stephin merritt (born february 9, 1966 is an american singer-songwriter based in los angeles (formerly in new york city), best known as the principal singer and songwriter in the band the magnetic fields. he is known for his distinctive and untrained bass voice.

before he made his breakthrough with 69 love songs, stephin merritt was a little-known songwriter signed to merge records. the label reaches into its own archives for this rarities compilation, which features 14 songs recorded between 1994 and 1999. full description1999. some of the tracks were originally released as 7 inch vinyl singles by the magnetic fields, others are unreleased rarities, including three cuts from merritts unfinished science fiction musical and one outtake from the 69 love songs sessions.

this is the soundtrack to an interstellar journey .