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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Reno Dakota
The Magnetic Fields Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know you enthrall me and yet you don't call me
It's making me blue, Pantone 292
Reno Dakota, I'm reaching my quota of tears for the year
Alas and alack! you just don't call me back
You have just disappeared, it makes me drink beer
I know you're a recluse
You know that's no excuse
Do not play fast and loose with my heart
Reno Dakota, I'm no Nino Rota, I don't know the score
Have I annoyed you or is there a boy who
Well, he's just a whore
I've had him before
It makes me drink more
The Magnetic Fields' song "Reno Dakota" is a tale of unrequited love and the pain that it brings. The song's protagonist, Reno Dakota, is the object of the singer's affection, but he is unkind and distant. The lyrics convey the singer's frustration and sadness as he pines for Reno, who enthralls him but never calls him back. The color Pantone 292 is mentioned, indicating the blueness and melancholy that the singer feels.
Despite his heartache, the singer sees through Reno's excuses and knows that he is just hiding from the world. The singer's yearning is not only met with rejection but also with confusion, as he questions whether he has annoyed Reno or if there is someone else in the picture, even a "whore." The singer's pain is evident as he resorts to drinking to deal with the loss.
Overall, "Reno Dakota" is a poignant and relatable portrayal of unrequited love and the ache that it can cause. The lyrics are straightforward and easy to understand, with a touch of humor that underscores the pain. The song's stripped-down, minimalist production adds to the feeling of raw emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
Reno Dakota, there's not an iota of kindness in you
You are extremely unkind, Reno Dakota
You know you enthrall me and yet you don't call me
Despite being captivated by you, you still refuse to contact me
It's making me blue, Pantone 292
Your absence is causing me great sadness
Reno Dakota, I'm reaching my quota of tears for the year
You have caused me to cry too much already
Alas and alack! you just don't call me back
Unfortunately, you refuse to return my calls
You have just disappeared, it makes me drink beer
Your sudden disappearance has caused me to turn to drinking alcohol
I know you're a recluse
I understand that you prefer to be alone
You know that's no excuse
However, that does not justify ignoring me
Reno, that's just a ruse
Your reclusiveness is simply a trick
Do not play fast and loose with my heart
Please do not toy with my emotions
Reno Dakota, I'm no Nino Rota, I don't know the score
I am not as experienced as Nino Rota, I am unsure of what is happening
Have I annoyed you or is there a boy who
I wonder if I have done something to upset you or if there is someone else
Well, he's just a whore
However, he is just a promiscuous person
I've had him before
I have experienced him previously
It makes me drink more
This knowledge has caused me to drink even more alcohol
Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Stephin Raymond Merritt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind