Neil is known as the long-time collaborator of the late Elliot Smith (pictured with him here from 1995). They met in college in 1987, had a band named Swimming Jesus, then moved to Portland and released three albums and an EP together as Heatmiser starting in 1993. Then Neil fronted the band No. 2 for two albums (1999 and 2002) before taking a break until recently from music. We discuss “You Might Be Right” (and listen at the end to “I’m on a Mission”) from the new No. 2 album First Love, “Critical Mass” from No Memory (1999), and “Why Did I Decide to Stay” by Heatmiser from Cop and Speeder (1994). Intro: “Rest My Head Against the Wall” by Heatmiser from Mic City Sons (1996). Hear more at no2music.bandcamp.com. Watch the video for “Why Did I Decide to Stay.” Hear all of “Rest My Head Against the Wall.” Watch the new video for “I’m On a Mission.” Hear the demo with Elliot Smith for “Critical Mass.” Watch some Heatmiser live in 1994 with Neil singing lead. Photo by Marc Swanson. Interview editing by Tyler Hislop. Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Like our Facebook page. Support us on Patreon. Sponsors: Upgrade your showering at nebia.com/nem (code NEM). Check out the Unsung Podcast for more music chatting.