This is a good album, though I can’t help but feel disappointed while listening to it. Everyone seems to agree that the most interesting aspect of In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is its odd choices of instrumentation that are played in an intriguing off-kilter way to give the album a sort of hazy, psychedelic tone.

Here’s the thing though: this isn’t used nearly often enough. Around half of this album is practically just ‘lil Mangum with his acoustic guitar strumming away in the usual folk style with his off-the-wall rambling (though it is usually much more poignant than your typical psychedelic folk lyrics). It’s good for what it is, but it’s not all that interesting or special. But like I said, when the album occasionally does nail its distinctive style, it’s great. Look no further for an example than the album’s apex in the title track.

Also, Jeff Mangum is an awesome vocalist. He sounds like a goat.