Customer Reviews

Pieces of April

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My only problem with this release is that it is too short, only 27 minutes long. Way to short for us fans who have waited for a follow up to "69lovesongs." But that's a small complaint.

This CD is an excellent sample of some of "The Magnetic Fields," "the 6ths" past CD's. Also includes here are some new songs that are very good. These songs again are about love, being in it, falling out of it, longing for it. They follow in Stephin's writting tradition and classic manner. Only wetting my taste for a TRUE follow up to "69lovesongs."

I have followed Stephin for many years and he hasn't let me down yet. If you have a taste for great song writing, off beat musical arrangements then this is for you. If your into formulaic top 40 music then by all means pass this by.

Perhaps the most underrated soundtrack of 2003. Before hearing this I was only somewhat familiar with the music of Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields, but while viewing "Pieces of April" at the movie theatre last November, I was instantly taken with this beautiful soundtrack and its striking relevance to the scenes in the film. Songs like "One April Day" by Stephin Merritt (written specifically for the film) speak for themselves: pure musical integrity with minimal instrumentation and arrangements that are in perfect harmony with the film. My other personal favorite is "Heather Heather" by the Magnetic Fields for its dark, desperate lyrics and eerie sound. The quality of the music & songwriting in this soundtrack is immediately recognizable (and, after hearing this, I now plan to familiarize myself with all of his music). Fan or not, don't take my word for it, check this one out.

Wow, I bought Pieces of April on DVD and unusually for me let the film play thru the credits. I was rewarded with the song 'You You You You You' by the 6ths. With the net so good for researching the track/artist I was surprised to find this CD as I hadn't noticed much music during the film and indeed I was right as there are a few 'added extras' on the disc. The CD is an absolutely wonderful introduction to the music of Merritt anf the two groups - The 6ths and Magnetic Fields. I for one will certainly be investing in further Cds by these.........I hope to spread the word a little more over here in the UK.

This is an absolutely wonderful starting point for future fans of the excruciatingly beautiful work of Stephin Merritt. This is one of those albums that takes on a whole new light in the wee hours of the morning. You know what I'm talking about...you're down and it's 3:45 in the morning and you've got nowhere to go and no one to go there with. You reach for this album, put it on, and listen intently while staring out you're window at the street light. The songs begin to sound completely different, you notice how achingly beautiful, yet extremely sorrowful the ukulele line is in "One April Day" (one of 5 new Magnetic Fields songs on the soundtrack). You'll also realize how brilliant "Epitaph for My Heart" is and how powerful and moving "You, You, You, You, You is (this song is performed by one of Stephin Merritt's many side projects, The 6ths). All in all this is an exceptional album, that hopefully will encourage newer listeners to explore overlooked albums by the Magnetic Fields (Stephin Merritt's most noted band) and the 6ths.

At first I didn't think there was enough new material on this soundtrack to make it worthwhile, but the four previously unreleased songs are so completley wonderful, especially "All I want to know" and "Heather". This is an essential for any Stephin Merritt fan.

...And absolutely, as everyone else is saying, a terrific introduction to Stephin Merritt's music. That he hasn't gotten more airplay (at least within the U.S.) and more attention is a testament to the homogenization of corporate American radio because Merritt is a tremendous songwriter whose lyrics can range from exuberance to sorrow--often within the same song! Gorgeous little trifles like One April Day, I Think I Need a New Heart, The Luckiest Guy on the Lower East Side, and both songs by The 6ths will grown on you, stick in your head, and, sometimes, even change your mood when you most need it.

I'm delighted I bought this album. I've already bought a second by The Magnetic Fields (I), and plan to buy them all.

What a wondrous world that has a songwriter like this in it!

This is a wonderful album for Stephin Merritt fans eagerly awaiting the follow up to "69 Love Songs." It's also probably the best introduction to his oeuvre for newcomers as it highlights some of the best tracks from the last Magnetic Fields and 6ths albums.

The main attraction for longtime fans is the five new Magnetic Fields songs. Lyrically, he's as sharp as ever with his droll, Steinian wit. Musically, he continues to build on the foundations of "69 Love Songs" with some notable throwbacks. "Heather Heather" is a very satisfying Holiday sequel that I've been craving for years while "Stray with Me" recalls the country swagger of Charm of the Highway Strip. "One April Day" is simply gorgeous--one of the most beautiful pieces he's done for ukulele. Overall, these new songs suggest the poise he will bring to the new Magnetic Fields album following the urgency of "69 Love Songs." I can't wait!

Most of the CD's I buy, I listen more by playing them in my PC than in my Hifi system, because I like listening to music while I work at the same time.

I do not know why, but this CD, there is a parasite sound that accompanies the music making you unable to listen.

I suspect that it is sort of anti-copy protection to dissuade illegal downloading.

For me the real thieves, are the guys who put this anti-copy protection because I have been robbed of my money.