"Magnetic Fields" "69 Love Songs" (33 1/3) (33 1/3)

This is how it should be done. I've read a few of the other books in the 33 1/3 series and though some were interesting or even great reads, this one alone stands out as a work of art in itself.

The previous reviewer suggested skipping the dictionary. Don't! It contains some of the best bits. It is very tongue in cheek, and in fact a very funny dictionary - very much in tone with the album.

My appreciation of the album was enhanced by reading this book. In fact I must admit I hadn't really listened to it carefully before. Some of the other books in the series, and indeed other books about music or any of the arts, can sometimes have the opposite effect. While they are not really bad books, they take something away from their subject, rob the of their dignity in a way. One such example is the Elvis Costello / Armed Forces book in this series. It's not a bad book, but it doesn't really make me want to listen to the album. I could name numerous other books, but this one sprang to mind. LD's book about 69 Love Songs makes you want to listen to every song on the album again and again. And then read the book again.

A game of two halves... (3/3 people found this helpful)

I couldn't wait to get my hands on LD Beghtol's companion piece to what's surely one of the best contemporary pop albums ever made. While some other books in the 33 1/3 series are written by vague onlookers, this one was written by a man at heart of the album (LD appears as a guest vocalist and regularly tours with the band).

The book is (roughly) split into two parts: there's a glossary of terms/words that appear in the songs and then there's a song-by-song analysis featuring quotes from band members, fans, producers, managers, journalists etc.

The glossary is, to be honest, easily skipped. Certain words/terms are insightful (it's nice to know the stories behind characters that appear in the songs like Ferdinand de Saussure, Camus and Busby Berkeley etc) but I didn't see the point of including things like acoustic guitar, art etc.

The song-by-song analysis throws up some great anecdotes and insider information and is well worth a read.

The only thing I'd say is that this isn't a book necessarily written by LD Beghtol. It's more a collection of quotes and words written about the album, compiled, overseen and designed by LD.

I feel like I'm complaining too much, but perhaps my expectations were somehow too high or merely different. It's not a particularly expensive book, so it's definitely worth a read. Unlike the record, however, it probably won't change your life.

"Magnetic Fields" "69 Love Songs" (33 1/3) (33 1/3)

L.D. Beghtol

Reader Reviews:

Almost as good as the album (2/2 people found this helpful)

A game of two halves... (3/3 people found this helpful)

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