bedsitter23 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
bedsitter23) wrote2020-08-04 09:48 am
bedsitter23) wrote2020-08-04 09:48 am
Entry tags:
On the Shelf 215 : Magnetic Fields
This spring, David Sedaris released a Kindle-only essay called Themes and Variations. Having released the acclaimed Calypso in 2018 and doing it all and seeing it all, and proving he's the funniest guy in the room, it seemed an obvious transition.
So, in many ways does Quickies by The Magnetic Fields feels like a novella. Why not? Sedaris is probably the artist that is closest to Merritt in terms of what he is trying to accomplish. Think about it? Who were you going to say? Morrissey? Lou Barlow?
Quickies is a logical step after 2017's 50 Song Memoir, but most importantly, the listener won't think of such things, as Merritt just picks up business as usual. Yes, there is a song as short as 17 seconds, but again that's for the reviewers. Most songs are around the two minute mark. Enough to hit its punchline and move on to the next.
In fact, a fan might not think twice about the concept since it isn't that far away from Merritt's modus operandi. This being Merritt (like Sedaris) thing take turns for the dark, provocative and adult. Even the name itself is clearly a nod to something adult. Which of course means, titles like "The Biggest T*ts in History", "I wish I were a Prostitute Again" and "The Day the Politicians Died".
While not as good as "50 song" (nor pretending to be as ambitious), this makes a fine next entry in the Merritt discography.
So, in many ways does Quickies by The Magnetic Fields feels like a novella. Why not? Sedaris is probably the artist that is closest to Merritt in terms of what he is trying to accomplish. Think about it? Who were you going to say? Morrissey? Lou Barlow?
Quickies is a logical step after 2017's 50 Song Memoir, but most importantly, the listener won't think of such things, as Merritt just picks up business as usual. Yes, there is a song as short as 17 seconds, but again that's for the reviewers. Most songs are around the two minute mark. Enough to hit its punchline and move on to the next.
In fact, a fan might not think twice about the concept since it isn't that far away from Merritt's modus operandi. This being Merritt (like Sedaris) thing take turns for the dark, provocative and adult. Even the name itself is clearly a nod to something adult. Which of course means, titles like "The Biggest T*ts in History", "I wish I were a Prostitute Again" and "The Day the Politicians Died".
While not as good as "50 song" (nor pretending to be as ambitious), this makes a fine next entry in the Merritt discography.