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The Charm of the Highway Strip

The Magnetic Fields

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Album Review

Stephin Merritt took more of a narrative approach than usual on The Charm of the Highway Strip, which was in part inspired (as the title indicates) by on-the-road experiences and exhibited a (very slight) country influence. Not as good as Holiday, although it has characteristically agile songwriting and production.

Customer Reviews

Magnetic Fields at their early best

Easily the best of their single albums: a unique sound perfected, Merrit's lyrics at their tragicomical best, and a solid theme that makes for, as might be obvious, a great road album. Even if you aren't immediately into Merrit's unassuming voice, give it a try: he's no American Idol and not trying to be: he's perfect for the dark brooding mood of his own. Try "Two Characters in Search of a Country Song" "Fear of Trains" "Long Vermont Roads" is a great and unique track, but the lyrics are a little "adult"... though you have to think about it a second to catch it.

Best Road Trip Album

Not only is this my favorite Merrit album, but it is also the perfect compnion for a long drive, especially at night. Songs about trains, driving, neon signs and the open prairie keep you motivated to go the distance. And the witty lyrics are some of Merrit's best ever. A must have for fans, and anyone who spends a lot of time in their car.

sadly overlooked

with all the hoopla about his other work, this melencholy masterpiece from MF is often - and sadly - overlooked.

Biography

Formed: 1990 in Boston, MA

Genre: Alternative

Years Active: '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

The Magnetic Fields may be a bona fide band, but in most essential respects they are the project of studio wunderkind Stephin Merritt, who writes, produces, and (generally) sings all of the material. Merritt also plays many of the instruments, concocting a sort of indie pop-synth rock. While the Magnetic Fields' albums draw upon the electronic textures of vintage acts like ABBA, Kraftwerk, Roxy Music with Eno, Joy Division, and Gary Numan, Merritt's vision is far more pointed toward the alternative...
Full Bio

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