Stephin Merritt performed with a cold, singing tunes like “All My Little Words” and “The Book of Love” with the band.
The Magnetic Fields played eight tracks from their album 69 Love Songs on NPR’s Tiny Desk series.
During this special show, Stephin Merritt and his crew gave fans a unique version of songs they’ve been performing across North America, marking 25 years since their famous double album. Anthony Kaczynski started things with an a cappella piece called “Roses,” while Merritt led “All My Little Words.”
As they went through their set, Merritt and his bandmates shared the mic. Claudia Gonson sang “Reno Dakota,” Kaczynski took “For We Are the King of the Boudoir,” and Shirley Simms sang “Kiss Me Like You Mean It.” Even with a cold, Merritt nailed “The Book of Love” and teamed up with Gonson for “Come Back From San Francisco.”
People sometimes wonder about the stuffed cat Merritt held during the show; it’s actually a familiar prop for fans of the Tiny Desk series.
Trending Stories
Earlier in the year, The Magnetic Fields started their 69 Love Songs tour in North America, followed by European gigs over the summer. They finished another U.S. tour in November and have already planned more concerts for spring 2025.
The album will also play a big part in the Broadway show All In: Comedy About Love, written by Simon Rich and featuring stars like John Mulaney and Renée Elise Goldsberry. The show will include performances by the Bengsons, who were inspired by the album, playing selected tracks alongside other hits from The Magnetic Fields.
