Neutral Milk Hotel - Naomi (Video by Naomi Yang, made with the band's blessing)

Naomi Yang on “Naomi”

How do you direct a video for a song that was written about you?

The first member of Neutral Milk Hotel I met was saw player Julian Koster. Our bands were each playing the psychedelic Terrastock festival, and Julian approached me like a mischievous sprite, just as he appears onstage. “We want you to have our record,” he said. “The song ‘Naomi’ is about you.”

I was charmed by the album and by the band in all its raucous joy, but wasn’t sure about the namesake song. The lyrics seemed sweet but disquieting—a fan letter with a dark edge. Then, years later, in anticipation of a retrospective box set release, I made a music video for “Naomi” with the blessing of the band.

Neutral Milk Hotel had by then become enormously popular—and had probably received a fair amount of obsessive fan letters themselves. I thought about taking back ownership of a fan’s infatuation. I filmed myself lip syncing the song—inhabiting the very lyrics that had been written about me. I photographed personal objects that a fan of mine might recognize: my bass, a dress I had performed in, spiral earrings I had worn—actively creating my own iconography. And, as a subtle reply to the original “fan letter,” I included an object that references Jeff Mangum’s own fan idolatry: a copy of The Diary of Anne Frank.

Now it has been 26 years since I was handed that first LP, and 11 years since I made the “Naomi” video. I have come to know all the band members as especially lovely people, and I am no longer at all unsettled by the song “Naomi.” I am truly honored that it was written.

—Naomi Yang
January 2023

[core]

Jesus this is surreal. I thought no one cared about this album anymore. Thank you.

[andreashirley]

My all time favorite band. Never was my language spoken more fluently.

[meesalikeu]

Your prettiness is seeping through
Out from the dress I took from you
So pretty (from you)
And my emptiness is swollen shut
Always a wretch - I have become
So empty
And please, please don't leave me

I'm watching Naomi, full bloom
I'm hoping she will soon explode
Into one billion tastes and tunes
One billion angels come and hold her down
They could hold her down until she shines

I'm tasting Naomi's perfume
It tastes like shit and I must say
She comes and goes most afternoons
One billion lovers wave and love her now
They could love her now and so could I

There is no Naomi in view
She walks through Cambridge stocks and strolls
And if she only really knew
One billion angels could come and save her soul
They could save her soul
Until she shines
Until she shines
Until she shines
Until she shines
Until she shines

So pretty
So pretty
So pretty
So pretty

And please, please don't leave me

[kedragold]

Woah, a NMH music video? This is awesome.

[bebybet]

Naomi Yang is the reason I got my ears pierced.

[iamnottim.]

I love this so much. This song is easily in my top 50 joints of all-time.

[rooftopsignals]

One of my favorite songs to yell along to! Thanks for making this, really cool

[lexi.cmk.turner]

How amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!

[oh_why_her]

This song, like Hey by the Pixies and I Will Buy You a New Life, creeps me the hell out, by their subject matter. But they are songs my mom and I listened to. Hope you’re doing well and stay safe. 🤍

[mahyaryousefi-mq]

Great video, great song...peace n love

[birdofparadisemusic]

Yessss I always thought it was about her! Now confirmed.

[TheMusicMan]

Amazing what I would give just to even talk to Jeff Mangum in email
So much as talk to him verbally or meet him. He's so awesome. THIS is so awesome. I never knew this song was written about you. I'd give anything to meet the band.

[inherentmirth]

How surreal. Would love to hear Jeff's response. On a side note, I found my original Galaxie 500 tour shirt.

[JUSTANUTTERPROD]

I'm not sure I woulda taken this in as much stride lol

[manio_e]

WHY THIS SHIT BLOCKED IN THE UK ON SOUNDCLOUD

[schuylerjackson]

Meh, it's no "The Pit" by Mouse rat but it's pretty decent.