#376 Neutral Milk Hotel, 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea' (1998)

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Over the years, this album has come up in multiple conversations I’ve had with fellow music fans, many citing it as a huge favourite of theirs. I listened to it a few years ago, but to be honest, I didn’t remember a note. On release its reviews were luke warm. Not bad, as such, but nothing to write home about. In subsequent years, this record has been hailed by critics and fans alike. The general consensus is that this record requires multiple listens to fully be appreciated. I feel that. On first listen this morning, it didn’t do huge amounts for me. It was ok, but like the critics felt in 1998, nothing to write home about. On my second listen, it’s getting better.

Definitely some unusual and interesting sounds on this record; Uilleann pipes, singing saw, zanzithophone amongst others. This album is as low-fi as it gets. Instruments often sound incredibly compressed. It would go on to influence artists such as Bright Eyes and The Decemberists and Win Butler, from Arcade Fire, has said that the primary reason they signed with Merge Records was because of this album. This album as influenced so many artists better that have gone on to do amazing things, and that’s why it’s great. It fulfilled music’s primary focus – it inspired and it brought joy. It serves as a blueprint for so many of our favourite indie records. Another one that requires your attention while listening in headphones.

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