In the Aeroplane Over the Sea: The Neutral Milk Hotel Sing-a-Long

[Another post from correspondent Elisa FG. – AC]

“Follow the bouncing ball!” instructed the television set, you’d brace yourself and take one last  breath. You didn’t need the stupid balls help, you knew damn well when to come in but you waited. Your aunt just bought you the new sing-a-long VHS version, the least you could do is blow her mind with your rendition of Wheels on the Bus. As soon as that little red ball bounced over the first lyric you’d close your eyes, smirk then sing into the remote control, matching the gusto of Adele, kicking off a Las Vegas residency. No one could ever make those wheels on the bus go round and round quite like you.

Now fast forward twenty-ish years to when you discover karaoke and realize you still don’t need help belting out tunes. You didn’t need it then and you definitely don’t need it now for the Meatloaf song you’re about to slay.

The Tranzac Club in Toronto is hosting a shindig that may have you feeling proud because (yet again) you already know all the words! 25 years ago the indie rock community was blessed with the release of Aeroplane Over the Sea, proudly the coolest of the uncoolest records Neutral Milk Hotel has ever released and what better way to celebrate then with a giant sing-along version, lead by a crackerjack band of certified weirdos with deep roots in the local music scene.

Thursday April 27th, Toronto’s indie rock community unites to celebrate 25 years of an album that has proven to be highly influential among many bands – including Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene. All event proceeds will go to The Tranzac Club – an essential non-profit arts hub in the heart of Toronto.

“If Neutral Milk Hotel had formed in Toronto, they definitely would have made The TRANZAC their home,” says Todd Harrison, event organizer. “I knew that we had to honour the occasion, and I decided right away that doing it at The TRANZAC, and giving the club the proceeds, was the perfect tribute.”

Explosive vocals, vintage keyboards, drums, horns, guitars, and everything else you need to sing your heart out with a bunch of complete strangers. Doors open at 8pm on Thursday, April 27 in the Main Hall at TRANZAC (292 Brunswick Avenue at Bloor).

Limited tickets are $25, and are available here.