Neutral Milk Hotel (from left to right): Jeff Mangum, Scott Spillane, Julian Koster and Jeremy BarnesUpon releasing In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, Neutral Milk Hotel realized it was time to stop recording music. For anyone who’s a fan of their music, it makes a lot of sense to do that. We want more, but we know it’s far too dangerous to mess things up by trying to make something as good as that album. The album is nearly perfect.
In 2008—10 years after its release—Aeroplane was the sixth highest-selling album on vinyl. The album’s got wings. Say what you will about Jeff Mangum’s shrill voice, but if you like it, you tend to love it. The sad, nostalgic music heard on that record reminds almost every NMH fan of a certain time in his or her life when it meant something to them. The album has a tendency to come back into your life.
Now, the band is back from a 15-year hiatus to play some shows and they’re making their way to Portland. The Crystal Ballroom will likely be filled with tears, laughter, screams and convulsions for two consecutive nights in early April. We look forward to the chaos.
