The Magnetic Fields is songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Stephin Merritt. His three hour magnum opus ‘69 Love Songs’ is reissued on vinyl through Domino Records. Comprised of six 10” discs, the box set also includes a 24 page colour booklet with liner notes by Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) featuring rare photos and an in-depth interview and track-bytrack feature with Merritt.

‘69 Love Songs’ was released in 1999 and, 17 years later, is still a singular achievement – a bold undertaking by one of pop music’s most innovative and acclaimed songwriters. Originally conceived by Merritt to be a live musical revue of 100 songs, Merritt realised that 100 songs, even at 2 minutes each, would be far too long a show and decided upon the next meaningful number, 69. 69 songs about life, loss, hope and beauty. 69 songs about the pursuit of that ever elusive and patently undefinable holy grail, love.

Stephin Merritt wrote all 69 songs but enlisted the help of numerous friends to record the album including long-time collaborator Claudia Gonson, guitarist John Woo, cellist Sam Davol and Daniel Handler. 24 of the songs feature guest vocals from LD Beghtol, Dudley Klute, Shirley Simms and Gonson.

A career-defining work (as Merritt intended it to be), ‘69 Love Song’s routinely ranks in Best Albums Of All Time lists and has earned cult status. It is a celebration to the beauty, magic, humour, frustration, longing and tenderness of the human condition.

Beautifully presented as a 6 x 10” set with rigid outer box, gatefold sleeves, full size 24 page booklet and digital download code, this exclusive edition is offered to independent retailers only.

Praise for ‘69 Love Songs’:

“One of the most remarkable records ever made” – The Sunday Times

“A major achievement” – The Guardian

“The greatest songwriter of his generation” – Time Out

“An undoubted genius” – NME

“A masterwork. You’ll probably think these songs are about you” – Spin

‘‘Ludicrously talented and unfeasibly prolific” – The Independent

“5/5 – An imposing landmark” – Uncut