Pieces of April [SOUNDTRACK]

Stephin Merritt

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 2003)
• Original Release Date: November 4, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B0000DZTIO
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,847 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
For his second foray into movie soundtracks (2001's sublime score for Eban & Charley was the first), underground pop impresario Stephin Merritt supplies a succinct set boasting equal appeal to longtime fans and newcomers. The latter should appreciate the inclusion of material from the best-known of Merritt's multiple bands, including three numbers plucked off the Magnetic Fields' critically lauded 69 Love Songs, and two from the 6ths' Hyacinths and Thistles, featuring guest warbling by Momus and Squirrel Nut Zippers' Katherine Whalen. The big draw for devotees is five new selections: "All I Want to Know" is enlivened by sitar licks, while clip-clop rhythms impart the bittersweet "Dreams Anymore" with a hint of classic country kitsch. Merritt's lyrics remain as sharp and funny ("We belong together/Like sex and violence," he croons on "Heather Heather"), but it's the ever-inventive arrangements--like the offbeat blend of ukulele and harmonium on "One April Day"--that make these gems especially memorable. --Kurt B. Reighley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars pieces of merrit, January 10, 2004

By	Argyllsox (New jersey shore) - See all my reviews

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Underrated, January 12, 2004

By	Michelle L. Marchant "milymar8" (Chicago) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wondeful introduction...., May 11, 2004

By	Paul Graham (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

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.