"Strange Powers - Stephin Merritt and the Magnetic Fields" DVD (director: Gail O'Hara)

Fascinating look at a fascinating personality

Having been recording for prominent indie labels for nearly 25 years now, Stephin Merritt has somehow fallen beneath my own radar. And that's a shame, as this documentary shows a conflicted by extremely talented artist who's capable of producing some world-class indie pop sounds without much regard for commercial potential. His primary project, The Magnetic Fields, has created an extensive back catalogue of post-punk, synth pop, and indie rock that has found favor with peers and a small but devoted fan base. That's not to mention his other projects like the 6ths, Future Bible Heroes, or the Gothic Archies.

In this feature-length documentary, director O'Hara was granted access to Merritt's personal life and includes many intimate moments, onstage and off. As well, his longtime musical partner Claudia Gonson is featured throughout, among other bandmates, outside musicians, and fans. It's more of a "behind the scenes" documentary, rather than a historical one, but that's just fine. Merritt may seem aloof and deadpan (even morose and disagreeable) at times, but it's his music that does the speaking, and Merritt's music is intelligent, emotive, and intensely personal, connecting with people around the world who may feel lost, heartbroken, or disaffected. 

For proven fans, "Strange Powers" will be a revelation. To the unfamiliar, it's a great lesson and entertaining film about an artist on the fringes who deserves more recognition.

(MVD Visual)

Official Merritt website (House Of Tomorrow)

Empress Hotel - "Heavy Halo" CD

Louisiana indie-pop ensemble Empress Hotel's second album is a pleasant set of upbeat, well-constructed melodic songs. The band professes to being inspired by one-hit wonders of the seventies, but I hear more carefree sunny California top-down symphonic pop elements, somehow. Anyway, "Last Picture Show" has all the whimsy of Vampire Weekend (sans African influences), while "Drugs" funks it up with disco references. But far from a silly parody act, Empress Hotel's stylish music is catchy and oddly affecting. (Park The Van)

Empress Hotelspace

The Janks - "Hands Of Time" CD

Los Angeles-based indie pop band that channels both Freddie Mercury and Thom Yorke on "Billy The Kid", which is both daring and pretty damned impressive. Other cuts of note include the rockier "Rat Racers", the theatrical "Separation From Your Body", and the playful "Child Prodigy". Imagine if a less pretentious Muse were an American band, and you wouldn't be too far off. Enjoyable. (Sprouted Records)

Jankspace

Janks website

Johnny Action Figure - "Good Eye" CD

Upbeat and melodic indie power-pop from some Pennsylvania dudes, Johnny Action Figure craft back-to-basics songs sans studio trickery, and in the process harken back to the 'good old days' of alternative radio, and wouldn't sound out of place on a roots-rock show. The single, "Young Rider", will appeal to fans of stuff like Dead Cab For Cutie, which isn't a bad thing. Nothing about JAF stands out too far in the crowd, but their lite-rock vibe is cool and gentle on the ears, and they definitely know how to write a hook-laden pop song. No claws or unintended noises here, just radio-friendly indie rock with a clean and nondescript vibe. It may not be too unique or memorable, but "Good Eye" is pleasing to the ears. (Johnny Action Figure)

Johnny Actionspace