The Magnetic Fields returns to Iowa City

Stephin Merritt learned that the common law of business balance —you get what you pay for — is true, based on the last time the Magnetic Fields' singer-songwriter was in Iowa City in April 2022.

"There was a barber across the street from my hotel, and I went to get a haircut," Merritt said while calling from Milwaukee. "I was amazed how cheap the haircut was in Iowa City. I was also amazed how awful the haircut was. It didn't go over well."

The result was so bad that Merritt had to visit another stylist. "I had to get a haircut revision," Merritt said.

It sounds like there's a song in there somewhere. However, the formerly prolific Merritt hasn't been crafting many tunes since contracting COVID in March 2020.

"I've only written a few songs since I got COVID," Merritt said. "I've written only about five songs over the last five years. I have difficulty finishing songs. It's hard to tell if what I have is neurological."

Merritt doesn't have to think about fresh material on Magnetic Fields’ current jaunt. The band will be playing its epic collection, "69 Love Songs" in its entirety. Songs one through 35 will be played Friday, and songs 36-69 will be played Saturday at the Englert Theatre as the group celebrates the 25th anniversary of the ambitious album, which is filled with quirky, eclectic songs inspired by the ups, downs and unpredictability of romance.

"We've always had songs from '69' in our set, but this is the first time we're playing everything in its entirety," Merritt said.

Merritt realized how long it's been since the release of “69” when he thought about a hit song from 1999.

"I was horrified to learn that (Coldplay's) 'Yellow' is 25 years old," Merritt said. "It sounds cliche to say that 'Yellow' sounds like it was recorded yesterday, but it does sound like that. It's hard to believe that '69' is just as old.

Five Magnetic Fields albums predate "69 Love Songs." "I've been at this for awhile," Merritt said. "It's hard to believe it's been so long since this started."

Merritt's witty lyricism stands out and how varied the songs in the Magnetic Fields songs have been since the act was created in 1989.

"It's about maximum contrast for me," Merritt said. "That's how it is for me as a songwriter and as a fan. I remember when I bought Marvin Gaye's 'Midnight Love’ album, which has 'Sexual Healing' on it, and I was horrified. I love the song, but every other song on that album sounds like a variation on 'Sexual Healing.' I always wanted our albums to be diverse. I try not to repeat myself."

Merritt believes the band that is most like Magnetic Fields is the under-the-radar Spanky and Our Gang. The '60s pop band had a few hits, such as "Sunday Will Never Be the Same," "Lazy Day" and "Like to Get to Know You," but the group slipped into the cracks of music history.

"Spanky and Our Gang consider themselves a variety group, and that's what we consider ourselves," Merritt said. "I don't think you can describe many bands as variety groups."

Expect variety on a forthcoming Magnetic Fields album. which is in the works. Most of the tunes will be drawn from songwriting notebooks that Merritt has kept from over the years while working with the band, which also includes pianist-percussionist Claudia Gonson, cellist-flautist Sam Davol, guitarists John Woo and Anthony Kacyzynski, keyboardist Chris Ewen and multi-instrumentalist Shirley Sims.

"The next project is already half done," Merritt said. "One half of the album doesn't match the other half. There will be some interesting contrasts."

Merritt still tours even though he suffers from the hearing condition hyperacusis.

"My ear doctor suggests I stay away from amplified music," Merritt said. "So when I'm not on the road, I see baroque ensembles and often go to experience music held in churches. I wanted to see Roxy Music's 50th anniversary tour, but I just don't see a lot of concerts. But as far as concerts go, I'm out on the road with Magnetic Fields."