i

The long-awaited follow-up to the acclaimed 1999 release, "69 Love Songs," "i" finds singer/songwriter Stephin Merritt in full possession of his acerbic wit. Featuring lyrics ripe with melancholy and bittersweet imagery, the record's 14 tracks are possibly the most personal Merritt has created to date -- a departure from the many voices on "69 Love Songs." Produced by Stephen Merritt, "i" features the Magnetic Fields' magical four-piece lineup: Merritt on vocals and assorted instruments, including ukulele; Sam Davol on cello; Claudi Gonson on piano and drums; and John Woo on guitar and banjo. And unlike recent Merritt project, there are no synthesizers here.