Review at a glance
Critics inevitably say that every new album made by Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields doesn’t match up to the vaulting ambition of his 1999 what-it-says-on-the-tin masterpiece, 69 Love Songs, but this one comes closest: five discs, more than 100 instruments, and one song for each year of his life.
Like binge-watching a surreal box-set, newcomers may wonder what the fuss is about at first, but then get sucked into this singular world.
Merritt’s Eeyorish baritone plunges to comical depths on I’m Sad, one of a fair few dreadful novelties which also include the anaemic rock of Surfin’ and the ragged distortion of Blizzard of ’78.
But of course a complete life story will have its ups and downs, and the weary beauty of Never Again and Stupid Tears more than compensate on another extraordinary achievement.