My friends Josh and Dave sent me a text Sunday afternoon asking if I wanted to go see The Magnetic Fields that evening at Town Hall. Having missed out on two attempts to get tickets to the show, I shot back a faster-than-your-question text: “yes, please”.

The show – much like the songwriting itself – was amazing in its simplicity and humor. Stephin Merritt was once described somewhere – can’t remember the source – as the most miserable man in the Lower East Side. I think that’s what I like most about his music. Even though the songs are about some of the most crushing moments in life, there’s something about the way it’s put together and the way they are sung that really keeps you holding on. Misery loves company – but it’s only because there’s a certain love and hope that comes out knowing others are in the same boat.

One of my most favorite songs ever is “The Book of Love”. I almost thought they were going to skip it – but luckily they played it at the very end. Actually, I should say Stephin played it. The whole place was quiet: it was just him and his banjo and I thought it was a nice way to finish the show.

The Magnetic Fields – The Book of Love

[audio:http://www.fileden.com/files/2008/2/9/1750134/TheBookOfLove.mp3]