Neutral Milk Hotel centered on chief lyricist and songwriter, Jeff Mangum, who on the band’s two full-length albums, played with a number of other musicians, notably Jeremy Barnes (drums), Scott Spillane (horns), Julian Koster (saw/banjo/accordion/bass guitar) and producer-instrumentalist Robert Schneider. Neutral Milk Hotel were one of the original members of the Elephant Six Collective, based in Athens, Georgia. They have been on an indefinite hiatus since 2001.

Origins

Jeff Mangum was a member of The Olivia Tremor Control, along with his friend Will Cullen Hart and Bill Doss, appearing on their first release, the California Demise 7”.

Prior to recording for friends under the NMH moniker, Mangum recorded at least one cassette under the name Milk, the only known tape was called Pygmie Barn in E Minor. This is the earliest known recordings that Mangum initiated and executed himself, on the cover there is “all songs: j.m ‘89. art: w. cullen ... read more »