the magnetic fields: no synths but plenty of sincere sarcasm

Seated onstage at the Aladdin Theater, The Magnetic Fields rounded out two candid, rousing nights in Portland playing to a sold out house on Sunday, February 21st on their first night in town.

Perched upon a bar stool stage left, singer and songwriter Stephin Merritt, ukulele in hand, drearily bared himself by pairing his witty, zany craft with his remote, reserved demeanor.

Between his humorlessly delivered banter (that was actually hilarious) and disconnected comportment, Merritt carried himself like a character in a Christopher Guest film, yet this was him being sincere. And that sincerity, and brevity, was what fans adored.

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two melodious nights with the magnetic fields at the aladdin

The Magnetic Fields tricks are straightforward and sweet. No impressive illusions or smoke and mirrors, just a good ole’ gotcha nose routine.

With each release, chief singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt attempts something new but always delivers candid pop tunes and romantic ballads, although his famously synthy respites have been neglected as the band completed their “no-synth trilogy” with the release of this year’s Realism.

Known for his distinctive bass voice and endearing creative eccentricities, the latest album avoids electric guitar...

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