Page 6 {The Blue Banner} Wednesday,Wednesday, February February 10, 10, 2010 2010 Valentine’s showcase celebrates classic triple album

By Mali Ledford Staff Writter “Even if they have never [email protected] heard of the Magnetics Sounds of love, angst and heartache will fill the Grey Eagle as nine local Fields, they would bands take the stage for a Valentine’s appreciate going to a celebration. Asheville residents Chall Gray and concert where nine really Janies Richards collaborated on a Val­ entine’s show they believe is perfect for great bands were getting Asheville. The Feb. 13 show will feature together to play some all 69 tracks from the Magnetic Fields’ 1999 album 69 Love Songs. really cool material. ” “I’ve loved and admired the Magnetic Fields CDs for years,” Gray said. “I had the idea that it would be fim to get some - James Richards, bands together and play this music. Orig­ inally I was just going to get some folks CO-founder of the together and play. Now we’ve got a big show at the Grey Eagle.” 69 Love Songs New Yorker Stephin Merritt, vocalist Valentine’s show for the Magnetic Fields, wrote all 69 love songs for the three-disc album. Merritt managed to incorporate practically every music genre from country to punk rock into the love songs, according to Rich­ Eagle, but Richards said he has faith they Photo courtesy of Merge Records ards. can pull it off. “He is a brilliant lyricist and that comes “Asheville’s the perfect place to have it Nine local bands will cover the Magnetic Fields genre-encompass­ through in the album probably more than because so many people appreciate good ing album 69 Love Songs at the Grey Eagle Valentine’s show Satur­ any other disc up to that point,” Richards music here,” Richards said. “Even if they day night in honor of Valentine’s Day. said. “The thing about 69 Love Songs is have never heard of the Magnetic Fields, it really is every kind of love song, ev­ they would appreciate going to a concert saw fit. It’s going to be a real variety of brate this music.” ery kind of style you can think of, and where nine really great local bands were styles and sounds.” Gray and Richards said the response he plays over 30 instruments on the al­ getting together to play some really cool Angi West of Fox-Teeth said she and to the upcoming show has been enthusi­ bum.” material. Or they’re just fans of 69, I her bandmates, Joti Marra and Tyler astic and people are looking forward to Merritt came up with the idea to write don’t know.” Ramsey, of Band of Horses fame, are fans hearing what the bands do with Merritt’s his masterpiece while sitting in a gay bar The lineup of locals playing the Val­ of the Magnetic Fields and are thrilled to music. in New York listening to a pianist play entine’s weekend show includes Elec­ play Merritt’s songs at this event. “I ran into somebody the other day, the tunes of Stephen Sondheim, a Tony- tric Owls, Erika Jane and Remember the “Joti Marra and I actually love the an artist who is painting a poster for the award winning composer. His original Bees, Wilson the Rocker, Now You See Magnetic Fields so much and have talk­ show that we didn’t even know about, plan was to write 100 songs, but he de­ Them, Pilgrim, Night’s Bright Colors, ed about a Magnetic Fields cover show just because she is excited,” Gray said. cided 69 would be a good place to stop, Aaron Price and Gladhammer, Fox-Teeth many times,” West said. “Stephin Mer­ Gray and Richards began planning the according to Richards. and Jay Martin. ritt’s songs are some of the best songs event in late October. They are trae fans “I think for the obvious metaphorical “The bands were initially excited. As to cover. They are meant for singing of Merritt’s music and plan to show just reasons, but also the shape of the two we’re getting closer to the show they along.” how much they love his 69 songs on Val­ munbers, there’s a balance to it,” Rich­ are getting extremely excited,” Rich­ Fox-Teeth will play songs such as entine’s Day. ards said. ards said. “From what I’ve heard, there’s “Let’s Pretend We’re Bunny Rabbits” “It’s going to be a huge four-hour The band ABBA and numerous ‘60s a lot of energy in these performances and “The One You Really Love” from dance party. We really hope that folks pop writers largely influenced Merritt’s that maybe wouldn’t necessarily come the first disc of the album. will come down to the Grey Eagle in work, according to Richards. through in the albums. They’re going to Asheville’s own Harvest Records aid­ their finest Valentine’s attire,” Richards “He is a huge fan of ABBA,” Richards really pop on stage.” ed Gray and Richards in producing their said. “We’re going to have the Grey Ea­ said. “He also cites folks like Carole Each group will play seven to nine event and helped promote the show. gle all decorated up, just full of holiday King and Phil Spector for influencing his songs and are expected to put their own “The local music media has been ex­ cheer. We want folks to come down and work.” stamp on Merritt’s music. tremely excited,” Richards said. “They just shake their tails off and have a great When the Magnetic Fields performed “We don’t want this show to be a (Harvest Records) are really excited time.” 69 Love Songs live in 1999, the concert note-by-note imitation of the albums,” about it. Chall and I are fortunate to have lasted longer than two nights. Richards said. “This is a celebration of their backing on this. They believe in the Tickets can be purchased at the Grey Playing all 69 songs in one night will Merritt’s music. We really encouraged show. They believe in trying to get nine Eagle Web site for $8 in advance or $10 be a feat for the nine bands at the Grey the bands to reinterpret the songs as they bands in one place at one time to cele­ the day of the show.