The band was originally formed in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1990 by friends Merritt and (percussionist/pianist/vocalist) Claudia Gonson. While 1991's Distant Plastic Trees and 1992's The Wayward Bus (now most easily available together as a compilation, The Wayward Bus / Distant Plastic Trees) are sung by Susan Anway (b. 1951 - d. 2021), all subsequent albums are principally sung by Merritt himself.
Longtime members include: Gonson, (cellist) Sam Davol, and (banjo player/guitarist) John Woo. Contributors include (but are not limited to) the singers Susan Anway, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms, and LD Beghtol, and the accordionist/writer Daniel Handler (famous for writing the childrens' books A Series of Unfortunate Events under the alias Lemony Snicket).
Their most popular and best-selling album to date is 69 Love Songs issued on Merge Records as a triple album filled with many fairly short songs that are reminiscent of early Beatles productions.
The album is notable for its employment of many unorthodox musical arrangements and downright impressive quantity of material presented. Instruments used on this album include the ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, piano, flute, xylophone guitars, various percussion instruments, and a standard setup of synths and effects. It features several guest vocalists on several different tracks. The album is a three CD set, released in the US as three separate albums (also available as a boxed set) and in the UK as a triple album.
The album i (2004, Nonesuch Records) continues Merritt's fixation on the concept album, with each of the 14 songs beginning with the letter (and often the pronoun) "I".
The album Distortion, was released through Nonesuch on the 15th January 2008 and introduced noise pop to the array of styles utilized in their music. The album's release was followed by a sold-out U.S. tour starting in February. Additional albums followed in 2010, 2012, 2017, and 2020.
Stephin Merritt is involved in several other musical projects: The 6ths (featuring different guest performers on every track), The Gothic Archies (songs dealing humorously with dark themes) and Future Bible Heroes (with music written by Chris Ewen)
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Heather Heather
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We belong together like sex and violence
Like death and silence
Heather heather
We're birds of a feather
We have a duty to youth and beauty
And in your blood runs some of mine
And in your head flows too much wine
My famous wine
Heather heather
We're like the weather
All mist and air, but always there
Heather heather
Put on some leather
And let's go dancing 'twixt lasers glancing
The Magnetic Fields's song "Heather Heather" is a love song that describes the bond between two completely opposite people. The opening line "Heather Heather, we belong together like sex and violence, like death and silence" portrays a strong, indescribable bond between the two people. The use of metaphor here suggests that their attraction is intense, electrifying, and can be violent, yet it has a silence that bridges this intensity. The following lines "We're birds of a feather, we have a duty to youth and beauty" reinforces that the two people are inseparable and would do anything for each other. The mention of youth and beauty signifies that their love is passionate, and they have a strong urge to live their life to the fullest.
The chorus "And in your blood runs some of mine, and in your eyes, I am divine, and in your head flows too much wine, my famous wine" portrays a spiritual connection between the two people where their blood is mixed, and they become one. The phrase "And in your head flows too much wine, my famous wine" suggests there is a sense of intoxication involved, a feeling of addiction that the singer has by being around Heather. The second verse "We're like the weather, all mist and air, but always there" further emphasizes the sense of constant and unwavering loyalty despite the lack of grounding. The final line "Heather Heather, put on some leather and let's go dancing 'twixt lasers glancing" depicts a playful and light-hearted tone, indicating that the singer and Heather share a fun time together.
Line by Line Meaning
Heather heather
The singer is addressing a person named Heather twice in order to emphasize their connection.
We belong together like sex and violence
The singer and Heather have a powerful, intense connection comparable to sex and violence.
Like death and silence
The singer and Heather's connection is also final and solemn, like death and silence.
We're birds of a feather
The artist and Heather are similar in some way, perhaps in their values or personality.
We have a duty to youth and beauty
The artist and Heather feel responsible to embody youth and beauty, as exemplified in their actions and choices.
And in your blood runs some of mine
The singer and Heather are connected in a deep, biological way.
And in your eyes I am divine
Heather sees the singer as godlike or exceptional in some way.
And in your head flows too much wine
Heather may be under the influence of alcohol or emotions that cloud her judgment.
My famous wine
The artist may be known for supplying alcohol or perhaps famous for their strong emotional impact on others.
We're like the weather
The artist and Heather's connection is as changeable and unpredictable as the weather.
All mist and air, but always there
Their connection may be intangible like mist and air, yet always persists in some way.
Put on some leather
The artist is suggesting Heather change her attire in order to join them in an adventure.
And let's go dancing 'twixt lasers glancing
The singer and Heather are encouraged to have fun and experience something exciting and visually stimulating together.
Contributed by Max M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.