Neutral Milk Hotel

In January 1998, Neutral Milk Hotel was riding the wave of acclaim following the release of their seminal album, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea," which debuted in 1998, just a few months after this live recording. This album, which has since become a cornerstone of indie rock, was informed by Jeff Mangum's deeply personal lyrics and a unique blend of lo-fi and surreal instrumentation. The live performance at The Knitting Factory showcases the band's raw energy and Mangum's emotive vocal delivery, contributing to the growing cult status of the band during this period. Notably, "In the Aeroplane Over the Sea" was inspired by themes of love and loss, influenced by Anne Frank's story, which resonated powerfully with fans. This performance captures a pivotal moment in the band's trajectory as they began to garner a dedicated following, setting the stage for their later legendary status in the indie music scene.

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