the fields are magnetic

so, back in the day i thought the magnetic fields were okay, but I really liked the 6ths project for a whole host of reasons (barbara manning!). I never got into the 69 love songs despite thinking there were many fine songs on the album(s). But at some point I heard one song on a CD that a fan made for Califone one tour with that obvious baritone and simple song structure. it really struck a chord - incredibly evocative of the Lennon song Julia and not about someone's mom. a great song.

yesterday I finally saw them play live - very conveniently right across the street from where I work. I wouldn't say the show was great, but it was a perfect show to show off the great song writing. stephen merritt is easy to be irritated by, but pop song writing chops he's got.

the real bonus for me was they are being opened for this tour by a performance group (interstellar radio) that does some stuff I hoped would be similar to what I've been trying to do more of - they even have a live foley guy. the show was very golden era of radioesque, but quite live theatery as well, so not really what I'm trying to get to, but close. and it certainly put me in a good mood to talk with someone (Matt) who was doing live foley performances as well. The foley was way more true to concrete sounds, though partially this was because foley was part of what they wanted people to see, but they also used midi, which I try to avoid. It was however, quite entertaining. Apparently, in contrast to Poe's telltale heart the night I saw it, they did a science fiction piece the night before, would have been really entertaining I'm sure.