Neutral Milk Hotel

On May 5, 1997, Neutral Milk Hotel delivered a unique and somewhat challenging performance at the Side Door in St. Louis. This live recording, marked by the band's raw energy, came right after the release of their groundbreaking album, 'In the Aeroplane Over the Sea,' which emerged a year later. At this point in their career, the band was still relatively under the radar, crafting a distinctive sound that would later captivate many. Interestingly, the recording takes place during a rough patch for the band; Jeff Mangum, the frontman, was battling the flu, and even mentioned having vomited that morning. With no Jeremy Barnes on drums, fans experienced a rare, stripped-down version of the band's performance, highlighting their lyrical depth and Mangum’s emotional intensity. It's fascinating to think how moments like these contribute to the cult status they would eventually achieve.

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