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Post by thebrianman on Apr 8, 2014 15:55:55 GMT -5
Neutral Milk Hotel "What a curious life we have found here tonight. There is music that sounds from the streets" Official SiteWikipediaFacebook
Band Members:
Jeff Mangum Scott Spillane Jeremy Barnes Julian Koster
Bio:
The term one of a kind is often thrown around carelessly, but in this case no other band comes to mind that is quite like Neutral Milk Hotel. The brainchild of Jeff Mangum, he began his recording career in the late 80s with whoever happened to be within his general vicinity at the time. As time progressed, Mangum eventually solidified a lineup that would go on to tour his landmark album, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. Few albums, and few bands for that matter, have ever gained such a fervent fan following. There are many bands that sell more records, and plenty of bands better known to the mainstream public, but few bands with a fanbase as intense and dedicated as theirs. If you've been to one of their shows on this reunion tour, odds are you know what I'm talking about. At Grimey's Record Store in Nashville, they have a note specifically for this band tucked in behind the band's discs on the shelf promising a butt kicking for anyone who tries to steal their CDs.
The sound is generally slow to mid-paced acoustic folk music, laden with triumphant brassy horn sound, a defining characteristic shared by many bands associated with the Elephant Six Recording Co. However, Mangum and his music are also well renowned for being very strange. You wouldn't necessarily pick up on it if you don't pay close attention, but follow Mr. Mangum down the rabbit hole and you will discover tales of carrot kings, two headed boys, and really weird, warped tales about Anne Frank. The oddness is certainly part of its appeal but more than that, the key factor that truly attracts fans in droves is the absolutely beautiful, lovely, wonderful melodies. I can't even fully explain it to you; just click on a clip below and see what I mean. This leads to their music, and shows by extension, turning into massive sing alongs accompanied by a general groundswell of euphoria.
Magnum himself is actually rather introverted, and in large part because of this he disbanded the band just as they were beginning to break out, shortly after the release of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, and shrouded himself in obscurity for the greater part of the next decade. As the years went by, the album's legacy, and Mangum's along with it, continued to grow in a way few could predict. After a series of solo shows over the past few years, Mangum announced he was reuniting the original In the Aeroplane lineup for a reunion tour, which kicked off at Athens's 40 Watt Club last October.
Discography:
In the Aeroplane Over the Sea (1998)
The defining work of Mangum's career, and a simply beautiful record. Essential listening, whether you intend to see the band or not.
On Avery Island (1996)
The band's frequently overlooked debut. Much fuzzier and more lo-fi than Aeroplane, and less consistent, but still a worthy listen. He still plays a decent number of tracks from it as well.
Essential Listening:
The band has a very strict anti-camera policy, even going so far as to ban photo cameras from their shows. Therefore, live footage is extremely rare. There is a full live show of theirs from shortly after the release of Aeroplane, which should give you a decent idea of what to expect, except that the band is a much bigger deal now than they were then, and the setlists are accordingly much longer. Everything on this setlist, excepting April 8th, still feature as regular entrants in the band's setlist today.
Here are a handful of their best, and most renowned songs.
Physical Reaction/Live Show:
I've heard reports from friends who have attended the band's recent shows that they are like a massive catharsis; people were singing along at the top of their lungs and almost overcome by the general euphoria of finally having the chance to see this band after having been on hiatus for so many years. Admittedly, the crowd at their Ryman show I saw was a far cry from that, and were markedly much more restrained. However, Ryman crowds are often known for being more subdued. In an environment like Bonnaroo, this has the potential to be one of the greatest, defining shows of this year's entire fest, and possibly up there with the best sets in Roo's history. I look forward to see what they will do with it.
