"Distortion" by The Magnetic Fields (Merge) - Out now

Those who pick up The Magnetic Fields’ “Distortion” are probably listeners of their other hit album, “i,” or “69 Love Songs”. For a first-time listener of the band, it could take a few tries to find the gold that lies underneath “Distortion.”

The name of the album is quite appropriate. The distortion is the elephant in the room that can’t be ignored. With the help of singer/songwriter/producer Stephin Merritt, cellist Sam Davol, pianist Claudia Gonson, and lead guitarist John Woo, along with Daniel Handler on accordion, the sound is fuzzy, distorted, slow and beautiful. The reverb makes it sound as if they’re in a big high school auditorium, trying out for a band contest. Even a single piano note is warped, as in “Xavier Says.” The tunes sounds positive, but hatred, lost love, and loneliness run rampant.

Merritt’s voice, an untrained bass, immediately brings the mood down, while the background piano and guitar keep the sound light. This dichotomy is what fuels the album. According to their website, houseoftomorrow.com, they rubber-banded instruments to amplifiers to get the fuzzy sound.

There’s more than a few radio-ready hits, such as “Please Stop Dancing,” about a person trying to get by after a breakup. “Too Drunk to Dream” is an instant anthem for anyone who’s ever lost love. “I’ll Dream Alone” follows the same theme, as does “Drive on Driver.” “California Girls” references popular teens with “perfect teeth” who “have affairs with each passing rock star.”

They poke fun at themselves too, and at times the lyrics are surprisingly comical. “Three-Way” is confident enough that it doesn’t need to say anything other than the title, three times. “Nun’s Litany” is purely entertaining.

The songs are mellow and relaxing. It’s welcoming to just sit and listen and relax. They’re deceptively likeable: You wouldn’t expect that with all the noise thrown in. The clash of drums, the muted fuzziness, and slow guitar picks with piano notes that fade out is pure “Distortion.”

Download this track now:
"Please Stop Dancing"

Where to get it:

iTunes

Amazon