If It's Too Loud...

Photo courtesy of Neutral Milk Hotel There is a finite amount of Neutral Milk Hotel music out there, so anytime we can hear something "new," we're going to rejoice. "Little Birds" was never officially released. It was played once at a friend of Jeff Magnum's party in 1998, but that recording has been circulating online. The song was inspired by a group of five or six people who confronted a preacher spewing hate towards LGBTQ people on the streets of Athens, GA until the preacher left. Since this is a 1998 recording, this is pure vintage Neutral Milk Hotel, and if you've been a fan for any length of time, getting an official release for this is an absolute treat. You can listen to "Little Birds" below. The song will be included on The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel , which will be out February 24 on Merge Records. The set can be pre-ordered here . A track listing is below the song. Little Birds by Neutral Milk Hotel In the Aeroplane Over...

This is the one show I've been the most nervous for. Like many people, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea  is one of my most beloved and cherished albums. Reunion shows can be dicey, with many being obvious cash grabs by bands looking for a quick nostalgia payday, and just walking through the hits. Because of this (and my hatred of the Orpheum Theater in Boston), I had missed their first run of dates. Since this appears to be their final run, I had to suck it up and head down to Providence. I'm thrilled to say I had no reason to be nervous. Holy shit was this an amazing show. It was literally everything I could have hoped for as far a a reunion goes. The band, including the notoriously performance shy singer Jeff Mangum, seemed genuinely thrilled to be there. As the other members went through one of the greatest assortments of instruments I've ever seen on a stage (and the only time I've ever seen a banjo played with a bow and used as a noise instrument), they would sing...

I mean... seriously? Look at that line up. I don't care what Boston Calling has had before, this roster may never be topped ever again. Plenty for old fogies to check out without feeling self conscious (The Replacements, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nas + The Roots, The Hold Steady, Spoon) plus a chance to see some of the up and comers we've been obsessed with without being the Creepy Old Guy. I've wanted to check out Childish Gambino and Girl Talk for a while now, and this may be the chance! And you can check out this Lorde character without being the only adult without a child. Plus, I mean, The Replacements! Neutral Milk Hotel! Nas + The Roots would be kick ass enough by themselves, but Nas with The Roots as his backing band???? Insane. I think The National might be the weak link as far as headliners go, but considering they curated the thing, I can let it slide. The September 2014 edition of Boston Calling takes place in City Hall Plaza on September 5, 6, & 7. 3 Day and ...