If you are a fan of The Decemberists, then you should really consider checking out Jeff Mangum’s work, since The Decemberists owe practically everything to him. Mangum and Neutral Milk Hotel only released two albums over a five-year-long career, even though they still sometimes tour today, but these two albums are enough. The first of these albums was On Avery Island. Words do not do any justice to the poetry that is Neutral Milk Hotel’s music. Everything, from the racket of the drums and the horns to the sobering acoustic guitars and Mangum’s crooning voice, blends together into something so wondrous that it could only be magic. That is just scratching the surface, though. Look deeper into the lyrics and you will find the most superb imagery and deep, dark stories hidden by otherwise dainty acoustic tomfoolery. Just check out “Naomi” if you need any convincing otherwise.