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 NPRās 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 āRoses,ā while Merritt led āAll My Little Words.ā
As they went through their set, Merritt and his bandmates shared the mic. Claudia Gonson sang āReno Dakota,ā Kaczynski took āFor We Are the King of the Boudoir,ā and Shirley Simms sang āKiss Me Like You Mean It.ā Even with a cold, Merritt nailed āThe Book of Loveā and teamed up with Gonson for āCome Back From San Francisco.ā
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.
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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 RenƩe 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.
