the magnetic fields have been keeping a low profile since 2004 when they toured pretty extensively. stephin merritt has been busy doing other things; writing operas, touring with lemony snicket to promote the gothic archies audio book music, doing press, meeting with film people, moving to LA and writing songs. you all probably already know this because you are reading chickfactor.com, but in case you missed it or gave up on them, here are some new magnetic fields tour dates for 2008. it will be challenging for them to perform their new jesus and mary chain-inspired long player distortion (out on nonesuch on january 15) loudly enough to do it justice and yet quietly enough to soothe mr merritt’s troubled ears.