Jeff Mangum
When I first heard In the Aeroplane Over the Sea I fell completely in love with Neutral Milk Hotel. I brought the cd to work and folks at first scoffed but soon a majority of them were singing along. When NMH was to play at the 9:30 Club, we all went. Alas, the band had van trouble, showed up late and played a pretty crappy show. However, we were all so much in love with their music that we forgave them. Then nothing…
Now Jeff Mangum is doing a tour of solo shows. I tried to get tickets when he played in Manhattan but no luck. When the shows at BAM were announced, I anxiously awaited, clicking refresh over and over on my computer. I managed to get tickets for one show. And then another one was announced so I got a ticket for that show as well. There is also a third show but I only bought tickets for two shows – I didn’t want to be too greedy, I figured other folks should have the chance to see him.
The first show was last night. And wow, from the first notes played I actually had tears in my eyes. I sang along with all the songs (trying not to be too loud so as to not annoy my seatmates). It was hard to stay in my seat, I really wish this was a standing show. In addition to the tracks from In the Aeroplane Over the Sea and On Avery Island, he did the song Little Birds which I absolutely adore. Give it a listen and get hooked.
You can still find tickets (at cost!) for tonight and tomorrow on Craigslist – I highly recommend this show!
