The Book of Love

[banana3519]

Natalydawn also does a version- and not a bad one at all though she focuses a bit too much on herself during it (though that's her stick)

[BariousFey]

Indeed...

[SC1089]

Have they ever let Susan Anway sing this? I'd love to hear her sing it.

[jerad92murphy]

this song sucks. peter gabriel made it amazing.

[andrespereyda]

i wish i was more emotional like a woman

[micjacinnbe]

amazing.

[sinnvollproductions]

peter gabriel ruined this masterpiece

[Lgw1984]

@sinnvollproductions

How? I mean, worse instrumental? Worse vocals? Or just because "Peter Gabriel is commercial" and you're "underground".

[sinnvollproductions]

@Lgw1984 Gabriel - I give him respect for the choice of this song - destroys it with a pathos that's embarrassing the shit out of me. See, the lyrics are about this book that's long and boring and yet means so much. It's the irony that transports the emotion. The sparse instrumentation just fits perfectly. What Gabriel does is overloading it with the strings and his vocal delivery is way over the top. The song is about a weird small thing that is great - and that's the way it should sound, imo

[borofalcon101]

peter gabriel turns this into a master peice

[jlion31685]

this version is vastly better then peter gabriels this belongs top magnetic fields

PS I sang this at my best friends wedding and it was awesome

[tiroladragon]

@IsaacTP Every song is an interpretation, even the "original"

[jasonchicago]

I don't get all of the comments about the Peter Gabriel version being better. I'm a huge Gabriel fan too--but I think his version of this song is way too melodramatic. It actually fit well in the finale of Scrubs--a great, but also overly schmaltzy montage.

[MusikSexLiebe]

Some Bands just lost a song to someone else... So "book of love" belongs to Peter Gabriel now. And "Hurt" belongs to Johnny Cash (original: nine inch nails) ...Sometimes it happens, that's the way it is. =)

[DoonToob]

If I'm not mistaken, this song was played at @AmandaPalmer's wedding!

[MurderedByMidgets]

I Want this played at my funeral and my wedding

[solarnaut]

@MurderedByMidgets great idea.... but not in that order I trust! :-P

[williams0021]

If you like this, check out Peter Gabriel's version of the song. It's so much better. I can't even listen to this version because of how much better his song is.

[jlion31685]

@williams0021 ummnot true gabriels version sucks

[Miasmummy2497]

that's definately what my furniture does when I leave. my house is an indecent mess whenver I return home.

[krusher1977]

This video is a wonderful companion to the song!

[tiroladragon]

Sorry, but i don't like this interpretation of the song. No power, no love, just boring. Normally i don't like Peter Gabriel, but his version is much better.

[rabbitwho]

@tiroladragon It's not a "version" of the song it IS THE SONG.

[RiverKnyle]

@tiroladragon

I disagree, I think his voice declares a sort of simple sincerity.

[IsaacTP]

@tiroladragon What "interpretation"? It's THEIR song, not Peter Gabriel's.

[ccm800]

his voice, his words, his voice - so lush

[Teddyripp]

I Love Peter gabriels Cover

But this is also really good

I wonder why i've never heard of them.

When was it produced?

[Juanpasaenz]

@Teddyripp about ten years ago.

[rabbitwho]

@Teddyripp It came out in 1999, I don't know why they're not the most popular band on the face of the earth.. I just can't figure out how anyone could not love them.

[bluelizard93]

Peter Gabriels cover is better

[Ieatbabyseals]

@bluelizard93

Well I respectfully disagree

[xdarnokx]

I love this song, but Mike Doughty covers this live and it's incredible.

[RunRiverRound]

MySelf, i Love Watching These "Material Things" Move By The Hand Of The Spirit

[bonniebardowski]

muy bueno gracias

[belblast]

this video is sweet! not to mention the song

[LukeShetler]

What's great about Merritt is he's so damn clever. 'Love is like a Bottle of Gin' and 'Papa was a Rodeo' are among the many examples. Then the band has such a unique sound, with the electronic banjo and synths; it really inspired a generation of bands.

This is comparable to Bowie and Kobain's, 'Man who Sold the World.' The cover was just a bit more upbeat than the other, so when people went to listen to the original, they found it a bit boring. It's a mindset issue.

[HughYeman]

Love it. By any chance did you get the two matching bowls at Pearl River? I got one of those exact same bowls for my nephew for Christmas.

[NascarTres]

God, I love this song.

[MrSetas1912]

Stephin Merritt on the perverse art of love songs

[mosqboy]

Uh, this is the original.

[zimmawoman]

cute song

[GabbyAlicex]

Spam much?

[zimmawoman]

@GabbyAlicex i know it's ridiculous

[GabbyAlicex]

Haha. I know. But I'd have to agree, this is an adroable song. I might like this better than the original.

[PedanticPig]

@GabbyAlicex: This is the original. :\

But yes, it's excellent.

[GabbyAlicex]

Ah, you're right! Haha.

I was under the impression that Peter Gabriel's version was the orginal. Wow. Haha. Well it's beautiful anyway. :]

[PedanticPig]

Agreed!

[badlikejessejames]

hi Raffie

[FoolOfGods]

Wonderful video - mucho effort and great quality on the audio (for a change) ... gacias

[haulinOats]

Respect to Peter Gabriel for covering this, but to say it is better than the Magnetic Fields is just ridiculous.

[ashburnhouse]

@haulinOats I feel the same way about people who cover Leonard Cohen. They sing it so passionately, missing the point of the song entirely.

[AnasaziTribal]

Cool video.

I actually like the Peter Gabriel version better...

I love Scrubs.

[jumpersofthemoon]

i like the peter gabriel version better too.

[erVixon]

False.

[ELIEISMYHERO]

It's my own opinion.

[erVixon]

True, but I have mine too.

[rabbitwho]

very beautiful, very William Kentridge, and not horribly literal like most fan videos you see on youtube.

[eglbc]

was the book of love died?

[AnasaziTribal]

What?

[chpoptart]

Wow. This is an incredible video - thank you so much for making and posting it! I can't stop watching it. Gorgeous.

And note to all you Scrubs/Peter Gabriel folks - this is a Stephin Merritt/Magnetic Fields song. Here it's in its most beautiful, original form. Nothing could be better, I thought - til I saw this lovely video!

[simplic10]

Great video.

Merritt has a way of singing that's totally sincere. Love it.

[Mikey234432]

this one pretty much sucks bad...

Peter Gabriel made it better

[xanadian9]

Eh...each version has its strong suits. This version is much warmer and lyrical. Peter Gabriel's version is more soulful. They're both fantastic pieces.

[JudozIV]

I MISS YOU J_ME 8 28 09

[SaoirseMar]

This is so beautiful. My goodness.

[Wainy16]

I think that this song is so good that it'd be hard to do a bad version of it as long as you had an ounce of talent & it wasn't a dance or Rn'B version!!! But it kills me to say that even though it's a cover, I prefer Peter Gabriel's version. Top man for posting this though, nice job, much love to you! x

[c3066521]

True his version is probably sweeter sounds, and maybe takes advantage of the great chorus melody more, but consider the resources each recording has. Gabriel had strings and lots of production, this is one guy and a cheap nylon string guitar, pretty impressive!

[Wainy16]

It's very impressive squire! I wasn't having a dig, just stating a preference. But thank you for caring about my opinion, it's been a pleasure! x

[paulbuddyhead]

I don't see any references on YouTube to the Mike Doughty version (former lead singer of Soul Coughing), which is the most beautiful one I've heard yet. Stunning.

[weezadam]

is it still up on youtube? i couldn't find it...

[rabbitwho]

this is the most beautiful.

It's honest.

[gorramdoll]

This made me so happy! I wish the whole thing had been like the first verse, though. Furniture and dishes moving around looks cool, but didn't seem as related to the lyrics as the cartoon man reading the book (which was WONDERFUL).

[solarnaut]

My Praises to Merritt for writing this, so Gabriel could sing it, so Scrubs could play it, so I could hear it... and find Merritt's 69 love songs.

It's a great song... period! Like Trent Reznor said of his song "Hurt" after seeing Johnny Cash's video of it, "it really then wasn't my song anymore." Of course this is Merritt's song, but Gabriel has been instrumental in helping to share its beauty with the world.

This video is amazing, showing love in the dirty dishes and breadboard. :-x

[mattomeo]

good work, Scrubs put me onto this too

[moon2458]

I loved the Peter Gabriel version, but as an original song, this is great....great voice...feeling, emotion....

[TheTonberryJudge]

The Magnetic Fields' [ORIGINAL] has a certain beauty to it. The voice is raw and just very mellow, true, and I really think that 69 Love Songs is a masterpiece set that really should be appreciated even more.

[TheDaddyCokes]

Gabriel's cant be better because this is a masterpiece and he didnt write it. Some may not ever really "get" Stephen Merritt / Magnetic Fields. Its more about musical appreciation. If just about the voice then of course, even Merritt is self-conscious of his limits (but he's totally in tune). Gabriel's a sweet voice but he's a rock star who came into studio one day to lay down a vocal track. Merritt is an artist who writes 100s of original songs, including this one. Its very different.

[ekfink]

With all due respect TheDaddyCokes, Gabriel is a songwriting genius himself. I know that this song is not his own (though I do prefer his version), and I don't want to downplay Merritt's musical game at all, but Gabriel's not just a sweet-voiced rock star as you say. He is an incredible musician with a significant resume of originals under his belt. Don't sell him short. He knows what he's doing.

[TheDaddyCokes]

Good point. I didnt mean to sell him short, he is a talented writer (and I am a fan too). I was more pointing to the fact that for this tune at least, in my opinion, the original songwriter can not be trumped by ANY cover, no matter who. In part too I was suggesting that original versions - by the very nature they are original - should (mostly) get the nod. Not always, it depends. I give Gabriel credit for not changing it up, some covers are good to change up but not this one.

[CellarDoorPoet]

yeah I agree. The song is wonderful, but unfortunately there are a lot of cover versions where especially the voice seems stronger or supports the feelings better than the orginial singer does.

[GeorgeMaj15]

@TheDaddyCokes I agree, I feel that Gabriel took this song which is supposed to have a humorous undertone and made it a serious ballad. Nobody can sing it as well as this original version. Magnetic Fields don't get enough credit for this. It makes me upset when I see so many great songs written by talented artists whose covers are used in tv shows, and get the publicity, nobody paying homage to the great artist who actually wrote the song.

[mwasa254]

Peter Gabriel's version is much, much better.

[Jaidabecca]

Peter Gabriel's version is better, IMO. Plus the fact the Peter's version was featured on the greatest show ever makes it even better. The dude singing this version sounds like he has no emotion, like he's a robot.

[cettedameverte]

it's just stephen merritt's style. it works for some people, it doesn't for others.

[tswc42]

Madness. The dude you think has no emotion is the guy that wrote the song, and it's clear, at least to me, that it's bursting with emotion.

[Jaidabecca]

I know who wrote the song, I just prefer Peter Gabriel's version.

[febot]

@Jaidabecca

[redheddd]

SHIT!!!

[lopolo42]

God... I love the simplicity of this cover, but I just think the guy singing it isn't the best choice. The style is better than Gabriel's, but I prefer Gabriel's vocals.

[dmk2113]

You realize that Gabriel's version is the cover, right?

[BethGoth15]

This is a cover? Are you REALLY sure about that? :)

[tswc42]

This isn't a cover.

[karljohannschmitzer]

@tswc42  its ab beautiful song!

[dconstruct]

@tswc42 It's a blanket.

[spankthemonkee112]

@tswc42 But it was by Peter Gabriel wasn't it?

.

.

.

.

lol jk

[ReverendSubZero]

I like Peter's version of the song, but the simplicity of this version makes it the winner. Peter's is lush and beautiful, but a little too ornate for something so direct and cute.

[gerrydekeu]

A absolutely agree , this is a sober but brilliant song

Gabriel , as usual , made a terrible mess of it

[dustin69798]

i couldnt disagree more. this song is pretty lousy sounding. No emotion in it at all. i think. but evryone has their own opinions, so more power to u :)

[ghedgehog63]

this version is WAY better than Peter Gabriel's version, and i love this video.

[darkpreacher71]

all respect to the magnetic fields for writing the song, and it is a beautifull song, i think peter gabriel sings it bettter. just a personal opinion

[AmbulanceProductions]

I second that.

[xLisaCx]

I third that. :)

[Blink981]

Fourthed :)

[solidqadz]

fifth =)

[bassguitar1975]

excellent video well done

[wendleberry]

My ears bleed at Peter Gabriel's version.

I (heart) The Magnetic Fields.

[buDDee3]

And why is that? I much prefer The Magnetic Fields version, but Peter Gabriel's isn't bad. He's got a pretty good voice.

[lionelforbes23]

i love this song and this version

[pexsniff]

This is first version I've heard and I'm tempted to leave it here! Absolutely beautiful

[skaterbakerrs]

Peter Gabriels is better, this is good but his version is really better in ways

[leonatm]

this is a terrible version compared to Peter Gabriel

[whatsetyouapart]

I disagree. But think of it this way, just because someone is a brilliant songwriter doesn't mean they can perform in x, y or z manner.

I like a lot of Dylan covers better than Dylan's "versions." I still give him props for writing them.

[Tiargus1]

Also, it's suposed to be somewhat satirical compared to what Peter Gabriel did with it.

[HomieTheHomelessHero]

i know.

[moshemaizels]

I actually heard this version first and I like it better. Probably cause I heard it first. But I assume most people who heard Gabriel's version first probably like it best.

[Gehirnstrudel]

Oh and very nice video. Did you do that yourself?

[Gehirnstrudel]

Well I like this version here better. And I'm a Peter Gabriel fan. But originals are better most of the time. So, sorry Gabes but this one is simpler and better.

[ghedgehog63]

this song is fantastic - i love the magnetic fields...

[CrazyMonkeyManGuy]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

[TPEERproductions]

lol, he sounds like he just woke up. :)

[Pirtanco]

This is the most touching song I've heard in .... a very long time. Peter Gabriel's version and this one are both great.

[thanatos66613]

perfect lyrics but i enjoy the peter gabriel version so much better. no disrespect...

[fahrv242]

Must disagree. It's already a sentimental song, and adding orchestra strings & female harmony just piles it on, and turns it from beautiful to sappy. Peter really misfires with that one.

[lopolo42]

His vocals are, in my opinion, FAR superior, but I do think the background sounds somewhat like "noise" and the backup singer was completely unnecessary.

[iridescentgreen]

i assume that you're talking about gabriel? personally, i think merritt has one of the best voices of any singers I know...but maybe that's because i listen to bob dylan ALL THE TIME....lol....just kidding. i really think merritt has a great voice.

[RockyBalboa211]

I have to desagree with that.. the orchestra strings and female harmony makes it more sentimental.. peter gabriels is awesome if your at a wedding or something, this song though is great as well, possibly reception of some sort..

[fahrv242]

Actually, when I was married, the Magnetic Fields version was the song we used for our first dance. So I might have some extra attachment to this one. :)

[RockyBalboa211]

Well thats awesome.. Actually after hearing this one again... darn its close.. both have their own styles and peform it well. This one is simpler and thats awesome, and peter gabriels is extravagant and thats ok too.. to me they are both equal now.. lol! Thanks for the reply..

[DeathSun]

I love that Magnetic Fields has some of the best songs to get married to and also the best songs to go through a breakup to. They're a very full service band.

[Jamesbharris2]

@DeathSun Great comment. But what Magnetic Fields song could you die to?

[mymuk]

@Jamesbharris2 easy "i die" from the album "i". Or any of the various vampire songs actually.

[yeleezaveta]

this looks just like the film 'science of sleep' by gandry, incredible

[nvjakobek]

good work...but why do so many songs pertaining to love use stop motion photography for their videos? it seems like people just think its so artsy and pertains to love

[newam5qi]

long and boring? i'll start in the middle.

[BeWaTer99]

Hahaha, you clever boy !(girl?) ;-)

[icantmakemyownblood]

romantics really do exist! i especially love the "read me things" verse with the book shelf.

[guernique]

awesome!

[Sanwishes]

I first heard this song in a movie a few years ago by the same name. It's a great little known flick. I can't find it on youtube.

[Princess7S]

Uhm.. Shall we dance? I remember that in that film i first heard this song

[DairMeeTwo]

love this song a flot

good animation

[philosophical82]

love the fields and i'm going to see them in new york tonight. kudos to the person who posted. this song makes me feel alright about not having a girlfriend!

[andrespereyda]

i hate this song so much i love it

[OnychaHazel]

I fell into a burning ring of fire!

[Barehand1972]

Love this song.

[gbay99]

amazing... i love the start. it must of taken a while to make all these keep em coming!

[hametsunosaturn]

Well done video.

This is one of my favorite Magnetic Fields songs.

[thepreacher69696]

i don't understand how this song only gets like 2,500 views but a cover of it gets 25,362 views.

[hametsunosaturn]

Sadly, because everyone knows Peter Gabriel and no one knows the Magnetic Fields. Also, the cover was in a movie.

At least it was a very well done cover?

[odracirseraoseia1999]

Because the cover by Peter Gabriel is better...

[joe12321]

That is a misguided opinion. :)

[odracirseraoseia1999]

why should it be?

[lewha]

I first discovered Mag. Fields through a Yelp friend so thought I share this.

[Bingo966]

It's a little spooky with the knife at the end, but I really liked this video. Congratulations to its author!

[soonlaypale]

my jealousy is infinate, phillipa1.

[guestinformant9]

Well done video, I liked it.

(by the way, if you don't already know Jan Švankmajer, check him out)

[Phillipa1]

My first--um, second--boyfriend used to make love to me while playing "Murder in the Cathedral" on the phonograph

[tmickyj]

This video reminds me of the animation they had on Sesame Street in the 1970s. Nett, sehr nett.