Neutral Milk Hotel?

marzabar · 07-03-2009 12:34am #1

Anyone here a fan? And so could they recommend any similar artists?
They released what is possibly one of the most under appreciated albums out there, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea just over ten years ago. If you haven't heard of them I'd really recommend them.

Tristram · 07-03-2009 12:37am

love 'em! track down some of the solo projects!

also, check out Rock Plaza Central and let us know how you get on!

Bubs101 · 07-03-2009 12:42am

If you like them you'd probably like Wilco. Think NHM but without the annoying voice and more than 1 great album

Tristram · 07-03-2009 12:51am

Wilco? wtf? god no. pls don't inflict that ****e on urself or ne1 else in the nearby vicinity. most over-rated useless ****ing band ever.

this post may contain exaggerations

as a lol teaser for Rock Plaza Central, check this review for chuckles:

Gothic folk about mechanical horses with artificial intelligence advanced enough to think they’re real horses, but also to question whether or not they were only programmed to think that. Also they’re caught in the middle of a battle between good and evil.

Lead vocalist Chris Eaton caterwauls in this nasally opera full of dense acoustic guitar and violin. Equal parts Tom Waits, Neutral Milk Hotel and O’Death, the robo-horses on this excellent disc are more human than many other narrators in the musical lexicon.

never knew this existed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7dx762TkaQ

larrykinney · 07-03-2009 3:59am

Wilco rule. 'Yankee Hotel Foxtrot' is the best album of the 21st century (well, so far

) Also check out 'A ghost is born' and 'Summerteeth'.

IMHO, 'In the airplane...' is woefully over-rated. I just don't get it, yet I'm always encountering people on message boards wetting themselves over it

:rolleyes:

Timans · 07-03-2009 4:04am

Check out the Microphones 'Glow Pt. 2' and Mt. Eerie. I reckon you'll like them. Similar vein to NMH. I just got In the Aeroplane.. a couple of weeks ago and I love it. Really melancholic feel to it and it's got a trumpet so I'm sold.

fillmore jive · 07-03-2009 11:33am

how about olivia tremor control? they were one of the elephant six bands back in the day, check them out if ya like NMH. I'm also gonna say yo la tengo, because they're the greatest band of all time.

fated2pretend · 07-03-2009 2:50pm

I can understand how it might split opinion, but, for me, 'Aeroplane ...' is one of the best albums - if not the best - ever made. It might take a good few listens to get into, but if/once you do, it just has a certain power about it that, IMO, no other album can match. Individually, some of the songs on it are among my favourite ever - the title track, 'Holland 1945', 'Oh Comely', 'Two-Headed Boy Pts. 1 and 2' - while as a whole, everything about it - what Jeff Magnum sings, how he sings it (jarring through it might initially be), the effect it has, etc. - is just perfect.

As for similar bands, the most obvious one that springs to mind would be The Decemberists. They're definitely more accessible, but have a similar sound and also go in for albums based on interesting concepts and the like, usually involving ships/the sea and other folk tales.

flyswatter · 07-03-2009 4:13pm

Would also recommend The Decemberists and also Grizzly Bear and Silver Jews.

lordgoat · 07-03-2009 6:55pm

I think it's an ok album, some great songs, well put together, lyrically and musically. But others just don't do it for me and i tend to skip as many as i listen to.

But Yankee by Wilco is a similar album just a hell of a lot better.

nylon · 08-03-2009 6:41pm

A quite fantastic album. Lyrically very inventive, love "Holland, 1945" especially.

09-03-2009 2:10am

Titus Andronicus?
The Gerbils?
Volunteer Pioneer?

All amazing!

Morgans · 09-03-2009 9:58pm

Someone said that "In the aeroplane over the sea" takes a good few listens to get into earlier. To me, it was love at first listen. The first five songs (excluding the short instrumental) was the music that I was practising for when I first heard it. Just stunning.

As was mentioned, I would say that Olivia Tremor Control deserve a listen if you like Neutral Milk Hotel, and of course, if you havent listened to 69 Love Songs by The Magnetic Fields, you should do so. They arent very similar really but in my experience several fans of one tend to love the other.

JackKelly · 17-03-2009 2:37pm

In the Aeroplane is pretty much my favourite album of all time. I suppose it is just a very love-it-or-hate-it album. Communist Daughter is a great track

Photi · 17-03-2009 2:45pm

Oh Comely is a masterpiece too. Just Jeff, his guitar and his straining voice. Turn up the volume and you can hear the producer exclaim 'holy ****!' at the end of the take.

So make all your fat fleshy fingers to moving,
And pluck all your silly strings, bend all your notes for me.
Soft silly music is meaningful, magical,
The movements were beautiful, all in your ovaries.
All of them milking with green fleshy flowers,
While powerful pistons were sugary sweet machines.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iipO9Tvk1EI

And to answer your question OP, try listening to any of the Elephant 6 stuff.

Olivia Tremor Control, as already stated
Elf Power
The Gerbils
The Apples In Stereo

Jeff Mangum also contributed to Major Organ And The Adding Machine, though it takes a while to get into it..

In addition, try Beirut, similar kind of instrumentation to NMH, and songs are wonderfully haphazard

Over&Over · 15-04-2009 11:35am

I love Beirut & AH&AH. I had heard so many great things about In The Aeroplane... and bought it recently, quietly expecting to be blown away.

What a disappointment. It was almost like somebody was playing a bad joke and exchanged the disc for a CD of Saw Doctors demos. Or is this really how this modern 'holy grail' LP is supposed to sound?

me-skywalker · 15-04-2009 1:25pm

See if you go to listen to aband with preconceived notions that its great you will more than likely be let down.... especially if the album is a slow burner and this definitly is! ild recommend listening to it again and again its amazing and so viral...

was in whelan's and the DJ played king of carrot flowers and i went jim morrison about the place and nobody hada clue who it was!! fckin youth with their killers and lilly allen... whelans sux anyway!

me-skywalker · 15-04-2009 1:31pm

similar artists - hmmmm........... definitly the kinks!! the moody blues? might go with a hint of the frames!! check out some of the side-projects/spin-off bands/solo projects...

whatawaster · 15-04-2009 5:42pm

me-skywalker wrote: »

might go with a hint of the frames!!

a little bit of me just died !

ArmitageShanks · 15-04-2009 10:02pm

Couldnt agree more about the album a true master piece!!

I would maybe suggest Okkervil River. I like their album Stand In's.

jill_valentine · 15-04-2009 11:04pm

Over&Over wrote: »

I love Beirut & AH&AH. I had heard so many great things about In The Aeroplane... and bought it recently, quietly expecting to be blown away.

What a disappointment.

Ditto.

Huge non-fan of NMH. I find myself loving a lot of bands that cite them as an influence, but I don't seem to be hearing what everybody else does.

laurashambles · 18-04-2009 1:53am

me-skywalker wrote: »

See if you go to listen to aband with preconceived notions that its great you will more than likely be let down.... especially if the album is a slow burner and this definitly is! ild recommend listening to it again and again its amazing and so viral...

Definitely agree, I'd never even heard of NMH or how big of a deal this album was supposed to until someone randomly recommended it to me and I was completely blown away. It's a bit grating on the ears at first, but then it starts to sink in and it just becomes mind blowing.

It's a bit like a musical equivalent of Catcher in the Rye. You either don't get it at all or it completely rocks your world.

Danco · 18-04-2009 1:45pm

It is frankly a scandal that someone could suggest that Neutral Milk Hotel sound even the slightest bit like the Frames. In The Aeroplane Over The Sea is one of the most unique albums I've ever heard, it's such a masterpiece and it gives up something new every time you listen to it. The frames have simply stolen other peoples ideas and mashed them together into something that appeals to people who don't realise that the real greatness is in the sources which have been pillaged and not in the patchwork which Glen Hansard has cobbled together out of other peoples work.

To think that the effort Jeff Magnum puts into what he does could be equated with the lazyiness off what Glen Hansard does is ridiculous. No offence meant to the other poster by the way, but it has to be said.

Kold · 18-04-2009 2:33pm

NMH, fantastic? Yes. Underrated. God no. In an Aeroplane is one of my favourite albums and I'm a man who has very little time for Folk. At 1st I thought it was goofy as hell but it sure as hell grew on me. The lyrics and Jeff Mangum's voice just do something amazing.

I suggest trying out The Mountain Goats.

liah · 18-04-2009 2:40pm

You might like Two Gallants. Seems nobody over this side of the pond really knows much about them. They're quite a bit like The Decemberists, actually.

mosstin · 24-04-2009 12:53am

liah wrote: »

You might like Two Gallants. Seems nobody over this side of the pond really knows much about them. They're quite a bit like The Decemberists, actually.

Decemberists? Ye Gods.....nasal whine ahoy.

http://www.onfirelive.blogspot.com/

Mr. Frost · 24-04-2009 12:57am

marzabar wrote: »

Anyone here a fan? And so could they recommend any similar artists?
They released what is possibly one of the most under appreciated albums out there, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea just over ten years ago. If you haven't heard of them I'd really recommend them.

Actually got into them a couple of years ago and even then didn't realise how long they'd been around. Highly, highly recommended! Awesome band!

Check out The Magnetic Fields. 69 Love songs is brilliant.

lordgoat · 24-04-2009 11:24am

Mr. Frost wrote: »

Check out The Magnetic Fields. 69 Love songs is brilliant.

Is that their latest with Nun's Litany on it? I love that song one of the best rtacks from last year...

Fanny Cradock · 24-04-2009 6:00pm

lordgoat wrote: »

Is that their latest with Nun's Litany on it? I love that song one of the best rtacks from last year...

It's found on their new album Distortion, not 69 Love Songs.

Culann · 27-04-2009 4:50am

I got into them via posts on here and from hearing them on last.fm. I don't know how they passed me by. It did take quite a while to get into the whole album (Aeroplane over the sea), but there was a time after listening to it in its entirety that I 'got' it....I've never really had that before. The way 'The Two Headed boy' segues into 'The fool' gets me every time.
I can't really recommend anything similar as I haven't heard anything that comes close to being as good and I suspect I never will....but I hope I'm wrong.

me-skywalker · 28-04-2009 4:23pm

Danco wrote: »

It is frankly a scandal that someone could suggest that Neutral Milk Hotel sound even the slightest bit like the Frames. In The Aeroplane Over The Sea is one of the most unique albums I've ever heard, it's such a masterpiece and it gives up something new every time you listen to it. The frames have simply stolen other peoples ideas and mashed them together into something that appeals to people who don't realise that the real greatness is in the sources which have been pillaged and not in the patchwork which Glen Hansard has cobbled together out of other peoples work.

To think that the effort Jeff Magnum puts into what he does could be equated with the lazyiness off what Glen Hansard does is ridiculous. No offence meant to the other poster by the way, but it has to be said.

Get over yourself will you!!

Person clearly wanted to hear similar artists so i recommended 3. and the third was a more closer to home/familiar artist. If you ever listened to The Frames albums and not jsut the singles or big songs, and not get all hot and bothered to jump on them because you hate Glen Hansard. There is clear essence of some NMH in The Frames and thats why i said them also being Irish and all and clsoer to home he might know them.

You've clearly explained exactly what i meant... as I said

me-skywalker wrote: »

...might go with a hint of the frames!!

as your said

Danco wrote: »

.....The frames have simply stolen other peoples ideas and mashed them together....

and whats to say one of them ideas and sounds wastnt influenced by a NMH song or album?

Now back on your high horse.

me-skywalker · 28-04-2009 4:34pm

laurashambles wrote: »

Definitely agree, I'd never even heard of NMH or how big of a deal this album was supposed to until someone randomly recommended it to me and I was completely blown away. It's a bit grating on the ears at first, but then it starts to sink in and it just becomes mind blowing.

It's a bit like a musical equivalent of Catcher in the Rye. You either don't get it at all or it completely rocks your world.

Yea definitly agree with that... i suppose its like anything in life really taht once someone completly over the top goes on about how amazing something is and you listen to it/watch it/read it then your left feeling a bit flat. But once you give it a chance in your own time then it can grow on your or instantly forget everything ur friend has said and go back to it!

Ever listen to My Bloody Valentine? thats exactly what happened to me!! now i love them!! or when i first saw some anime films or the matrix!
I was like wtf?? but its all about perceptions. Ive bascially an open mind listening to anythign now! expcet rap/hip-hop etc,etc lol :P

I

Danco · 28-04-2009 10:34pm

If I get down off my high horse will you get down off your soapbox?

I have heard entire Frames albums, I've even heard their first album "Another Love Song" and the live album "Breadcrumb Trail" and I'm speaking from my experience of the band. It would be better for you not to assume that I am speaking from a position of ignorance as to the Frames output. I do hate Glen Hansard, I certainly won't deny that, but I can distinguish between a person and their music enough not to disregard a persons output just because of who they are. I happen to hate Glen Hansard and I happen to hate Glen Hansard's music. I hate Billy Corgan too, but I love a lot of Smashing Pumpkins songs.

The OP (as you point out) came on here saying they love Neutral Milk Hotel and asking if anyone familiar with them could recommend other bands they might like. Your point in your last post was that The Frames may have been influenced in some way by NMH and you used my assertion that "The Frames have simply stolen other peoples ideas and mashed them together" as evidence that this might be possible. I fully accept that the Frames may well have taken ideas from NMH, but why would the OP, who clearly loves In The Aeroplane Over The Sea want to hear a poor quality imitation of a band they love? Why recommend the Frames if you don't think they're unique or original (as you clearly don't since you're willing to use my assertion that they take other peoples ideas in your argument)?

Can you elaborate on your claim that "There is clear essence of some NMH in The Frames"? Because I honestly don't see how there is and I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion. I'm not having a go at you by the way, I just don't see how you got there. Also, I did say in my first post that I meant no offence to you and I don't, so I'd appreciate it if you held off on the high horse stuff because it's divisive and unnecessary. If the OP asks for recommendations and I think one of those recommendations is questionable I'm entitled to say so.

me-skywalker · 29-04-2009 11:29am

Danco wrote: »

If I get down off my high horse will you get down off your soapbox?

I have heard entire Frames albums, I've even heard their first album "Another Love Song" and the live album "Breadcrumb Trail" and I'm speaking from my experience of the band. It would be better for you not to assume that I am speaking from a position of ignorance as to the Frames output. I do hate Glen Hansard, I certainly won't deny that, but I can distinguish between a person and their music enough not to disregard a persons output just because of who they are. I happen to hate Glen Hansard and I happen to hate Glen Hansard's music. I hate Billy Corgan too, but I love a lot of Smashing Pumpkins songs.

The OP (as you point out) came on here saying they love Neutral Milk Hotel and asking if anyone familiar with them could recommend other bands they might like. Your point in your last post was that The Frames may have been influenced in some way by NMH and you used my assertion that "The Frames have simply stolen other peoples ideas and mashed them together" as evidence that this might be possible. I fully accept that the Frames may well have taken ideas from NMH, but why would the OP, who clearly loves In The Aeroplane Over The Sea want to hear a poor quality imitation of a band they love? Why recommend the Frames if you don't think they're unique or original (as you clearly don't since you're willing to use my assertion that they take other peoples ideas in your argument)?

Can you elaborate on your claim that "There is clear essence of some NMH in The Frames"? Because I honestly don't see how there is and I'd like to know how you came to that conclusion. I'm not having a go at you by the way, I just don't see how you got there. Also, I did say in my first post that I meant no offence to you and I don't, so I'd appreciate it if you held off on the high horse stuff because it's divisive and unnecessary. If the OP asks for recommendations and I think one of those recommendations is questionable I'm entitled to say so.

2+2=5

Danco · 29-04-2009 11:38am

What a clever response. Articulate and well argued, it certainly showed me. Talk later Glen.

lostboy75 · 29-04-2009 11:55am

how about one of the new hype bands, well on Emusic anyway.
The Rural Alberta Advantage - Hometowns
caught me just like NMH
they dont have a record label, but you can get their album fairly easily from there website. and yes i know i am aging my self by talking about buying an album. but i do ues Emusic as well, if i like what i download enough, i will buy the CD or Vinyl as well.

Lost

lordgoat · 30-04-2009 10:12pm

http://pitchfork.com/news/35219-neutral-milk-hotel-want-you-to-help-them-save-a-carousel/

Flyingsnowball · 03-02-2019 2:45am

After seeing the cover for the airplane album for the last 20 years or so I finally gave it a listen a few weeks ago and have had it on repeat since. Some stuff sounds like nothing else.
The I love you Jesus Christ song is epic.

As for the bands like them discussion bright eyes had a great album called something like I’m wide awake it’s morning. Opening song blows me away every time.

Mickeroo · 03-02-2019 2:50am

Every song on that album is a cracker. I could listen to King Of Carrot Flowers on repeat and never get sick of it.

Flyingsnowball · 03-02-2019 3:10am

Even the story of the singer floating around making recordings with an 8 track in hotels rooms and caves. Changing bands or projects for music rather than milking the successful stuff.

2 headed boy song being so dark and yet being a tribute to record players amazing stuff. The Kurt Cobain of Kurt Cobains generation.

UrbanSprawl · 03-02-2019 3:35pm

Good description of the album. Definately a classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG88xuy1_V0

Arghus · 03-02-2019 5:21pm

Can't stand them myself. Your man's voice cuts through me like razor-wire.

Flyingsnowball · 03-02-2019 5:57pm

Arghus wrote: »

Can't stand them myself. Your man's voice cuts through me like razor-wire.

There’s two types of people. Those that like original sounding voices and those that like their singers with every piece of character trained out of them.
There’s no right or wrong I suppose, just what ye like.

Always feels for me the less trained singer has more feeling and is overcoming his lack of perfection and confidence in his untrained voice to get his message out. Makes the message of the song more believable where Coldplay and Ed Sheehan come across as disengenuous money grabbers Bob Dylan comes across as a man with a story he needs to tell.

You should like what you like of course.

06-02-2019 8:47pm

Up there as one of my all time favourite albums. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea and It's a Wonderful life by Sparklehorse are getting a lot of play here recently.

Flyingsnowball · 06-02-2019 10:05pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Up there as one of my all time favourite albums. In the Aeroplane Over the Sea and It's a Wonderful life by Sparklehorse are getting a lot of play here recently.

I’ll try sparklehorse on the way to work tomorrow. Never heard of them

07-02-2019 1:10am

Flyingsnowball wrote: »

I’ll try sparklehorse on the way to work tomorrow. Never heard of them

Well worth checking out but the story of Mark Linkous aka Sparklehorse is a tragic one unfortunately.

Autecher · 07-02-2019 10:12pm

My most listened to album is In The Aeroplane Over The Sea & I think my most listened to song is Little Birds which only got an official release as part of the box set a few years ago but it is stunning imo.

Flyingsnowball · 08-02-2019 8:26am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Well worth checking out but the story of Mark Linkous aka Sparklehorse is a tragic one unfortunately.

Had it on this morning on the way to work. Enjoyed it I’ll listen again on the way home.

degsie · 08-02-2019 8:28pm

'In the airplane...', seriously? Sounds like a bunch of lads at the back of the pub making sh** up. Not for me anyway.

Flyingsnowball · 08-02-2019 8:31pm

degsie wrote: »

'In the airplane...', seriously? Sounds like a bunch of lads at the back of the pub making sh** up. Not for me anyway.

If there was a heaven I’d say that pub would be front and centre.

mosstin · 09-02-2019 8:20pm

Flyingsnowball wrote: »

Had it on this morning on the way to work. Enjoyed it I’ll listen again on the way home.

Sparklehorse are an incredible band. Just try their debut 'Vivadixiesubmarine...'. My favourite debut album of the 1990s. Absolute perfection.

Neutral Milk Hotel?

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