Neutral Milk Hotel

By July 1998, Neutral Milk Hotel was riding high on the critical success of their sophomore album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," which had been released just a few months earlier, in February. This live recording from The Middle East in Cambridge showcases the band at a pivotal moment in their career, as their sound was resonating with audiences and gaining traction. It’s fascinating to think about how this particular show, during a tour that followed a groundbreaking album, must have felt electric—given the intensity of their music and Jeff Mangum’s emotive performances. What’s particularly charming is that a fan baked a cake for the band, highlighting the growing connection between the artists and their audience. This interplay between artist and fan adds a warm, personal touch to a performance that many would later see as an iconic part of the band's legacy.

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