The Magnetic Fields are the music of songwriter- producer-instrumentalist Stephin Merritt. Adept at computer music programming and production, Merritt records his own albums and plays almost everything on them with help from cellist Sam Davol, banjo player/second guitarist John Woo, and percussionist/pianist Claudia Gonson. Though the group has its roots in Boston, this will be their First Night debut. They released six full-length CD’s between 1993-1999, all on Merge Records. “The Charm of the Highway Strip” (1994) is an electro-country meditation on life on the open road. “Holiday (1994) has a more euro-pop sound, with songs about escape and nightlife. “Get Lost” (1995) has a mixture of styles and moods, including the intimate cabaret sound of “With Whom to Dance?” In 1999, the Magnetic Fields released their seminal three-disc set, “69 Love Songs.” The album has sold 130,000 copies worldwide, and has brought Merritt’s music to the mainstream eye. They’ve released four more albums, including this year’s Love at the Bottom of the Sea.