I just downloaded (from eMusic, where I get most of my tunes) the last-ever live performance by Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel, an essentially solo show he did in New Zealand in 2001, and the last time anyone has ever heard him sing his beautiful songs. I am just blown away by this set. He is a such a great songwriter and an extremely evocative singer. If you like Mountain Goats, Okkervil River or Beirut (and you should!), listen to NMH to hear where they got a lot of their ideas...
MP3 In the aeroplane, over the sea (live in New Zealand, 2001)
MP3 In the aeroplane, over the sea (title song from 1998 album, one of Pitchfork's rare 10.0s and deservedly so, features gorgeous brass and musical saw)
MP3 Holland, 1945 (from In the aeroplane, over the sea)
It's a concept album about Anne Frank. It's gorgeous. Guy only made two records, this was the second. Then he had some kind of breakdown and since then, nothing...but he lives in NY and sometimes appears onstage to sing a song with old Elephant 6 friends like Elf Power and Olivia Tremor Control.
Can't believe how strange it is to be anything at all....
1 comment:
I like Neutral Milk Hotel more than The Mountain Goats, but the latter is a far older band (and hence it is unlikely the John Darnielle got many of his ideas from Jeff Mangum).
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