So here we have the first challenge. Its the make-or break moment between two Indie Rock champions from two separate nations. In one corner, we have Canadian leaders known as The New Pornographers with their 5th release "Together" versus the Elephant 6 collective heroes from the USA called Neutral Milk Hotel and their 2nd (and final) album graciously titled "In The Aeroplane Over The Sea."
Fortunately, my true Indie Rock listening collectivity has not wandered much into this ambiguous territory from my earlier days, so while I understand both bands have their own religious cult followings, I am a member of neither denomination.
As I began to listen to Aeroplane, I couldn't help embrace its raw, organic qualities. One reviewer online once said that trying to describe the album would be "like trying to describe what cologne smells like to a grasshopper." I concur. When you get used to thinking that an album that sounds folksy and raw and then suddenly burst into cacophony, you may just walk away from the experience, but thanks to Jeff Magnum's consistent vocals throughout, it perfectly melds the two opposites together.
When you first throw on The New Pornos album, you're suddenly asking yourself "where have I heard that song" before, and then you realize, its a T-mobile commercial. Like T-mobile, the New Pornos are reliable and have stuck with me for a while, but it has yet taken me over to the other side. Granted, Neko Case has the one of the best voices out there with a backing band that rivals any Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, but like Yo La Tengo, when I listen to them and their amazing talents, I feel like I'm being schooled rather than taught by these professors of rock. Oh, Canada...
With that, I choose Neutral Milk Hotel for this round. (U-S-A! U-S-A!)
I must admit, the song "Oh Comely" is what did it for me. Raw and amazing.
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