Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea / Holland, 1945

10 years ago Jeff Mangum released his second album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" and like many landmark pieces it was praised by some and utterly reviled by others. And in the long tradition of bold statements, the discussion is still actively playing out in some music circles. The record's sound is reminicient of a James Joyce novel put to music. The songs are full of strong imagery and their structure resembles a dreamlike state of disconnected thoughts and surreal behavior. The music compliments this lyrical makeup by utilizing a patchwork of sound (as opposed to a wall) seemingly influenced by everything from New Orleans Jazz to punk rock. Like the very best novels, "In the Aeroplace Over the Sea" welcomes the listener into the world of Neutral Milk Hotel which can be very much like walkng through (a sometimes dark) lucid dream. Sadly following a brief tour in support of the album Jeff Mangum decided to call it quits and disbanded Neutral Milk Hotel. Subsequent attempts to perform live have either been brief or resulted in self-described nervous breakdowns. Even if there is never another Neutral Milk Hotel album listeners will at least be able to enjoy what is certainly the definitive Elephant 6 release and arguably the most important recording of the 90s. Two highlights from the album have been provided below for your listening pleasure.