Aside from its largely unpronounceble title, (try saying it three times, fast) there isn't much not to like about Hyacinths and Thistles, the latest project from Magnetic Fields brainchild and Manhattan anti-socialite Stephin Merritt. Much like his work on the hugely popular 69 Love Songs, Merritt has built an unparalleled collection of pop hymns that are by turns depressing, silly, upsetting and heavenly--in some instances, all at the very same time. And what's more, the 6ths employ a clever gimmick: While Merritt still writes every word and composes all the music, he gathers a veritable Who's Who of indie-hipsteratti to sing the songs for him. Bob Mould shows up on one track, and Sarah Cracknell on another. Cibo Matto's Miho Hatori is here, as are Katharine Whalen and Gary Numan, and the results are often as shocking as they are uplifting. It's a surprising gem of an album, and one you'd be wise to get your hands on at any cost. After all, tortured genius or not, it's inevitable that Stephin Merritt's creativity will dry up eventually. Do yourself a favor, and make the most of it while it's still here. (Merge)
Dan Eldridge, Resonance, 02/01/01