Today we bring you the third of a five-episode video series about The Magnetic Fields' forthcoming Nonesuch release, Realism, with band members Stephin Merritt and Claudia Gonson continue their conversation and offering further insight into the new record. For today's episode, Sincerity Is an Odd Duck, the examine the oft-pondered notion of fact vs. fiction in Stephin's lyrics, and how that fares given the folk-inspired production on Realism. You can watch the video now at nonesuch.com/media.

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The Independent (UK) gives Realism four stars. "With his droll, sombre urbanity," says reviewer Andy Gill, "the Magnetic Fields' songwriter Stephin Merritt long since confirmed his position as the combined Coward and Sondheim of his era—though to my knowledge, neither of those earlier masters ever attempted writing in the more primitive, bucolic mode of folk music, as Merritt does on Realism."

Gill later enters the aforementioned fray analyzing Merritt's lyrics, suggesting that there do appear to be "direct, sincere expressions of affection" in these new songs, though he ultimately concludes: "From love-child's cradle to watery grave, Realism features tragedy too good to be true."

Read the complete review at independent.co.uk.

The Guardian gives the new album four stars as well, citing its mix of "withering put-downs and gorgeous tunes." Reviewer Alexis Petridis warns of the challenges of following up the sort of successes the band has had in the past, leading him to find the new album "an unexpected surprise." Read that review at guardian.co.uk.

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And don't forget: you can listen to the album in its entirety at MySpace through Saturday, January 23, at myspace.com/themagneticfields.