey and unremarkable, though there are definitely a few highlights. But who knows, might grow on me.

I actually think the distortion makes the album better. It might not improve the songs, per say, but it adds some intrigue; it makes it even more interesting by adding another element... Okay, that pretty sums up why I love shoegaze like I do. My requirement for acceptable shoegaze lies in the songs - they must be strong.

The songs on Distortion have an intimidating flex.

listened to it three times, and so far not sure how I feel about it (this is usually a good sign).. I don't think you can really compare it to 69LoveSongs (as that was specifically written as G C D pop music), however I'm already feeling that it's a bit more consistent than 'i'. Has anyone listened to anything pre-69?

quote:

Originally posted by Eckle:
First couple listens through - I love it. Definetly better than 'I', not as good as '69 Love Songs', but still really good.

I would imagine this is the best we could hope for. I've only heard one track ("Old Fools"), and it didn't do much for me. It sounded a bit like Jesus and Mary Chain, which I don't think suits Merritt's strengths (that is some awful alliteration, BTW, apologies).

It seems you can't stream the album off of their myspace page anymore. Only four songs. Does anybody have another to a music blog or the like where I can listen to the whole album?

quote:

Originally posted by Maximum Jack:

quote:

Originally posted by Eckle:
First couple listens through - I love it. Definetly better than 'I', not as good as '69 Love Songs', but still really good.

I would imagine this is the best we could hope for. I've only heard one track ("Old Fools"), and it didn't do much for me. It sounded a bit like Jesus and Mary Chain, which I don't think suits Merritt's strengths (that is some awful alliteration, BTW, apologies).

To be fair, I wouldn't call "Old Fools" one of the stronger songs. I think the Jesus and Mary Chain were actually specifically an inspiration on the sound of the album. But Merritt's tunes have quite a bit more brains than anything the J&MC did.

quote:

Originally posted by (Nothing But) Flowers:
listened to it three times, and so far not sure how I feel about it (this is usually a good sign).. I don't think you can really compare it to 69LoveSongs (as that was specifically written as G C D pop music), however I'm already feeling that it's a bit more consistent than 'i'. Has anyone listened to anything pre-69?

I've listened extensively to their entire catalog (besides Get Lost, for some reason). Distortion reminds me the most of The Charm of the Highway Strip, I think - not that they sound the same, but that album was also sort of Stephin Merritt taking a particular style of music, in that case country, and warping it to his own purposes. For both albums if you like the sound you'll love the record - I don't think he's ever released a song that was just completely bad.

As far as an overall ranking, I'd also place it on a level with The Charm of the Highway Strip. Obviously not close to 69 Love Songs and probably not as good as Holiday either. Better than either The Wayward Bus or Distant Plastic Trees. So let's say it's their third best album.

I highly recommend picking up at least Holiday if you have any interest at all in indie pop.

By the way, if you haven't heard "100,000 Fireflies," do yourself a favor. Despite being on their otherwise unremarkable first album, Distant Plastic Trees, it's probably the best song Merritt has ever written.

quote:

Originally posted by odysseyandoracle:
By the way, if you haven't heard "100,000 Fireflies," do yourself a favor. Despite being on their otherwise unremarkable first album, Distant Plastic Trees, it's probably the best song Merritt has ever written.

Completely agree with you, that song could make a grown man shed a tear... What? It's cool to cry!
Anyways, I'm really digging the album.

I've been reading about this guy for about 5 years now, but still haven't listened to any of his albums (Magnetic Fields is just him, right?. I figure this will be a good intro since I generally like a little distortion. I was close to buying the Holiday album a few months ago. It's only 10 bucks at the local record store here in Tampa. Seeing that it's getting some love, I'll pick up both.

After a couple of listens, I think Distortions is a pretty good album. It gets off to a rocky start -- the first couple songs almost made me not bother with the rest of it -- but it picks up after that. With the heavily distorted guitars and the guy/girl pop melodies, it reminds me a lot of Yo La Tengo.