The Magnetic Fields

69 Love Songs

69 Love Songs is the Magnetic Fields’ sixth studio album, released on September 7, 1999, by Merge Records. It is a three-volume concept album comprising 69 love songs, all written by Stephin Merritt. Conceived as a theatrical revue inspired by Stephen Sondheim and Charles Ives’ 114 Songs, it was composed largely at Dick’s Bar in New York. The album features ukulele, banjo, accordion, cello, mandolin, flute, xylophone, Marxophone, synthesizers, guitars, and effects. Shirley Simms, Dudley Klute, L.D. Beghtol, and Claudia Gonson each sing lead on six songs; Daniel Handler plays accordion; Christopher Ewen serves as guest arranger/synthesist. It is the band’s best-known work.