The Magnetic Fields – Realism

by Vinh on February 15th, 2010

The Magnetic Fields – Realism
January 26th, 2010
Nonesuch Records
Score: 4.2

Reality is predicated on perception and therefore rather tricky to gauge, for views are as shaped by what we want to see as what is actually transpiring. The Magnetic Fields’ singular brand of indie-pop is beloved — particularly 69 Love Songs — to be certain, but isolating instances of sincerity amidst the abundant, often biting sarcasm can be a fruitless task. On the last chapter of his no-synth trilogy, Stephen Merritt finally throws listeners a bone. Unfortunately, it’s a flavorless, brittle one that doesn’t lend itself to repeated use. A return to melodic pastures is understandable following 2008’s noise-pop foray Distortion which, while refreshing, was also jarring to some who had grown up with the cushy Fields in their ears. Merritt overcompensates on Realism, reversing the balance rather than restoring it as his craft transitions from somewhat strident to saccharine in one fell swoop. These 13 tracks are painfully dry and mannered. Moreover, they’re far too overt in nature, almost patronizing as the album connects the dots in our place. ‘We Are Having A Hootenanny’ reinforces Merritt’s claim that this is to constitute his “folk” record with its soulless, strum-driven communal vibe, ‘The Dolls’ Tea Party’ unfurls in twinkly, sterile fashion, ‘The Dada Polka’ trips over its quasi-festive congested arrangements, and the list goes on. The impetus behind Realism and its two predecessors is admirable — no one wants to be pigeonholed and The Magnetic Fields have taken the measures deemed necessary to separate themselves from a static sonic identity — it simply isn’t carried out in an intriguing manner with Realism surely representing the bottom of this venture’s barrel. Flimsy and pedestrian throughout, Merritt’s stab at channeling reality ultimately amounts to the least genuine outing of his career.

Vinh Cao

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