This is the Magnetic Fields’ first album after signing to indie powerhouse Merge, and also the first record where Stephin Merritt takes lead vocals for the duration (in addition to playing nearly all the instruments). The hype sticker on the shrinkwrap features the following description by writer Robert Christgau: “like something conceived by a Martian who'd read about country music...but didn't happen to own any guitars” - and that pretty much sums it up for us. There’s something about Merritt’s bassy drawl indicating he could have been a Nashville superstar in another life, but the electronic arrangements that fill out these tracks are otherworldly. Check out “Crowd Of Drifters,” “Born On A Train,” “When The Open Road Is Closing In” and “Sunset City,” we guarantee you’ve never heard anything like this. 180g pressing with download code.

• 180g vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• limited edition
• music label: Merge 2008

reviewed by frau farbissina 02/2018