Guardian Music — Catch up with the last seven days in the world of musicIn the newsJohn Peel's record collection goes onlineCourtney Love loses rights to Kurt Cobain's imageDuran Duran to represent England in Olympics opening concertThe xx announce three intimate UK ... more info

Guardian Music — Stephin Merritt of unconventional American indie band the Magnetic Fields visits the Guardian studio with his ukulele to perform his tragic love songBen KapeAndy GallagherMustafa KhaliliJosh Strauss more info

Guardian Music — Royal Festival Hall, LondonStephin Merritt, the droll, glum baritone bard of the Magnetic Fields, is throwing possibly his first ever on-stage diva tantrum. "Everyone else gets tea," he barks at a flustered roadie. "Where's my tea?" It's redolent o... more info

KEXP Seattle — It had to be one of the strangest sessions ever recorded at KEXP, but that’s hardly surprising given the idiosyncratic nature of principle songwriter of The Magnetic Fields, Stephin Merritt. After soundchecking in our studio and then discovering th... more info

Nialler9 — Highlights: Nu-Mark, Ane Brun, Dry The River, Magnetic Fields, Popicalia, Joinery Fundraiser,  Mossy Nolan, Wolf & Lamb / Soul Clap, TrócaireLive, Bombay Bicycle Club. This is the weekly list of recommended gigs taking place over the next seven da... more info

LargeHeartedBoy — The Guardian profiles author Yiyun Li. Li is not yet eligible for US citizenship, having had her green card application turned down twice before it was finally granted on grounds of her "exceptional" talent, but admits she is postponing the... more info

Brooklyn Vegan — photos by Chris La Putt The Magnetic Fields @ Beacon Theater "Though Merritt performs much of the music on his studio albums himself, the live incarnation of Magnetic Fields has long featured Claudia Gonson on piano and vocals, cellist Sam... more info

L.A. Times - Pop & Hiss — The pop group the Magnetic Fields, which features the songwriting of Stephin Merritt, performed at the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Friday night. Times pop critic Randall Roberts was there to review. more info

KEXP Seattle — With everyone finally back from SXSW in Austin, the local concert calendar also picks up significantly this week. Starting on Monday, The Magnetic Fields begin the first of two night at the Neptune Theatre, followed on Tuesday night with the Drive By... more info

411 Mania — Stephin Merritt and Co. return with their tenth album as Magnetic Fields. The question is, can this band continue to deliver and be fresh or has the concept come to the end of its usefulness? Join 411's Chris Bell to find out. more info