Neutral Milk Hotel: On Avery Island Vinyl 2LP

The oft overlooked debut album from Neutral Milk Hotel. While most are familiar with the second album from the band, In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, they'd be remiss not to lend an ear to On Avery Island. It might be a little rough around the edges compared to its successor but it has its shining moments. The opening track, "Song Against Sex," should immediately convince you. Its fuzzed out guitars come crashing out of the speakers as duo of horns seem to bubble up from nowhere. Jeff Mangum's earnest vocals have a dreamlike quality to them, creating visual references out of thin air. The sound is lo-fi but boasts a dynamic quality similar recordings lack. If you've been a fan of In The Aeroplane Over The Sea you owe it to Neutral Milk Hotel to get familiar with On Avery Island.

• sophomore album pressed on 2LP for the first time
• plays at 45RPM (note: side D plays at 33RPM)
• includes full-length version of 'Pree-Sisters Swallowing a Donkey’s Eye'
• black double vinyl pressing
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ variant cover art
• printed insert
• digital download included
• original release year: 1996
• music label: Merge Records 2023

reviewed by Hank Ohs 11/2014