The Wayward Bus cover

The Wayward Bus

The Magnetic Fields · 1992

60 min · 20 tracks · indie rock · synth-pop

A whimsical blend of lo-fi indie pop infused with melancholic storytelling and playful instrumentation.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical storytelling with charm
  • steady pacing for thoughtful listening
  • playful instrumentation invites smiles
  • for afternoon daydreams
  • captivating tales of love lost

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of high-energy tracks
  • prefer longer, sprawling compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in early 1992, 'The Wayward Bus' was The Magnetic Fields' second album, following their debut 'Distant Plastic Trees.' At this point, frontman Stephin Merritt was beginning to define his unique style, merging clever lyrics with eclectic musical arrangements. The album showcases an evolution in sound, moving towards the more recognizable aesthetic that would characterize their later work.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 When You Were My Baby 2:43
  • 2 The Saddest Story Ever Told 2:12
  • 3 Lovers From the Moon 2:52
  • 4 Candy 2:32
  • 5 Tokyo Á Go-Go 3:12
  • 6 Summer Lies 2:59
  • 7 Old Orchard Beach 2:54
  • 8 Jeremy 3:01
  • 9 Dancing in Your Eyes 2:56
  • 10 Suddenly There Is a Tidal Wave 3:18
  • 11 Railroad Boy 2:59
  • 12 Smoke Signals 3:28
  • 13 You Love to Fail 2:30
  • 14 Kings 2:15
  • 15 Babies Falling 3:18
  • 16 Living in an Abandoned Firehouse With You 3:58
  • 17 Tar-Heel Boy 2:26
  • 18 Falling in Love With the Wolfboy 4:05
  • 19 Josephine 3:08
  • 20 100,000 Fireflies 3:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata