Magnetic Fields
Holiday
(Merge)
Holiday was first released in 1993, about a year before Stephin Merritt rose from
obscurity to minor cult figure, where he remains today. Merritt has released records under the
band names the Magnetic Fields, the Gothic Archies, Future Bible Heroes, and the 6ths, though
these are more pseudonyms for Merritt than actual bands since they usually consist of nothing
more than Merritt and an occasional vocalist. On Holiday the only participants other than
Merritt are a tuba player and a cellist, neither of whom is clearly audible on any of the songs.
Merritt's not here to jam; he's a songwriter, and he's rather good at it. Holiday has been re-released after being out of print for several years, and fans will
quickly recognize the same quirky pop music that makes up other Magnetic Fields records.
Merritt's deep and dolorous vocals closely resemble Leonard Cohen's, unfortunately, which makes
one long for the first Magnetic Fields records and the 6ths where Merritt stuck to writing great
pop songs and let others do the singing. The lyrics are usually moon-in-June love songs (every
Magnetic Fields record has a song with "moon" in the title; one of the records has
three). One is left with only the tunes, which is what the Magnetic Fields are all about, and
it's often enough. Merritt records a memorable melody more often than not, and the last song,
"Take Ecstasy With Me", is a minor classic. A good record, though better ones by
Merritt are out there.
Rating: 7
See also Future Bible Heroes.
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