The 6ths

Stephin Merritt of The Magnetic Fields writes all the songs for The 6ths, but gets "famous" people to sing them for him, one track apiece for each album. It's an idea that works.

see The Magnetic Fields, Future Bible Heroes, The Gothic Archies, Stephin Merritt, The Folk Implosion, Lou Barlow's Sentridoh, Sebadoh, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Superchunk, Young Marble Giants

Information: The House of Tomorrow
Suggested First Purchase: Wasps' Nests

Wasps' Nests (1995) -- The famous singers on this album were indie rock giants, including Stephin Merritt himself, much as he hates to associate with the crowd. In his defense, Claudia Gonson picked most of these folks. The songs sound like straightforward Magnetic Fields' songs of the time (maybe a bit brighter-sounding). The weaker songs are more due to weak vocals, not songwriting--but most are excellent. A

Hyacinths and Thistles (2000) -- The famous singers on this album are a kooky mix, though you feel they all go together in some bizarre way. Like Marc Almond from Soft Cell, Miho Hatori of Cibo Matto, Melanie, and Bob Mould of Husker Du. The sound of the songs fall somewhere between the electrosperimenting of The Magnetic Fields' Get Lost and the stripped-down 69 Love Songs, the transition from one to the other (since this album was recorded before 69 Love Songs). Most of the songs are gorgeous love songs, a form that's all but lost in indie music. A few lesser numbers. The album itself is 35 minutes long, but ends with 25 minutes worth of two keyboard sounds over and over, a joke that's more annoying than funny. It might take a few listens to get into the unique feel of this weird album. A