A Masterpiece- Instant Pop Classic.

Being a long time fan of the Magnetic Fields, I preordered 69 Love Songs last year. Absorbing a new work by a favorite artist, be it in music, writing, or art, is always a tricky task-- the artist may go into a new direction that you don't like, or the new work might not live up to earlier high standards (Soul Coughing's 2nd and 3rd albums are a prime example of these.)

I wasn't disappointed. From opening the gorgeous packaging, with its extensive liner notes and 3 cds of Merritty goodness, to listening to the sixty-ninth track and shutting off the amp, I was amazed. Surprised, too.

Stephin Merritt does go into a new direction with this work. If you're used to his earlier synth sound, get ready for a change. TMF goes into a more indie-pop style, although the electronic instrument is still well-represented. For some this might be a problem, but if you appreciate Merritt's wry lyrics you won't care what they're wrapped around, as long as it's good. And it is. Sparse arrangements break away from the wall-of-sound that was the Merritt trademark--a few songs have only a simple guitar, snaps, or absolutely nothing behind the vocal. Real drums come up in the mix, and the result is a much more modern, organic album.

Really, the only problems with this album are nitpicks. I'd say only 60 or so of the songs are "real songs", and there's a few I wish i could scratch off the discs. But as Theodore Sturgeon said, ninety percent of everything is cr@p, and the overwhelming majority of songs are at the top of that remaining 10%, which is simply a pop music achievement.

If you like the earlier TMF albums, buy this. If you've never heard TMF, but like solid, well crafted, intelligent pop music, buy this.