TAS In Session: Stephin Merritt Of The Magnetic Fields

Stephin Merritt's sense of humor is so deliciously dry that cactus could happily thrive in its prickly embace. The droll Magnetic Fields frontman recently dropped by WFUV and The Alternate Side's Studio A to discuss the band's new album, Love at the Bottom of the Sea, out now on Merge.

Check out videos of Merritt's five-song acoustic set below, includling new tracks "Andrew in Drag" and "Your Girlfriend's Face."

"Sometimes Stephin Merritt's dry demeanor can be misunderstood as standoffish or apathetic," says "The Alternate Side" host Russ Borris of the session. "But I thought he was very friendly and interesting when he stopped by WFUV for a live session in Studio A. He played a couple from the new album and mixed in the longtime favorite, 'The Book of Love.' At one point, Stephin was searching for sucking candy. Little did we know that our tremendous supply of Jolly Ranchers in the station's foyer would come in handy! Blue raspberry to the rescue! He also told a great story about the writing of 'Andrew in Drag.' I mean, that song would have to have an interesting story, right?"