The Magnetic Fields

Such a good concert: so distinctive a singer, such heart wrenching lovely tunes (a Burt Bacharach-Hal David of alt music) alternating with wry observational and catchy ditties (alt pop at its wittiest).

This show's dynamic is a change of pace from the shows I've been to mostly because the venue is a sitdown theater seating. The set is pared down with no extraneous stage props which was OK with me. This venue is perfect for the Magnetic Fields, I think. Glad I saw them live and would be interested to see how they perform in the traditional standup setting. Stephin Merrit is drier than a fine chardonnay.

The Magnetic Fields are amazing musicians. Their songs are beautiful and sad and maudlin. They re-imagine them for their live performances and change the arrangements and choose different singers and it all works out excellently. Having said that, they really have horrible stage presence. They do talk to the crowd, but only as required. They announce each song before they play it, and they only play what they have, almost like they are reading a book. I know that most touring artists do this, but it would be nice if it didn't feel so scripted. The show was also arranged so that it was lively in the first section and fairly sullen near the end.

I thought it was an ok concert. I felt like the group's performance energy was low and sort of a bit too laid back for a concert event. I like much of their music, but was hoping for a better "show". I'll be satisfied with listening to their music on a CD from here on out.

First off this review has nothing to do with the fox theater or it's employs which are both excellent!!! The show was executed by the musicians well. but the overall extreme low SPL(sound volume) of the show made it a strain to even hear what Stephin was talking about. Since Stephin loves to talk/sing about himself so much i would think it odd off him to request the volume be so low! But apparently it is not only his feelings that are sensitive it's also his hearing! so we all suffer for his art how "apropos". i know a thing or 2 about sound systems and i know this had nothing to do with the sweet L-acoustic line array at the fox, it was pretty much the artists "thing." So yeah now i get why your so depressed Stephin, you pretend to "rock" out on your records and then show up with a barley amplified string/brass ensamble and put on a mediocre show! whoo i think next time your in town i would prefer to stay at home save my money and reread the book from Andre Breton from which your name is stolen from.

I love the Magnetic Fields' music, but this show was so unbearably overserious it was hard to enjoy it. The band apparently told the workers in the venue not to make too much noise when they were performing, so bartenders couldn't even make martinis with cocktail shakers (no joke). The band played a lot of low-key, slow, quiet songs, and not once rocked the house. They didn't even nudge the house. It didn't have to be some raucous, dance-crazed event, but it certainly shouldn't have threatened sleep, as it did to this reviewer. I blame the band, not the Fox Theater. That place is run extremely professionally and is beautiful.

It was more like a classical music concert than a rock or pop concert. There was a 15 minute intermission, everyone was seated the entire time, and the performance was overall low in energy. I would have enjoyed it more had I been able to sit closer, I think. The volume was a bit low and the view was partially obstructed. On the plus side, the music was beautiful and I got to hear some songs I knew and some songs I did not.

Magnetic Fields was brilliant. and the Fox was *awesome*. like the anti-Warfield.

Well I won't say anything negative about the lovely band Magnetic Fields, it's true I was worn out and tired that day. I sat near the back and could hardly hear what the band members were saying between songs. The music was calm and courteous and kept me in a state of dream. I did enjoy myself and the interaction with the melody, though I did not know the band ahead of time. If you are a big Magnetic Fields fan this is the event for you, however as one who only recently discovered the group my enjoyment was limited. Cute group, interesting lyrics, just not engaging enough for me. Hope this review was helpful to you.

We rushed to the venue believing Magnetic Fields would go on at 8pm becuase the tickets didn't mention anything about an opening act.... But there was an opening act... and they were not unlike a drunken hipster at a karaoke bar. Sorry, but really? You're opening for the Magnetic Fields - at least attempt to sing outside of your beard. When the MF came on, I was surprised by how quiet they were. The sound guy either had hawk ears, or wanted to put everyone to sleep (I noticed lots of people dozing off during the show). As for entertainment -Claudia Gonson did the usual intro to each song, but when she once attempted to have some dialogue with the audience, Stephin Merritt warned her not to "banter with the audience, it's boring." Well... that pretty much sums it up. We left during the "it's been an hour, time for intermission" - I got in my car and put on my favorite MF album (Charm of the Highway) - and it wasn't much different than hearing it live. Summary: no surprises, hard to hear, sleep fest

This was an absolutely fantastic show. The venue itself was perfect. It established a sense of intimacy that many other venues attempt and fail to achieve. It felt as if I was sitting in their studio on a casual Tuesday evening. The only things missing were the drinks trolley and Claudia seeing us to the door at the end of the show. This was, without doubt, one of the finest shows I have had the pleasure of seeing in quite some time. There was an excellent balance between new material and old all of which were performed marvelously well. As we have all experienced, there are some bands whose live shows are nothing at all like their studio work. This was not the case. An excellent show, I cannot wait to see them again!

The Magnetic Fields, what really needs to be said about them? Their show blew me away with its simplicity and sincerity, yet their talent and charm (unsurprisingly) shone like 100,000 fireflies floating in the theater. (Sorry for that cheesiness.) Anywho, they are a fabulously engaging and musical group and I would see every one of their concerts on tour if I had the fiscal means. Poor Claudia had a sore throat and looked like she was fading by the end, but she pulled through and gave a great show. Yahoo!

Loved hearing Movies in my Head, Summer Lies and 100,000 Fireflies. This was my third time seeing them, first time was on the "I" tour. I do wish they could add/tolerate some more percussion. Stephin's near-intolerance of Claudia's intros is always amusing. I liked the opening act (Laura Barrett?) - will have to learn more about her.

I like some of their recorded material, but their live performance was as boring as anything I've ever seen. Five dull musicians mumbling to each other and playing very poorly. Maybe it was because it was the opening show of their tour, but I would NEVER pay to see them again.

The show was fantastic. The opener's set was about 35 minutes and they were interesting, they should have probably said their name at some point because I still don't know who they were. The Magnetic Fields came on around 8:45 played one set and took a 15 minute intermission and then played another set. The show was much longer than I expected and that is fantastic. My only complaint was with the ticket people in the venue. The woman was incredibly rude and wouldn't show us to our seats, so we had to find them ourselves.

Magnetic Fields played a mix of old and new. It was a nice auditorium and a long, two-hour set. There was some funny, witty banter in between songs. It was the first show of the tour. I recommend it.

I also saw their show at Lisner in 2008, and that was one of the best live performances I've ever seen--and last night's was equally excellent. Would have been cheap at twice the price.

Top 20 worst concerts I have ever seen. The set design had Steven front and center while the entire band was basically behind the set and you could not see them. Was shocked they had an intermission and that was when we left. He also used a video project there. Why would I want to watch stupid videos and not a very talented band?

Great great show! Great music, amazing setting, hilarious talks...I loved every min of it!

I'm a long-time Magnetic Fields fan, and a fan of the album, 50 Song Memoir. I attended the first night (songs 1-25) at the Apollo. I found the show to be pretty low-energy and only occasionally inspiring. It was brief, too: about an hour of music. Was hoping they might supplement with a few encore songs, but no dice.

Well the historic Apollo theatre is such a great place . To see a show Was greeted with smiles and a informative staff . Magnetic fields first night was as expected . A travel through personal experiences with wit and humor .Quality ,creative Musicians surrounding Mr Merritt . The songs took me back . Enjoyed every moment. Thanks Stephin

Assuming I was buying tickets for a standard Magnetic Fields show when I bought the tickets...had no idea I would get a musical play/memoir filled with thoughtful, bittersweet, darkly funny, and masterfully performed music that created such a magical night. Thank you Stephen for sharing your pain and joys throughout your life and the whole band for adding to the journey you have been on together since I started listening to you in the mid-nineties and my first show I saw of yours at Spaceland. Will never forget the night! Oh, and I got a cool signed book and poster too!

Beautiful set! Great Musicians! Fabulous SONGS!! Wonderful concept! Beautiful Venue! Great Energy!! Highly recommend!!

Very laid back and intimate show. Love that they announced the song names in between each song plus a story about it.

I really enjoyed the band but the per show was a bit odd and would have preferred to get right to the music

What a fantastic show. Sixth and i is a beautiful venue and opening with a reading was unique and appropriate. What an amazing band!

Only issue was with viewing. Some seats were terrible to see the "stage" but we were lucky and got good seats.

There was something oddly romantic and at the same time sadly emotional about The Magnetic Field's performance. I love their songs and Merritt's wit. They put on a great show and upon departure, I found myself reminicing (more than I like to admit) about loves lost and revenge fascinations. I loved it. As for Devotchka, I have seen them a couple of times at smaller, grittier venues, and they have been incredible, every time. I did find this particular performance a bit underwhelming. I understand that they were the opening band, and yes, they were acoustic, but they played all their 'biggest' songs, and felt like they left me waiting for the punchline. Either way, both Devotchka and The Magnetic Fields were splendid.

Not only was I thrilled to be going to see the Magnetic Fields, but upon seeing Devotchka's name under theirs on the Variety Playhouse marquee I was in HEAVEN. What a great show! Both acts were at the top of their games and I could not have been happier. One of those shows that you never want to end!

DeVotchKa's set and stage-style was beautiful. With Shawn King on drum machine and trumpet and Tom Hagerman filling out the sound on accordion and violin, Urata's voice and whistling was enchanting. The Magnetic Fields were hilarious, but musically compelling as well. Stage-talk and showmanship of the group filled in the gaps between their satirical songs, while their more serious numbers grounded the show in music instead of letting the feel of the concert devolve into a stand-up comedy set. Rotation of singing leads made Stephin Merritt's bass vocals stand out as that much more among the higher registers of Claudia and Shirley. All together an extremely enjoyable and memorable show.

I have seen the magnetic fields before and really enjoyed them though I was not thrilled with the amount the women sang. This time the cutesy factor was over the top. My friend said she felt like she was watching a Christopher Guest movie and not in a good way. I left half way through , it was cloying, precious and pretentious.Very disappointing

Magnetic Fields were amazing as usual.Sound at the Beacon Theatre is incredible.

I went to this show to see the opener- DeVotchka. Which for the record, was great (they always are). I knew only one song of the Magnetic Fields and like it quite a lot so was looking forward to the show. The Magnetic Fields have a strange presence on stage which I think only true band geeks can appreciate. I found myself looking around me thinking "do these people really like this?" and reminisced about my flute days in 8th grade. The songs are all a bit gimmicky which got old really fast. Oh, and they never played the one song that I knew and have to believe is their most popular. I was disappointed that DeVotchka played with these guys. I just don't get it.

Frankly...I thought the performance was a little flat.

I loved the laid-back acoustic versions of their songs and that they played mostly old stuff!

Wonderful as always. Part poetic, part catchy tunes. Polite crowd- listening in silence as the music plays. More like going to a classical music concert!

Ditching the drums works for some bands but not Magnetic Fields. This show at the Beacon, my first time seeing the band live, made me wonder why some bands play live at all. There is no improvisation going on beyond a few vocal inflections; the instrumental parts are simple and not that exciting to watch; and then every 2 minute song is punctuated by some lengthy banter that's not half as witty as the audience would like to think. My suggestion - skip it.

fantastic show! best performance I've seen all year.

They showed up a half an hour after the preceding band had left the stage. Their set meandered, unallayed by any kind of onstage theatrics. Their internal conversations were mainly to settle disputes. In short, the show was a waste of time, and worse: it showed a band that I had previously liked in a negative light.

We were hoping they would do something special for the show...instead they sounded just like their albums. The sound was also really low and at times hard to hear.

show was tight. sound was amazing. i wish they had played a few more songs, but they did have good album variety. or, good for me anyway.

The Magnetic Fields are always worth seeing live. I've seen them quite a few times and I'm never disappointed. This show at the Beacon was a perfect example of what I like about them: warm, inviting, humorous songs about heartbreak and sadness. What is not to enjoy?

This Indie Pop group has not lost their touch. Their music holds up beautifully. Their sound is as tight as ever. Their lyrics contain the greatest [dark] humor, wit, and abstract imagery imaginable. Every memory of the group played an equal part in musical and vocal contributions. All lead singers did their songs justice. The transition from one song to another was very smooth, and comical. Overall, an evening well-spent; I would DEFINITELY love to see The Magnetic Fields live in concert again!

They were amazing. Can't wait to see them live again.

It was a great show! Go and see them in concert if you have the chance!

Awesome song selection aND PERFORMANCE. Amazing venue.

The band was great and the venue was really pretty! I had so much fun and would love to see them again sometime.

Stephin Merritt's disdain for his audience becomes tiresome and lame. This was my third and last time seeing them.

I have a deep and abiding love for the music of the Magnetic Fields. Their first album blew me away in 1993 and I've been listening ever since. Their concerts have gone way downhill recently - this last show was arguably the worst professional event we've been to. The music was half-hearted, everything was down tempo, Stephen was noticeably unhappy and there was no interesting banter. I sorry to say it, but I'd rather stay in and listen to their earlier albums on CD.

Honestly, I've seen the Magnetic Fields several times in concert, and even though they've never been what anyone would call enthusiastic live, at this show I felt a surprising sense of weariness/annoyance/aloofness that exceeded even their typical levels. There was minimal banter with themselves or the audience, they neglected to introduce the members including relatively new live addition Shirley Timms, and overall they seemed dismissive and not very happy to be there. The songs were still great and there were a few special moments among them, but the entire show made me hesitant to see the Magnetic Fields live again, despite my continuing love for the band and its music.

the sound was very clear, and they played a lot of the songs I was hoping to hear, but they were in such a bad mood. so grumpy.

I love Magnetic Fields. My ipod if filled with their music. I've seen them before at Birchmere in VA. However this performance at Town Hall was disappointing. Maybe it was the venue, maybe it was our seats (very last row in the center). But this was boring. I couldn't hear what little banter they had on stage. They played softly, and lulled me to sleep. Not sure I would spend money to see them at Town Hall again. But probably would check them out live at some other venue.

i've seen this band before in this very same venue. thing is aside from song content i essentially saw the same exact show. they all sit down. they are all playing ALL songs with those same 4 instruments even if the original song has drums and is rocking or is all electronic. you won't hear that here. a really superficial critique is I feel if I pay $40 for a ticket then maybe they could change into clothes that are a bit more worthy of my attention. i know it's superficial but they all looked as if they were hanging out practicing for the show they were gonna play while having lunch, but they were AT the show. The picture of the band for Ticketmaster has them looking pretty great compared to how they appear on stage. My friend said she liked "the thin guy" and said he looks like Charles Manson on crack. She agreed. Very thin and lookin for a fix.

Both Magnetic Fields and the warm freak brothers were totally dull and self indulgent. i thought the lyrics were kind of brilliant, but musically and vocally MF weren't very entertaining. Furthermore, the warmup band would have been interesting in 1961 as a proof of concept for electronic music. As it was, they looked like they were on the set of cheesy star trek, and all i wanted to do was leave the entire time. i actually did leave early after about 6 songs from the fields. i got my fill. even if everyone here says they loved it, everyone was talking and playing with their iphones, so i doubt it is true. MF is one of those bands i thought i was supposed to like because hip people like them.

They are almost like shamans. So deep and beautiful. I cried several times and feel like I have a soul connection to them. They have made me want to learn to love again. If you are in love or falling in love you couldn't pick a better band.

As someone who has seen the Magnetic Fields a few times, I'm not as totally stoked about this show as I have been about others. It's late in the tour, and the band was clearly a little tired, poor dears. Still, a couple of crabby zingers from Stephin ("Like I always say, who doesn't have a hammer?"), and a good variety of old and new tracks, plus some tracks from the 6ths, the Gothic Archies, Showtunes, Pieces of April, and a beautiful unreleased track, "When Will You Love Me Again?". They also played a track from the Wayward Bus and several from Charm of the Highway Strip. They have Shirley Simms with them on vocals and autoharp, so you get the authentic sound of her unearthly voice on tracks like "I'm Sorry I Love You" and "Always Already Gone." This band is a really different experience live--they play all acoustic, the exception for this show being a synth keyboard which they kept on the piano setting the whole time (when I saw them in SF, they had a real piano). Then there's Stephin on uke (last year's bouzouki is gone), and, as usual, Sam Davol on cello and John Woo on guitar. There are no wa-wa pedals, no electric effects of any kind, and no instrument switching, except that Claudia Gonson picks up a shaker a couple times. I saw a tambourine sitting behind Claudia, but I don't think she played it. I found myself appreciating the cello more than usual--in the acoustic setting, there are lots of songs where the cello really drives the story forward with great eloquence. Overall, it was a quiet, almost sleepy show, chamber-music style, with just a couple of lively breakout tunes. I feel that they intentionally steered clear of their "greatest hits" to play a wide variety of early, mid-period, and recent tunes, as well as obscure side-project pieces, which is rewarding to the hard-core fans in the audience, but could be off-putting to people who just like 69 Love Songs.

The Magnetic Fields are my favorite band and they never cease to amaze me.

Hilarious and sweet and bubbling with pure happiness. More than worth the somewhat pricey tickets. If you haven't seen them yet, you must.

I love The Magnetic fields, but seeing them live I definitely didn't expect the show they put on. The main things to note are 1. They play LOW, you can hear everything going on around you, including people moving in their seats, while they are playing. and 2. They basically play all acoustic and do not include drums or a drum machine. So, even the recorded songs that have drums or a drum machine, are played live without one. They did sound very good, and I enjoyed myself, but the show was definitely borderline lulling me to sleep at some points. The vocals from all three singing members were very good, and the actual music played was right on. But, the songs are generally played slower live than recorded. Fear of Trains, which is one of their more upbeat songs, was played very low key and much slower than the recorded version. If the overall volume was raised a bit I think it would compensate for slowness or lack of rhythm section, but all 3 combined led to a pretty boring show. Usually at a concert of a band that is of a similar genre, you feel sort of taken-over by the music and end up engrossed because it drowns out whatever else is going on in the place, but that wasn't the case for this show. I wouldn't go as far as to say they sounded bad, much to the contrary, but I don't think I'd go see them live again unless they advertised kicking it up a notch. If I was more tired I could have definitely fallen asleep. Also, the opening act was terrible. They reminded me of something that would be portrayed in a comedy skit- or show- as a spoof of bad avant-garde music. Sort of how you see modern art made fun of in comedies, then you go to museums and see work just as awful seriously exhibited. The singing was generally off key and it was overall just plain bad, with bad clapping that wasn't in time with the music from one of the 3 band members. Yikes. I generally feel bad giving negative reviews, but I really am clueless as to how people honestly clapped for them. My friends and I left and went to the bar for most of their set.

The Magnetic Fields provide the single greatest concert experience I have ever known. No audience manipulation\u2014just a shared experience of music. Completely relaxed, restorative, and wonderful

I know, I know, The Magnetic Fields are famous for their snarky depressive East Coasty Sartreian world view. But seriously, guys. Stephen, who has apparently been wearing nothing but beige for four years, provided a decidedly beige performance; there were occasional twitches of life from Sam and Shirley was a complete delight, embodying the low-key funny which this group seems to have lost. It's been replaced instead with on-stage bickering, jabs at the audience, and a far-reaching malaise. Songs were shoddily performed and out of sync, unapologetic false starts, and great irritation when someone in the audience dared to yell out a song request. The only time they sounded earnest was when shilling new product, such as Merritt's CORALINE.

The Magnetic Fields put poetry into music. But their concert at Town Hall not only sucked, it was a slap in the face of every fan who attended. It was as if their shtick was to be as surly and unhappy as possible, uninterested in playing for the audience. It was like going to Peter Luger's steakhouse where the food is great but the service is terrible. In fact, you get the feeling you are despised. The band played acoustic instruments with the exception of a hohner electric piano. The sound was so soft as to strain the ears. The only upside is that I was able to move from the balcony to the lower level, but even then it was hard to hear. The encore pretty much summed it up: They came back out and someone in the audience yelled a request for luckiest guy on the lower east side, to which the response from the band was: we're going to play that tomorrow so if you come back tomorrow you can hear it. To which my response is: check, please!

The event was awesome. They played as a five piece that night which was great. They asked the audience to stay seating and stay quiet (and everyone did!) which made for a nice quiet show. They played a couple songs I hadn't heard them play before and also played songs from Stephin Merritt's other bands including The 6ths and The Gothic Archies. Stephin Merritt seemed to be in a rather good mood that night which was amazing.

Seated in a semi-circle facing the audience the Band played two sets of approximately 40min each separated by a 15min intermission. The lighting was low, the music soft and dreamy. The band had requested no drinks to be sold during the performance which kept movement and noise to a minimum. Request were shouted out but politely declined with the explanation that they had spent a lot of time putting together the set list so it did not repeat songs from the previous tour. Most of the set consisted of songs from Distortion and songs from Reality with a few from other projects, the 6ths, Gothic Archie's, and some of the songs for films. They sounded great and were everything I wanted and expected. No more, no less. An evening well spent.

Stephin Merritt made me swoon for 2 hours. The set was soft and sweet and wonderful. Though I didn't know all of the songs (since Stephin has a ridiculous number of recorded songs), I could feel the power of every deeply sung word.

I flew 2,000 to see them play-- an event I had waited 10 years to see. They did not disappoint one bit.

I drove 4 hours to STL to see this and it was well worth the effort! I love them and it was so obvious that every person there were die-hard fans at this sold out concert. All their concerts sell out. They are the best and most original band who should really tour more extensively!!!

Been a big fan for a long time and so it saddens me to say that this show was disappointing. First BAND'S REQUEST'S: After the band started-bar stopped serving drinks Per Band Request, Second, If you tried to use a restroom while the band performed, attendants asked that you use the halo bar bathrooms instead-Per Band Request THEN you were not allowed back into the Pageant until there was a break in the music. Very frustrating and annoying. The Show: I saw Mag Fields last time they were in town in 2004 and it was awesome..so I know how the show goes with them...very low key and very quiet audience...BUT they played nothing from 69Love Songs and the only thing from the Album I was the encore...A fan even yelled out a request and was told in a school marm voice by the female vocalist that there are "No requests, dear we have THE BOOK"...Now like ive said I know A LOT of their music. But they were playing stuff that Stephen Merritt played for Lincoln Center(???) that NO ONE in St. Louis could have possibly heard..Also, last time Merritt was HYSTERICAL and engaging and spoke a lot more..He seemed to just be going through the motions and did no fun little anecdotes..even though it was obvious the crowd was dying for his droll wit! Also, they did a 15 minute intermission that turned into 25 minutes...which I guess was a good thing considering that was the only time you could go the restroom or get a drink! Every song was wayyy too slow...they have fun more upbeat songs but they seemed intent on dragging everyone down...sad

Saw them several years ago at the same venue. This was a much better performance, given that Stephen does not enjoy live shows. I think he was sick before. The group was just amazing. They played 4 songs written for the Sixths. They embraced their old songs including "Born on a Train." They played 1 or 2 from Distortion and several from Realism. Everything was so crisp and quiet and strong.

If Stephen Merrit has such a hatred of playing live, then why is he asking people to shell out $40 ($50 w/Ticketmaster monopoly charges) to come and see him sulk all night? The last thing I expected from this band whose music I love was a laser light, smog machining, rock extravaganza, but I think I'm at least entitled to be entertained. Instead I felt like I was being looked down on by a sulky petulant artist. The last time I felt this was was at a Morrissey show in the 90's. Haven't listened to him much since then.

I'm always impressed with the complete absence of the least hint of pop and sizzle in any Magnetic Fields' song. This was the first time I saw the band in action, and they married the lack of glitz in their performance to a complete lack of showmanship in their appearance and demeanor. They were normal-looking people dressed in street clothes without the least impulse to do anything to impress us with their talent and style. And they kept the crowd in rapt attention throughout the entire course of their performance. I guess when it comes to Magnetic Fields people either "get it" or they "don't get it." The house that night was packed with people who obviously "get it." I surely "got it."

I'm a big Magnetic Fields fan. I have a number of their albums, and love a lot of their material, so I was really looking forward to seeing Stephin Merritt and his band perform. Unfortunately, it felt like they were just going through the motions. Sure, there is a lot of dry humor in many of the songs, so a straight delivery is fine for those, but for the fun, infectious songs, such as "Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side", there was no joy, no energy, and no spark. Often, when I compare a live performance to an album, the live performance is so full of life and the album, by comparison, is flat. However, in this case, it was the exact opposite. The smiles you can hear in the voices on the albums just weren't present at the show. Also, I wish the set had a few more lively songs. Missing were "I Thought You Were My Boyfriend", "Let's Pretend We're Bunny Rabbits", "Yeah! Oh, Yeah!" and "Too Drunk To Dream", which would have helped get the crowd a bit more involved, plus, I'm sure "The Book of Love" would have gone over big, too, had it been included. So, overall, while I'd still recommend the music of the Magnetic Fields to many friends, I wouldn't recommend seeing them live. As a side note, I had never heard the opener Mark Eitzel before. His songs tell sad stories, and his mannerisms speak of a difficult life, but, wow, his voice is absolutely amazing. It filled Herbst Theatre and I found him to be captivating. I'll be searching out more of his music now.

A hugely disappointing, sleep-inducing, and lifeless live performance, not helped by the set list. They (Stephin) will remain a great songwriter and studio band in my eyes, but that's it. the chamber folk thing... not working for me.

this long time fan loves everything they do............

The band seemed asleep at the wheel. They slowed down their songs and had little energy. They played very old and new songs, and almost nothing from their 3 cd 69 love songs, their best work. Stephin Merritt didn't seem to be feeling well. He didn't even sing his own song - Fear of Trains. Nice to see Daniel Handler on accordian though!

worst. concert. ever. we could barely hear the band (while it performed or spoke to the audience). it felt to me like a bad dress rehearsal. we left right after intermission, making this the first concert that i have ever walked out on.

They sounded great, but it put me to sleep! Maybe more energy next time?