Obscurities
by Stephin Merritt
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Aug 23, 2011
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. AllMusic
    Aug 23, 2011
    60
    B-sides and rarities collections can often help give fans insight into their favorite artists' creative processes, or at the very least, provide either a light snack between releases or a post-retirement victory lap, but when an artist as prolific as Stephin Merritt decides to clean house, it can be a little underwhelming.
  2. musicOMH.com
    Oct 10, 2011
    60
    Whilst Obscurities has its moments, it mostly only offers tiny hints of Merritt's real genius.
  3. Q Magazine
    Dec 15, 2011
    60
    There's enough to help fans rekindle the love affair. [Dec. 2011 p. 129]
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  5. The Independent (UK)
    Oct 6, 2011
    60
    Merritt's main problem may be that his baritone croon makes him sound cynical even when he's baring his heart, an impression only partly undercut by his occasional ukulele strum.
  6. Uncut
    Aug 19, 2011
    60
    It only really comes alive with an alternate version of "Take Ecstasy With Me," which reminds us that original Magnetic Fields singer Susan Anway is still his definitive interpreter, the Ella to his Cole. [Sep 2011, p.91]
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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. AlanPosey
    Sep 15, 2011
    8
    I discovered 69 Love Songs about 4 years ago, thanks to the film Tarnation, and have since been scouring the Magnetic Fields catalog as wellI discovered 69 Love Songs about 4 years ago, thanks to the film Tarnation, and have since been scouring the Magnetic Fields catalog as well as Merritt's side projects like The 6ths, Future Bible Heroes, Gothic Archies, (Hell I even purchased Showtunes), etc. Not to take away anything from those albums but Obscurities transcends into the realm of 69 Love Songs and still feels fresh and new. I love this album. "When I'm not Looking, You're Not There" is flat out fantastic. A melody developed where every note is a different instrument. I could listen to an entire album of songs with that concept. As long as Merritt was behind them. Overall 8/10 even though I couldn't ask for a better collection of B-Sides...unless he's got another 69 Love Songs laying around...… Full Review »
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