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Re: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
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RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by lauraandnigel on 10.29.09 @ 03:36 PM
thanx for the songs, jeff. that is all.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by RyanLionheart on 10.03.09 @ 07:27 PM
Jeff changed the lives of hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people all over the world.
His music changed the way that I view music, life, death, and beauty.
I only hope that he will overcome his inner obstacles and find happiness and contentment with what he's done.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by saaaaarb on 05.31.09 @ 04:28 AM
I, like many, have been listening to Neutral Milk and became interested in the mystery. The music is so captivating, and I think the mystery of Mr. Mangum is too. As disappointing as it is that Neutral Milk hasn't released an album in 10 years and very well might not release one ever again, I completely understand where he is coming from. He didn't want fame, he just wanted to fulfill his dream and stay underground. This is the only band that i've come across that has actually stopped music, most other bands would just let fame scoop them up and ride with it. I think he wants to be seen as just a person, but what he doesn't realize is that there are tons of odd, off-beat people out there that have such strong connections with the music.
The beauty in Neutral Milk Hotel is that only certain people can enjoy it, and see the beauty in it, because it's so different than all types of other music. The lyrics take some time figuring out, they don't just hit you. I find such beauty in that. In my opinion, Jeff accomplished great things, and hopefully the things he set out to do in the first place- he established music that hadn't ever been before, something brand new, but you were emotionally tied to it in some way. All of Neutral Milk's songs really have a mystery to them, and it illustrates a lot about Jeff.
Personally, I think everyone should enjoy & embrace what Neutral Milk Hotel has put out. It was way better of Jeff to disappear than to become a 60 year old overplayed, unhappy burn out.
And Jeff- If you still read what people say, and happen to stumble across this, i hope you are having fun in your cave. And i hope you're happy. Maybe in the future I will have the opportunity to meet you, Neutral Milk is what gave me the drive and passion to pick up music again. It's given me hope that there are "weird" people out there like me. Thank you.
And thank you so much for writing this article, it has answered so many of my questions.
By the way,
i'm also 14. everyone says i look like anne frank... and i'm about an hour from Athens, where all of my extended family lives. It's awesome to think a band this innovative was once so close to here.
Can't wait to crank this in my car one day.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by chip71757 on 05.26.09 @ 05:26 AM
I purchased this Album when buying some work by Decemberist. When I listened to it, I was amazed at the talent. Now reading this article - I realize I've got a piece of hisotry like an old Gypsy album. I could on about my feelings with the Bands lyrics, but nothing that would add to the great things already said. I purchased On Avery Island also. Track 12 takes me away.
Good article by the way - thanks
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Troodat on 05.24.09 @ 10:49 AM
Mr Mangum knows he can never top AEROPLANE as a piece of art. I mean, have you heard some of his cassette-only releases? Rubbish! He's best off hiding in his friends' cellars letting the myth build up around him.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by M&M on 05.14.09 @ 10:28 AM
I am fourteen years old at the moment. I know every single one of Jeff Mangum's song lyrics by memory. I absolutely love his music. I cannot express how much he means to me. The music, the lyrics so complex, chords so simple, yet it can provoke such a deep emotion inside of you. I cried the other night while listening two headed boy part two. I honestly love you Jeff. If you ever happen to read this, please know that there is a girl out there in TX, sitting at her window seal right now. She doesn't know you, but she loves you, and all of your music. I played a tribute to you in my talent show two days ago. Jeff, you are my hero.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Phonophobe on 05.12.09 @ 04:47 AM
This is really a message for Jeff but I don't have his email so...
Jeff says he became disillusioned when he realised his music would not put an end to pain and suffering. I hope he understands that beauty and joy are what makes it worth enduring the pain, and for many people his music is one of the most beautiful things. The feeling I get in my heart when I listen to his songs is part of the reason why life, for me, is so wonderful.
If you never produce another note, Jeff, don't worry. You have already made contribution enough to this world to make you a great artist of our time.
However, if you do get inspired and release another album be sure to let me know so I can pre-order!
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by respot on 04.25.09 @ 03:17 AM
also its really comforting to see someone who relates to so many people have a voice that is heard. even with more specific songs his lyrics about sex and suicide really take the feelings right out of my mouth. but it is hard to change lives with the entertainment world being such a one way street.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by respot on 04.25.09 @ 03:04 AM
maybe the music just opens a small window between you and a world that is reaching away towards this thing that everyone wants to be a part of in order to feel whole. So i guess listening to the music becomes sort of unsatisfying and presents a longing to want to be whole with everything in life. life is lonely and everything is so seperated, my leg can be against a blade of grass but they are still two different beings that can't blend beyond a physical state. I really admire Jeff's music and lyrics because he creates a feeling that doesn't live within physical bonds and can create a whole with so many different pieces. I wish more than anything that before I die I can experience the same sort of thing and be part of something greater than my body.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by geomon on 04.13.09 @ 07:06 AM
Such a beautifully written piece. Best of luck to everyone.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Deaf Boy on 12.31.08 @ 07:38 PM
Get off your arse and play the fooking music jeff! It's what your here for. Lazy bastard.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by jonnnnathan on 05.30.08 @ 01:44 PM
to the writer: your article was enjoyable. i do, however, agree with the previous people who left comments. you were quite rude in contacting his father, seeing as how it didn't give much to the story anyway. we already saw/heard jeffs interpretations of his childhood, and that was all that mattered. his e-mail exchange with you seemed very genuine and straightforward. because, like he said, he is just a person. you did something he didn't want you to do. and i don't think that is right. i hate to really hear this band or it's records discussed as in depth as this, although as a fan, i can't help but to read. it's personal for good reason. and also, you were wrong, the story is jeffs. and his alone. the rest of the band helped to build that foundation of the stage he was on. and as much love as there is for him, from myself, it is to be shared with the rest of them. they did their jobs beautifully.
to jeff: hi, my name is jonathan. if, by some chance, you are still interested in what is said about you, i hope you read this. i'm sure you didn't want to read that article. the past can unravel me sometimes. it's not nice. but yeah, i just want to say thanks. for the ultimate gift that will never stop giving. to me. and my mind. your music. i really hope you are happy and somewhat at peace. bye.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Flinn on 01.23.08 @ 05:46 PM
That was nice indeed. Touched on the important bit well; the responsibility bit. Reminds me of the bit in Twelfth Night when Viola tries to force Olivia to take responsibility for her beauty.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Sandy on 12.19.07 @ 10:41 PM
This was a great article as I learn about my adult cousin Jeff...weird cause I have never really taken the time ...Jeff comes from a very artistic family and we do things in our time..our mental time clock may seem like we have given up...but really we are buliding up steam...Jeff needs to grow and life takes time to open our eyes to the deeper feelings...and BAM!!! It takes off like a runnaway train!! So don't worry the master is working...our blood line is strong..artist is still at work I need to get in touch and his Granfather and Motherand aunts were all brillant musical talents Cousin Sandy
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by John on 12.01.07 @ 09:29 PM
That article does justice for In the Aeroplane Over the Sea. I remember when I first listened to it that it didn't really click with me. It took me maybe 4 listens for it to finally be personal to me. The chaotic music, the deep lyrics, and especially the soul-touching voice really reached out to me. It related to me because there were so many interpretations that I found my own way to listen to it. It made me believe when I lost hope and guided me towards a way through it all. I wanted to add that this article was very well done. The only way to demonstrate how important this album and band is is by showing how it touched the writer. I was engaged in it and wish I could find out more about Jeff's motives, but alas it's a tough mystery to unravel. On the chance that Mangum might wander across this (in the article it was reported that he would frequently look online about himself), I'd just like to say that as much as I'd like another album to listen to, I don't think the production of it is worth it at the cost of Mangum's well-being. I have faith that Mangum will find some place where he'd belong and be immersed in a subject. I just hope he knows that the production of this album has changed countless people's lives. He should feel happy about helping people, not discouraged. Regardless, here's to the best of luck finding your way.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by jeff on 11.19.07 @ 01:15 PM
people will do what they need to do, clearly kevin needed to go on a quest to uncover his hero and jeff needed to do nothing. a door is just a door, unless it's revolving. for me nmh were a door that led me out of the lobby and into the street where the music was sounding from. my eyes are ears and I am listening, all thanks to mangum and his boys. i will be forever changed.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Jon O'Neill on 11.12.07 @ 08:49 PM
Beautiful article. Thank you.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Natasha Moon on 10.06.07 @ 07:52 PM
This album is truely amazing but why dog a man who clearly doesnt want to be contacted? we always love the idea of a tortured artist and seem to love torturing them too. Wheres the sense in that? u minus his job as a musican and artist and he becomes a man who did something then lost direction. something we've all done, just as we've all had our crosses to bear in childhood. What he has done takes amazing vision, intelligence, insight and self belief - rather then just sit here and venerate him why dont people try and do it themselves? If they fail fine but if they succeed then we can achive a vision that him and so many other artists have a will aspire to. he's is special in his achivement but he is only human. would do us well to remember that
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by YHF on 08.29.07 @ 02:36 PM
worshipers... bah! the album is just an excellent one. move on, kids.
RE: Have you seen Jeff Mangum?
Posted by Cacophonaut on 08.20.07 @ 04:47 PM
In the words of Oscar Wilde; "To reveal the art and conceal the artist is art's aim" And if Jeff wishes to dissapear, for whatever reason, then people should accept that. He left behind something truly wonderful, a peice of art of transcendant beauty, an album hailed by many as the greatest ever made. However I think that such brilliance only leaves us wanting more, and Kevin Griffis was right, in a way, to do what he did. I cant honestly say that in his position, with journalistic resources available, I wouldnt attempt to track Jeff down and speak to him. In fact every time I listen to Aeroplane, or any other Neutral record, I feel a strong desire to speak to its creator, if only to understand the music and the reasons for his disenchantment with it. I guess at the end of the day, everyone hopes that he will return, and I do think its a real possibility. Someone like Jeff, with so much brilliance inside them, can only keep it pent up for so long. Or maybe Kevin is right, and he is merely amassing fragments with which to peice together another glorious mosaic for our waiting ears. I guess only time will tell.