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Reviews and Tracks for 50 Song Memoir by Magnetic Fields - Metacritic
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50 Song Memoir

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50 Song Memoir Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 24 Ratings

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  • Summary: Each song represents one year in frontman Stephin Merritt's life in this 50-song, five-disc set from the indie pop band.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 8, 2017
    100
    Merritt’s refracted reminiscences frequently offer thoughtful and incisive insights into bigger issues, and with deceptive sleight of story.
  2. The 405
    Mar 14, 2017
    95
    50 Song Memoir is as much the story of Stephin Merritt’s life as it is a love letter to song. It is a certifiable masterpiece and one that music lovers ‘round the world will not soon forget.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Mar 3, 2017
    91
    Though it lacks its predecessor’s immediate accessibility, it benefits from an aesthetic texture that’s grander, darker, and more satisfying, if only for the sense that memoirs don’t have to be confessional; they can tell a life’s story through tone and structure in addition to words. A good gimmick, it goes to show, has the power to transcend itself.
  4. Consequence of Sound
    Feb 28, 2017
    83
    An unprecedented two-and-a-half-hour journey into the typically guarded Merritt’s life, the album is as revealing as it is resonant.
  5. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 13, 2017
    80
    Musical quirks do pile up, but the joys here are many, from Merritt’s deadpan views on ethics, discos, Levi’s 501s, tears and his local (Be True To Your Bar), to his magnificent way with a tune, in which complexity lurks within simplicity.
  6. The Guardian
    Mar 9, 2017
    80
    It’s an album worthy of Merritt’s grand half-century.
  7. Pitchfork
    Mar 6, 2017
    74
    It helps that most of the album sits squarely in Merritt’s musical comfort zones.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. Prosmooth
    Mar 10, 2017
    10
    As a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on theAs a box set--it's on par with the Beatles Stereo Box Set. As a work of art, it's even more of a smack in the head. Not since New Kids on the Block has band sounded so relevant, so pure, and so in the moment. 50 songs here (8 are covers of one song by Pantera that I wasn't familiar with--a peculiar choice but I liked all of them except the dub step version). The word "Masterpiece" gets thrown around a lot on here, but that's exactly what Magnetic Fields has delivered. A stunner, folks.… Expand
  2. ethday
    Mar 16, 2017
    10
    "You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song"You need a cold-blooded man to keep you warm"... Filled with a lyrical and musical wit that is as brilliant as it is effortless, 50 Song Memoir is surprisingly dense with great music. Full of surprises and plenty of fun (Danceteria sounds like a closing credits song from "Bob's Burgers"). But equally tender and insightful. Love it.… Expand
  4. rickterp
    Mar 12, 2017
    6
    Because of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I wasBecause of all the positive buzz about this, I listened to this in its entirety when it streamed on NPR Music First Listen. I can't say I was impressed. Sure, there are some decent songs, but many seem like fill to me. And Stephin Merritt's voice just doesn't work for me. To be fair, I never really got into Magnetic Fields before and this might not have been the place to start. I hope all of you keep enjoying this, but I'm one who just doesn't get it.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

#5 Best Album of 2017
#63 Most Discussed Album of 2017
#23 Most Shared Album of 2017

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