Stephin Merritt — Showtunes

Stephin Merritt's genius isn't a well-guarded secret. He released a three-disc opus under his Magnetic Fields moniker in 1999 and followed that up two years ago with the equally engaging i. But indie pop isn't Merritt's only avenue for self-expression — he's also dabbled in opera. In 2003, Merritt wrote music for three operas written by Chen Shi-Zheng, and Showtunes compiles many of these tracks. The record only works if you're open to Merritt's brilliance or if you love musicals. It helps that the songs are more Nightmare Before Christmas than Don Pasquale, and the scores of instruments — from banjo to marimba — will keep listeners on their toes. Showtunes is a little awkward at first, but you'll be shouting along to the HMS Pinafore-esque "What A Fucking Lovely Day" in no time.

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