In The Aeroplane Over The Sea [1998] - Neutral Milk Hotel

Simply put, Neutral Milk Hotel's second studio album "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea" is a modern day indie classic. Engaging from start to finish, it showcases one man's vision, nay, obsession and translates it into a body of magical music. Inspired loosely by the diary of Anne Frank, frontman Jeff Mangum displays his immense talent as a songwriter. As a singer, well let's just say it's not going to be everybody's cup of tea. Kicking off with 'The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One" till "Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two", it is quite a surreal journey. The song arrangements are simple mostly consisting of Jeff Mangum and his acoustic guitar. However, some songs have added drums, fuzzed out bass and even horns.

Although I mentioned that Jeff Mangum's voice was a rather hit-or-miss affair, it is what makes this album unique. It's nasal and it goes places where it probably shouldn't venture, but it's honest. Every line delivered is honest and heartfelt. The emotions range from haunting ("Oh Comely) to excited ("Holland 1945") to melancholy espcially on "Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two" where he seems on the verge of tears, but it all fits so well together. The rapid fire lyrics are surreal and expose Jeff Mangum's poetry skills (What other album has the word semen feature so many times?).

If one were to nitpick any flaws on this album, it would have to be that it is accessible yet inaccessible at the same time. There are some genuine pop hits in this album and its mesmerizing, but only if you can get yourself look past the non-traditional vocals. An essential album for sure.

Song Picks :

• The King of Carrot Flowers Pt. One
• In the Aeroplane over the Sea
• Two-Headed Boy
• Holland, 1945
  
• Oh Comely
• Two-Headed Boy Pt. Two
  

"The only girl I've ever loved
Was born with roses in her eyes
But then they buried her alive
One evening 1945
With just her sister at her side
And only weeks before the guns
All came and rained on everyone
Now she's a little boy in Spain
Playing pianos filled with flames
On empty rings around the sun
All sing to say my dream has come."