ITAOTS is the second studio album by the band Neutral Milk Hotel, released February 10th, 1998. its genres include psychedelic folk and indie rock, as well as lo-fi influences. NMH used unconventional instruments in many of their songs, including the singing saw and bagpipes. the unique sound and surreal lyrics quickly garnered a cult following.

popular discussion about the album is mired with mystery. the vocalist, Jeff Mangum, has made few public appearances. many of the songs on the album reference the life of Anne Frank. Mangum says that her diary inspired much of this album. this has led to a number of conspiracy theories about Mangum and Frank.

i don't remember when i first listened to ITAOTS. i remember finding it in 2018, but the songs soundeed so eerily familiar that i must have heard them before. the album was beautifully melancholic. they comforted me as i transitioned into college. since then, i've introduced the album to all of my friends, though i don't think i've met anyone who loves the album as much as i do.

to this day, i love to listen to this album. it's often on repeat as i write or work. i know the lyrics well enough that i can sing most parts of most songs, though i still stumble over certain bits. i don't know how well these songs would work in karaoke, but they're at the top of my list if i ever decide to sing in front of other people.

my favorite songs on the album are Ghost, Holland 1945, and King of Carrot Flowers Part 1. i don't dislike any of the tracks. i think that the songs are best listened to in the album order. i rarely choose to listen to one song on its own. i always go back and play the full album.