On Avery Island | ||||
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Studio album by Neutral Milk Hotel | ||||
Released | March 26, 1996 | |||
Recorded | February–May 1995 at The Elephant 6 Recording Co. and Dane and Merisa's House except "Marching Theme" which was recorded in June 1994 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 47:58 | |||
Label |
Merge (original US release) NMH Records (2014 US reissue) Fire (UK) |
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Producer | Robert Schneider | |||
Neutral Milk Hotel chronology | ||||
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Alternative cover | ||||
1996 Fire Records (UK) release
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | |
Encyclopedia of Popular Music | |
Houston Chronicle | |
Mojo | |
NME | 8/10 |
Q | |
The Rolling Stone Album Guide | |
Uncut |
On Avery Island is the debut album by American indie rock band Neutral Milk Hotel. It was released on March 26, 1996 by Merge Records.
All tracks written by Jeff Mangum, except where noted. Horn arrangements composed by Robert Schneider.
The title refers to Avery Island, a salt dome island in southern Louisiana, the band's home state. Avery Island is the headquarters of the McIlhenny Company, makers of Tabasco sauce.
The UK version of this CD has two more tracks: "Everything Is" and "Snow Song Pt. 1," both of which are taken from the "Everything Is" single, reportedly without Jeff Mangum's permission. On the vinyl LP, "Pree-Sisters Swallowing a Donkey's Eye" is 3:28 long, as opposed to the significantly longer digital version at 13:49. The UK version also has a different cover, with artwork by Jill Carnes of Thimble Circus.
Track 12 features Merisa Bissinger, Hilarie Sidney, Zachary DeMichele, Dane Terry, Lisa Janssen, Aaron Reedy, and Jeff Mangum performing various Indonesian instruments.