Magnetic Fields Showcase New Songs in Chicago

Seated onstage for their first of two shows at the Harris Theater in downtown Chicago, the five members of the Magnetic Fields looked like they should be lecturing a room full of college students rather than playing in a well-established rock band. Nevertheless, they did the latter quite well for two full hours for a sold-out crowd, playing a set that covered almost their entire discography. The set was divided into two halves, with 13 songs comprising part one and 10 songs comprising part two, with a two-song encore following.

The first half of the set played host to a wide variety of songs, including tracks from the Magnetic Fields' newest album, 'Realism,' such as 'You Must Be Out of Your Mind,' 'Interlude' and 'Better Things.' Frontman Stephin Merritt sat to the right of the rest of the band, perched on a chair in an almost conductor-like fashion, for the entire set. His deadpan banter back and forth with vocalist/keyboardist Claudia Gonson was as much of a highlight at times as the actual songs that were played. The loudest applause during the first half of the set came during the '69 Love Songs' track, 'I Don't Want to Get Over You,' which had the crowd whistling and cheering at the old favorite.

An hour and one fifteen-minute break later, the second half of the Magnetic Fields' set started. "I am Tivo-ing the Academy Awards" announced Gonson, addressing the elephant in the room as the band came back onstage and sat down. The second half of the set appeared to be a bit livelier than the first, leading off with 'Kiss Me Like You Mean It' and 'We Are Having a Hootenanny.' During the latter song, random members of the audience let out whoops and yells, engaging in their own "hootenanny." "Here are some more joyous, upbeat songs for you," said Gonson sarcastically as the band launched into 'Walk A Lonely Road' from 'Realism,' followed by 'Summer Lies,' closing out the second half of their set.

Appearing back onstage a minute later to thunderous applause, Gonson leaned into her microphone and said 'Indeed.' 'I'm Tongue-Tied' started the encore off and the deadpan pop of '100,000 Fireflies' finished it, with Gonson exclaiming, "Thank you, see you tomorrow," as the band stood and waved goodbye to the dedicated crowd.