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Concert Mon Mar 08 2010
The Magnetic Fields @ Harris Theater
Lots of bands make up for lackluster music with an off-the-hook live show. New York-based indie stalwarts The Magnetic Fields do it the other way around. Band leader/genius Stephen Merritt's been pretty open about his disdain for performing and his music (richly orchestrated folk-pop that sometimes incorporates synthesizers) could never be described as anthemic or arena-ready, but that didn't stop them from packing Millennium Park's Harris Theater to the gills on Oscar night. Their awkward stage banter alone makes it hard to believe these guys have been playing together for 20 years, but as soon as they start playing it becomes clear why this lineup has persevered so long.
Taking a cue from their latest, the excellent 'return-to-their-roots' Realism, the Fields kept it simple (a ukulele, acoustic guitar, cello, keyboard, and autoharp) for this two-act set, playing a slew of songs from every one of their records, from 1991's Distant Plastic Trees to 1999's magnum opus 69 Love Songs to 2007's fuzzed-out Distortion (which is just as brilliant acoustically). Their sound is probably most comfortable in a tighter, more intimate venue (the band looks a bit displaced on Harris' cavernous stage), but the sound fills the space just fine and after two solid hours the audience was still screaming for more.
Hey, just because Merritt doesn't like performing doesn't mean we don't like to watch him perform. Take a look for yourself.
There's still a few tickets left for tonight's show (which includes a substantially different set than last night's performance), so call (312) 334-7777 to reserve. It's worth it.
Mason MacKenzie / March 8, 2010 10:08 AM
This band you have to see! Too bad I gave up live music for lent :-(