Collected Works Of Neutral Milk Hotel Box Set Review

As a HUGE Neutral Milk Hotel fan after first discovering the album In The Aeroplane Over The Sea thanks to deep diving Beach Boys inspired bands etc.. I am so excited for this vinyl box set : The Collected Works Of Neutral Milk Hotel. They are such an interesting band and I thought I would review the albums and EP's contained in this box set.

In the Aeroplane Over the Sea LP
* Housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket.

Neutral Milk Hotel's "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" is widely considered to be one of the most important indie rock albums of the 1990s. The album, released in 1998, is a concept album that weaves together themes of love, loss, death, and spirituality.
The album features a range of instruments including guitar, drums, horns, and accordion, and the sound is characterized by its lo-fi production values, giving the album a raw and intimate feel.
At the heart of the album is the songwriting of Jeff Mangum, who writes in a poetic and enigmatic style that draws heavily on symbolism and surrealism. His lyrics are often oblique and ambiguous, but they convey a sense of emotion and urgency that is palpable throughout the album.
The album's standout tracks include the opening track "The King of Carrot Flowers," a rousing and anthemic song that builds to a cathartic climax, and "Holland, 1945," a frenetic and chaotic song that captures the intensity of the album's themes.
Other highlights include "Oh Comely," a sprawling and mournful ballad that showcases Mangum's raw and vulnerable vocals, and the title track "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," a dreamy and atmospheric song that features haunting brass instrumentation.
Overall, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" is an incredibly powerful and emotional album that has had a significant impact on the indie rock scene. Its unique sound and poetic lyricism have made it a cult classic, and it continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

On Avery Island

* Expanded to include the full-length version of "Pree-Sisters Swallowing a Donkey's Eye." Housed in a deluxe gatefold jacket (this version is now the standard edition available outside of the box set).

"On Avery Island" is the band's debut album, released in 1996. The album showcases the band's signature lo-fi sound and features a range of instruments including guitar, drums, bass, horns, and accordion.
The album's sound is raw and unpolished, with a DIY aesthetic that gives it a rough-around-the-edges feel. The album's production values are intentionally lo-fi, which creates an intimate and personal atmosphere that draws the listener in.
At the heart of the album is the songwriting of Jeff, who crafts poetic and enigmatic lyrics that are often difficult to decipher. His writing style is heavily influenced by surrealism and symbolism, which gives the album an otherworldly feel.
The album's standout tracks include "Song Against Sex," a rollicking and chaotic song that features Mangum's distinctive falsetto vocals, and "Naomi," a melancholic and dreamy ballad that showcases the band's knack for crafting haunting melodies.
Overall, "On Avery Island" is a solid debut album that showcases the band's unique sound and songwriting style. While it may not be as well-known as the band's later work, it is still a beloved album among fans of indie rock and lo-fi music.

Live At Jittery Joe's 

*12-inch picture disc

"Live at Jittery Joe's" is a rare live album recorded in 1997. The album features stripped-down and intimate performances of songs from the band's debut album "On Avery Island," as well as several songs that would later appear on their classic album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea."
The album captures the band's raw and unpolished sound, with sparse instrumentation and intimate vocals that create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The lo-fi production values add to the album's intimate feel, as the band performs in front of a small audience in a coffee shop.
The album's standout tracks include "Song Against Sex," a frenetic and chaotic song that showcases Jeff's falsetto vocals, and "A Baby for Pree," a beautiful and emotive song that features Mangum's distinctive acoustic guitar playing.
It is a great album for fans with a dreamy and atmospheric song that captures the sense of loss and longing that permeates much of the band's music.

Ferris Wheel On Fire

"Ferris Wheel on Fire" was released in 2011. It is a 10-inch EP.  The EP features a collection of unreleased and rare tracks that were recorded during the band's early years, prior to the release of their acclaimed album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea." The EP features the same lo-fi production values and intimate songwriting style that characterizes much of the band's work. The tracks range from delicate and emotive ballads to frenzied and chaotic rock songs, showcasing the band's versatility and skill as songwriters.
The EP's standout tracks include "Oh Sister," a melancholic and beautiful song that features Jeff Mangum's emotive and plaintive vocals, and "Ferris Wheel on Fire," a frenetic and driving song that captures the intensity and energy of the band's early years.
Overall, "Ferris Wheel on Fire" is a must-have for fans of Neutral Milk Hotel, as it offers a unique glimpse into the band's early years and showcases their raw and emotive songwriting style. 

Everything Is

"Everything Is" is a 10-inch EP released by Neutral Milk Hotel in 1996, following the release of their debut album "On Avery Island." The EP features four tracks, including two covers and two original songs.
The  standout tracks include "Everything Is," a poignant and emotional song that features Mangum's distinctive acoustic guitar playing and plaintive vocals, and "My Dreamgirl Don't Exist," a frenetic and chaotic track that showcases the band's energetic and experimental side.
The EP's cover songs are also noteworthy, as they showcase the band's ability to transform familiar material into something completely new and unexpected. Their cover of "I Will Bury You in Time" by The Olivia Tremor Control is a standout track, featuring layers of distorted guitars and a driving rhythm section that create a sense of urgency and excitement.
 

Holland,1945 / Engine

Neutral Milk Hotel's "Holland,1945 / Engine" was released in 1998. The single features two tracks from the band's acclaimed album "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea."
The A-side, "Holland, 1945," is one of the band's most well-known songs, and features a driving rhythm section, jangly guitars, and Jeff Mangum's emotive and plaintive vocals. The lyrics are enigmatic and cryptic, but they seem to be about the aftermath of World War II and the impact it had on the world.
The B-side, "Engine," is a more experimental track that features layers of distorted guitars and feedback, creating a sense of chaos and noise. The song has a dreamy and ethereal quality, with Mangum's vocals floating above the wall of sound.

Little Birds

"Little Birds" was released in 1997 as a 7inch single. The single features two tracks that were recorded during the sessions for the band's debut album, "On Avery Island."
The A-side, "Little Birds," is a haunting and atmospheric ballad that features Jeff Mangum's emotive and plaintive vocals, as well as acoustic guitar and gentle percussion. The lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with images of birds and nature serving as metaphors for more complex themes.
The B-side, "You've Passed," is a more experimental and chaotic track that features layers of distorted guitars and feedback, creating a sense of noise and chaos. The song has a frenzied quality, with Mangum's vocals almost buried beneath that wall of sound.
Overall, "Little Birds" is a must-have for fans of Neutral Milk Hotel, as it showcases the band's unique and idiosyncratic approach to songwriting. The single's lo-fi production values and intimate feel make it an essential addition to any collection of indie rock or lo-fi music. While not as well-known as some of the band's other releases, "Little Birds" is a hidden gem that deserves to be rediscovered by fans of the band's distinctive sound.

You've Passed / Where You'll Find Me Now

"You've Passed / Where You'll Find Me Now"  was released in 1998. The single features two tracks from the band's acclaimed album "On Avery Island."
The A-side, "You've Passed," is a frenzied and experimental track that features layers of distorted guitars and feedback, creating a sense of chaos and noise. The song has a dreamy and ethereal quality, with Jeff Mangum's vocals floating above the wall of sound. The lyrics are cryptic and enigmatic, with surrealistic imagery and complex themes.
The B-side, "Where You'll Find Me Now," is a more straightforward and melodic track that features acoustic guitar, gentle percussion, and Mangum's emotive vocals. The song has a melancholic and nostalgic quality, with lyrics that seem to be about lost love and memories of the past.

The Box set also comes with two 24" 24" posters, one featuring the outer box cover art and another featuring flying gramophone art. The Ep's and singles are Black vinyl in a cardboard jacket housed in a plastic outer sleeve.

All jackets are printed on enhanced cardboard stock for more vibrant, consistent color. In addition, the depth of the outer box has been increased to accommodate the extra contents and the interior fitments redesigned for added strength.

This is definitely a set for the fans and highly recommended to anyone just discovering Neutral Milk Hotels amazing sound.

www.vinyldestination.com.au/neutral-milk-hotel-collected-works-of-neutral-milk

#NeutralMilkHotel #CollectedworksofNeutralMilkHotel #newvinyl #Inanaeroplaneoverthesea #newreleasevinyl