Reviews (page 2 of 9)
Not as good as yoshimi, but few albums are
Distinctively Flaming Lips. Almost in the same vein as We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes.
These guys are a national treasure but I would have gone with At War with the Mystics TBH
Flawless
Fenomenalt från början till slut. Allt med detta är musik som jag borde bli irriterad på men nåt slår bara så rätt. Bandet är nog 1001s bästa fynd hittills.
I quite like this album
I really love this album.
I was very surprised by this. There are some songs that didn't quite hit the first time around, but the fact that I was compelled to listen twice should say enough. This is a super good album, and the drum production is amazing. Wayne Coyne kinda sucks at singing, but that's part of the charm. 4.7/5
If Zach Braff made music! Wonderful!
Such an interesting and dynamic album. So unique, forward thinking, and enjoyable.
Мені цей альбом раніше подобався менше ніж зараз та й не слухав його дуже давно. Винахідливий сонгмейкінг, ловив себе, що декілька разів під час пісень були неочікувані, але й вдалі ходи. Цікавий звук, одночасно і вінтажний і сучасний. Вокал специфічний, тут він дуже пасує і створює якусь казковість. Поставив би 4.5.
The Flaming Lips embody that hopeful, melancholic sound that was everywhere in the early 2000s. This album definitely made an impact on me when I heard it for the first time.
One of their best. Before they got too weird from some.
Nerdy? Yes. Shrill? Very. Sloppy? Always. Overly sentimental? Of course. Somehow perfect despite all that? Absolutely!
Love this album start to finish. Very creative energy.
Watching the film clip of "Race for the prize" on late night TV years ago was a revelation. Loved them ever since. This album and Yoshimi are both 5/5
Another album that I've listened to from start to finish dozens of times. Sets the stage for the Flaming Lips' most commercially successful period and lays the groundwork for their best album (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots). Every track is at least an 8/10 with several 10/10s. Race for the Prize, The Spark that Bled, and Waiting for Superman poke their heads just a little above the rest of this album.
The Flaming Lips are this perfect mix of crazy and wonderful. For me a lot of bands try to do what they do, be ridiculous, cerebral and different but no one pulls it off quite like they do. They have this aethereal astro-plan sound but then the songs are called Buggin' or Spiderbite Song. I think what is really great about them is they don't seem to take themselves too seriously but somehow sing songs that are really deep and meaningful. They also have a very unique special sound that just makes you smile but also makes you think.
First class album all of the way through. I consider this album to be The Flaming Lips’ OK Computer or their Dark Side of the Moon. Wayne was dealing with the death of his father on this record and would further dig deeper into that feeling of gorgeous existentialism on Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots after the death of a dear friend from Japan. The lush sound on this record is a direct result of their experiments from their previous album Zaireeka, which was four discs designed to be played at once on multiple CD players. Before that they were a somewhat strange and at times goofy garage rock band. This album is a giant leap forward in their sound and vision, and on first few listens it may seem awkward, but Wayne’s heartfelt sentimentality makes it a powerhouse grower and one of the best albums from the 90’s.
Ugh, I love these guys so much. I was familiar with some of these songs but have never given this album as a whole a good listen. It gets better with each spin. They create such interesting and creative sounds, their lyrics are great, and so many of these songs are just so MOVING. This hasn't topped Yoshimi for me yet, but still an easy 5!
What a lovely album. Genuinely a beautiful listen. Standouts are waiting for a superman, everything has changed, spiderbite song, and feeling yourself disintegrate.
So so so beautiful. Perfect blend of experimental and wonderful songwriting, listened to it driving to Nottingham and we saw a rainbow. Trancendental.
Excellent!
I know every beat of this album intimately. Complete masterpiece.
One of my two favorite flaming lips albums
An undisputed all timer. Pet Sounds for when your dad dies.
One of my favourites!
Another amazing album from The Flaming Lips. I prefer Yoshimi but only slightly. This one is a bit less focused on electronics which is a nice compliment to that album.
I love this group and while this album isn’t quite as good as Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, this still rates a 5 for me, 4 for the album, boosted up one because of a wild surround sound mix. The band did three surround mix issues in the first decade of this century, for YBTPR, At War With the Mystics and this album. The mixes all push the envelope for surround sound with a variety of effects and instruments coming out of all the speakers, with swirling effects. For YBTPR, there is a newer 7.1 mix issues I don’t have yet, but it’s supposedly way different from what I have in 5.1 and gets rave reviews. The CD/DVD issues also have a ton of extras, with videos, b-sides, etc. The band also has stereo albums that replicate Dark Side of the Moon and Sgt. Pepper — both on streaming and well worth checking out.
I kind of liked the Flaming Lips before I bought this album in '99. I kind of liked their stuff after this. I love every single note of this album, and I think I still would even if it weren't drenched in nostalgia.
I became a fan of The Flaming Lips when I first heard Yoshimi. I then worked backwards to this album next. I immediately feel in love with them, though their other albums for me are hit or miss. They have two masterpieces IMO and “The Soft Bulletin” is one of them. Amazing production and I love Wayne Coyne’s singing on the album. I saw them live a couple of times and they are such an enjoyable band to watch just be weird.
This list has made me realize how much of a fan of The Flaming Lips I really am apparently.... I loved this entire album.
The was my intro to one of my favorite bands ever. I listened to this album about a hundred times, and it does not get old. Love it!!!
This really teeters the line between a 4 and a 5 for me - in the end I've bumped it up to a 5 because I've been thinking about it, a lot. Some beautiful layered instrumentals here, an interesting voice, lovely juxtaposition, and some fantastic vibes.
Absolutely phenomenal album.
My favorite Flaming Lips record- beautiful layered arrangements that still sometimes have a noisy lo-fi feel around the edges from their earlier work. A great mix of indie, psychedelic rock and strings. Coyne's vocals are going to be the most divisive element of the album for most people, but I really enjoy his voice alongside the earnest, joyful yet melancholy lyrics. Love the whole album, but 'The Gash' fading into 'Feeling Yourself Disintegrate' and ending in the coda track 'Sleeping On The Roof' (the true last track, end the album here before remix songs) is one of the most affecting and emotional three track sequences off of any album.
it clicked halfway through. great 95/100 im ranking like this now
I love this. It made me feel things.
I discovered The Flaming Lips long before this album hit. I had been turned onto them by Scott and another musician, a drummer from a NYC band called Thin Lizard Dawn. They were a little outside my normal rotation, noisier than my usual fare, but I connected to the material and really liked the band. This album is one of those rarities where the band didn’t alter their approach so much as what they were doing came in to clearer focus and was therefore more accessible. There were a few albums in this FL era that are just fantastic, though I think this is probably their best. They veered off into abstraction in later efforts, but I always admired the fact that the band just seemed to do whatever they wanted to, and purposely pushed limits as part of their approach. Great album, landed a little soft on me today, but it gets the five. It was like hanging with an old friend I hadn’t seen in an age.
In '92 I attended a music conference in NYC. One night we went to see Mudhoney. The Flaming Lips opened. No one knew who they were and maybe only twenty people were there. I leaned up against the stage and proceeded to have my mind blown. They were incredible: noisy, weird, and most of all, fun. I went home and bought every CD I could get my hands on. I was obsessed. Every new CD was an immediate buy. I even got Zaireeka and we played it in the office on four work computers. Soft Bulletin was a nice departure from their earlier guitar-driven albums (though so was Zaireeka), and it was nice to see them gaining fans without compromising their sound. I like Yoshimi just as much. But then one day I just stopped listening to them. Not sure why. Maybe At War with the Mystics didn't wow me; maybe it's because I had kids; I don't know. I would pop on the occasional song but I never felt the need to revisit their catalog. So today was nice. I hadn't heard this in twenty years and was a little worried I wouldn't connect with it. But connect I did. It's great. Epic and playful, dense and airy, profound and silly; avant garde, childlike, trippy, sweet, and other adjectives as well. Glad I got to hear it again. I haven't heard any of their music since Mystics. Guess I have some listening to do.
LOVE
Flaming Lips forever.
The community reviews for this albums are all 1s and 5s and that makes sense.
Few words can describe my love for this album. A true classic in that you discover something new you love about it every listen. Also after watching the documentary of the making of this the emotional core behind it is so special. Bravo
Wow! Just gorgeous and also iconic and everything. They destroyed it with this one. Bra ta ta ta bra ta ta
I don't know why I never bothered to listen to The Flaming Lips until now, this might just be my favorite album of the list so far. It's everything positive about psychedelic pop as a genre in one album. If I could give this 6 stars I absolutely would.
Saw them onces together with Ween. Superb!
This is peak Flaming Lips.
possibly the last PERFECT thing the flips ever release.. yoshimi is a 5 but a low five
Surreal and beautiful with a soft evocative edge
Adore this album.
It was absolutely marvellous. Way beyond my expectations. I just loved "The Soft Bulletin". Now I regret not listening to it sooner. 2 awesome albums within a week. 5 stars for "The Soft Bulletin".
oklahoman pride 🗣️🗣️🗣️ lowkey the only good thing to come out of this state 😭
God damn right in the feels this album has so much emotion / memory / moments attached to it
It's basically impossible for me to review this album objectively. I have so many good memories associated with it and seeing the Flaming Lips live countless times. The way they're able to go from silly and lighthearted to sincere and heartfelt is something very few bands can do. The music backing it has the same level of flexibility, going from jammy vibes with a lot of air and space to tight riffs matches the lyrical contents of the songs. Wayne's vocals probably aren't for everyone but I personally love his voice and its imperfections. Waitin for a Superman is one of my absolute favorite songs of the 90s. Learning about the Mokran mixes was also super interesting. Basically this guy was a super super successful R&B producer and the Flaming Lips wanted him to come in and mix a couple of their songs. I have to say, his mixes are definitely better than the original versions of the song. He polishes it in a way that doesn't rob the song of its soul. I'm going to give it a 5 because of my bias but I think it would be a very strong lock for a 5 if he had mixed all the songs.
One of my favorite records, I haven't listened to it front to back in a while, this was a treat. Race for the Prize and Feeling Yourself Disintegrate into Sleeping on the Roof are the perfect bookends to an amazing record.
Long ago, long enough ago that I had a camcorder and not an iPhone, some friends met at my place to collectively ingest some sort of now-forgotten psychoactive drug. As the effects began to kick in, we sat in the living room, I turned on the camcorder, and someone popped The Soft Bulletin on the vinyl player. When Wayne sang ‘Lifted up the suuuuuun,’ my friend flailed his arm like a windshield wiper, erasing the real world and revealing the rainbow-soaked cartoon world behind everything. At one point, a cow riding a bicycle collided into me. I felt it gently on my cheek. Years later, I found that camcorder and replayed that video, and saw mostly a bunch of giggling kids. No miniature cows on bikes, sadly. This album encapsulates that experience to me. It reminds me of a time in my life where I was young and the world was vast and full of imagination and opportunity. At the same time, I was old enough to know that the way one imagines the world does not actually reflect the world at large, as it is. You can internally feel this psychedelic wonderland, but looking at it later with objectivity, you’d feel silly noticing the discrepancy between what was firing off in your mind as opposed to the actual reality of sitting on a couch at home. And this album seems to know this, as it begins with whimsical high-energy love songs and descends into steadily darker places. The beginning tracks against the second half becomes an understated conflict against forces- the free-form will against what’s actually possible with our frail human frame, happiness vs depression, existence against nonexistence. But, even with that gash in your leg, Wayne says you have to power on. (By the way, ‘The Gash’ was my profile name for a lot of websites at this time, so I’ll admit to being a fan.) I can see why people might not get this album. It has a song about bugs crashing into windshields (which is excellent). It is childish in its sound. But its subject matter is crushingly heavy. Not even Superman can lift it. That freaks some people out. But to me, The Lips are simply real. These guys get it. And they’ve made some killer art by shucking off all fear, be that of rejection or infinity. It seemed to have caused a chain reaction… Long live The Soft Bulletin!
An album I already loved from a band I have seen live many times. Flaming Lips are fearlessly creative; this followed Zaireeka, an album released with 4 discs designed to be played simultaneously, so their experimentation wasn't always a hit. The Soft Bulletin is a psychadelic indie pop masterpiece though, without a single bad song. The arrangements are varied and intricate but without anything feeling out of place. I also don't get the criticism of Wayne's vocals, I think they're great. You try smoking enough weed to come up with these lyrics and then sing falsetto, it's probably quite tricky
Day451 - this might be the most shocking album from a band i’ve heard. i associate the flaming lips with “she don’t use jelly” but this is so different lyrically and musically
An all-time classic. A beautiful record. Every home should have one. And go see them live! 6 stars.
An impeccably crafted album that influenced much of what followed for the next decade. Bound to be considered a classic.
Gold.
The Flaming Lips is such a unique band. No one creates music like they do. They started at lo-fi alternative psychedelia and have grown into something beyond genre. The Soft Bulletin was their first true triumph and set the scene for their future releases, like Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. The Soft Bulletin is unique in its beauty.
EVERYTHING is good on this album. I just can't fathom how those jam sessions must've been. They were good live too.
I really enjoy the tone of this whole album. Positive, catchy, spacey. They somehow make disintegrating seem like not such a bad idea. Even having flaming lips sounds kinda fun! 4.5
This was a really enjoyable album that I will fail to be able to describe. I kept thinking about side two of Abbey Road, with all of its musical variety, mood changes, playfulness, and moments of dreaminess. It’s kind of like that, but from another planet. Maybe it’s more helpful to compare the sound to Coldplay, it is probably on that spectrum — but this is more eccentric and curious and fun. Favorite songs on first listen: “The Spark That Bled.” On second listen, I add “What is the Light” and “Waiting for Superman” and all the other songs. Best unfamiliar album I’ve received in a while, and it’s growing stronger as I sit with it. Either a very solid 4/5 or a 5/5, so I’m choosing the latter.
This album is fantastic. I am not really sure I can explain why it is so good. It is like a soundscape for the soul where everything is explored, questioned, and deliberately left unresolved... but in a good way. It's as if the Flaming Lips pictured themselves in a boat on a river with tangerine trees and marmalade skies, and then produced an album with sweeping orchestration made by devices bought at radio shack. Don't try and understand it, but don't skip it. Listen to it (perhaps more than 2 or 3 times) and enjoy the preface album to Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. You won't be disappointed.
Too heavy for Superman to lift....
Unquestionable 5 / 5. I'm no Flaming Lips Stan, but they can absolutely put together a record. This, in my limited opinion, is among their best works. Individual song-writing is extremely solid and the sequencing is top-notch. This is the kind of album where once you play the opener it doesn't feel right to turn it off. On top of that, the production strikes a very satisfying balance between crusty/campy and high quality. I guess what I mean is that the songs never feel over-produced or polished, but there is beautiful separation to the mix that does great service to the neo-psych soundscape they produce. Such a satisfying listen every time it plays through. Race for the Prize is a fantastic opener. Love the lopsided, emaciated synth drawl of the chorus. Also love the sparse echoed piano on What Is the Light? The effect reminds me a bit of Family Tree by TV on the Radio actually. Atmospheric flow through The Observer takes us straight into Waitin' for a Superman -- one of the best tracks on here. Unsure if it is intentional, but it feels like the intro to Feeling Yourself Disintegrate is an homage/spin of Bowie's Queen Bitch.
This album and Yoshimi are both S-tier albums from the Lips imo. Yoshimi gets all the praise but this one is just as interesting and fun with weird ass sounds throughout. Also has my favorite song by them Feeling Yourself Disintegrate. Race For the Prize is such a great opener. Bubbly as hell. Seeing them live this is usually either the opener or closer and it slaps in both places. What is the Light into The Observer is an all timer for me. The transition into Waiting For Superman is also great and an amazing song at that. I can see why some people wouldn't like Wayne Coyne's style of singing but I think it works perfect in the context of this album. Some of the Lips most beautiful stuff imo.
I like The Flaming Lips, but can only handle so much of Wayne Coyne's voice in one sitting. The album is very positive and upbeat.
A beautiful album, well conceived and performed. It does feel like some of their looseness and more zany side is loss which gives Yoshimi an edge up, but this is a masterwork.
A magical mystery tour into the psyche of Wayne and Co that delivers at all levels.
Har sat den her plade på af og til siden jeg opdagede den for halvdelen af mit liv siden, og den bliver bedre og bedre for hver gang. Der er kun bangers, det bliver aldrig kedeligt, og produktionen er ustyrligt fed. Kan godt være at. Wayne Coynes stemme er en acquired taste, men i så fald acquirede jeg den i gymnasiet
Absolute perfection
Another great album. One that defined an era for me and that I always come back to with joy. Love the great use of synth and ultra deep bass in parts, echo in others. And just a fun vibe all the way through. Not like anything else I've heard.
Yep another perfect record. Do I love it as much as Yoshimi? Hell no. Is it still great? correct. I remember in a documentary how they wrote "Sleeping on a roof" and did something weird thematically with the album where they flipped the music upside down to continue playing the notes and how it thematically ties with the record or something. Regardless the main singles (race for the prize, waiting on superman and a spoonful weighs a ton) are amazing. The deeper cuts (spiderbite song, feeling yourself disintegrate, Buggin, suddenly everything has changed) are all amazing cuts. No bad songs. Just some great psychedelic rock.
this album raised me. this was my mother
Unique, idiosyncratic, delightful. Also great live.
11/6/24. I need to really dive into the Flaming Lips more. This is the second album I've listened to of theirs and I love their psychedelic sound and songwriting. Addicting to me (lol).
Love. Many loves. The voice makes it, this would be quite diminished if not for Mark Coyne's voice.
Emotional vocals, soaring melodies, poignant lyrics. A revelation.
In my opinion, this is the best Flaming Lips album. Yoshimi et al that followed The Soft Bulletin were extensions of this album. The Soft Bulletin is deeply rooted in the Beatles most psychedelic--most apparent on "Suddenly Everything Has Changed" and "The Gash" but this album is no mere imitation of The Beatles. Like any good psychedelic album, there's an overarching theme: the band and its maturation, the harrowing experience of almost losing a member to a spider bite, and the emergence from the experience improved and strengthened. Now strong enough to fight alongside Yoshimi against the Pink Robots.
This album is such an experience! I love the touches of orchestral music throughout this work. In combination with the raw sound of the instruments, it's completely my taste. Production wise, I think this is a really well-executed album. side note: buggin' is such a goofy song lmaaoo favorite track: The Spiderbite Song
I’m a big Flaming Lips fan now because of the two albums I’ve heard from this list so far. The emotion they are able to evoke with their music is incredible. It’s refreshing!
Ended up listening 3-4 times. The song Race for the Prize had this feeling like it was out of a video game in a cool way.
Wow the first song blew me away. I can hear so much influence from this album, Tame Impala, The Gorillaz, Sure there is more but man this sound is just the kinda thing you hear all 2000s onward. Every song on this album stood out to me and I can hear so much passion behind everything that comes out. I can not believe I have never heard of any of these guys before, I loved all of this. 5/5 and I feel confident in that.
Favorite album of all time
True alternative! Weird for weird sake in the best way.
I think I'm becoming a fan of the flaming lips, and I really enjoyed my time with this album. fun, cookie, all around solid psychedelic Rock. I can see myself enjoying this album a lot more on subsequent listens, but as it stands right now, a lot of good songs but nothing here that totally blew me away. the two instrumental tracks were fine, but not totally my thing. and I could have done without the songs about bugs. but otherwise, a good time!
Shitttt i got Flaming Lips again LETS GOOOO. that's 2 in like 3 weeks. This album is amazing, tracks 2-4 aren't my favourite but they are still solid, but once What is the Light? starts playing I'm hooked again. Not to mention that Race for the Prize is brilliant and Feeling Yourself Disintegrate is a masterpiece. The live version is even better. Fav songs: - Race for the Prize - The Spiderbite Song - Buggin' - What is the Light? - The Observer - Waitin' For a Superman - Suddenly Everything Has Changed - The Gash - Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
It took me a while to get into The Flaming Lips outside of Yoshime, which is a masterpiece of an album. After being obsessed with Yoshime, The Soft Bulletin was the second album I listened to from them and it just didn't hit as hard. I'm glad I got to revisit this years later, now that I can truly appreciate FL because this is an incredible album. So much going on as far as instrumentation and production, and melodically it's some of their best work ever. There are grand moments followed by cathartic, introspective passages. Weirdly my favorite moment was the closing track "Sleeping on the Roof" which sounds like it could have been the starting point for countless YouTube lo-fi channels. Masterpiece of an album from a band who, to this day, continues to put out stellar work.
Amazing!!!
Awesome album, not quite their best but this is where The Flaming Lips moved up a gear.
A phenomenal piece of work. Lovely stuff. I wish I had the time to write articulately about how much I enjoyed it.
It’s kind of like a being in a swimming pool—an immersive but gentle cacophony of noise, but organized into the shape of a more traditional pop/rock songs, all held afloat but the earnesty of Wayne Cohen’s vocals. Sometimes playful, sometimes heart-wrenching, always a good listen.
An album is great when you and your six-year-old daughter sing along song after song.
I always love The Flaining Lips!
An incredible offering from The Lips! Might be on of my favorite albums of there's and if not, #1 without a doubt #2. This is the epitome of a Lips album to me. Standout Tracks: Race for the Prize, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, Waitin' For a Superman, Suddenly Everything Has Changed
One of the most underrated album ever. It has science, love, sex, death, insects and joy. Imagine Pink Floyd if they were nicer, poppier and had less studio time and cocaine. It's actually that good. If you can listen to Waitin for a Superman without crying you're made of stone.
Ein überraschendes, melodisches und kitschiges Album von Flaming Lips ist entstanden. Die Stimme des Leadsängers gefällt mir sehr gut. Sie ist in jeder Hinsicht einzigartig, individuell. Aber so passend für die Kompositionen. Der Ton des Albums ist durchaus melancholisch und kitschig. Aber das eine ich positiv. Der Ton trifft genau meinen Geschmack. Ein sehr empfehlenswertes Album.
**Album Review: The Soft Bulletin by The Flaming Lips** *Introduction:* The Flaming Lips' 1999 album, "The Soft Bulletin," is a seminal work in the realm of alternative rock. With its intricate blend of psychedelic experimentation, heartfelt lyricism, and lush production, the album stands as a testament to the band's creative genius. In this review, we'll delve into the various aspects of the album, including its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also discussing its pros and cons. *Lyrics:* The lyrics of "The Soft Bulletin" are a poignant exploration of human emotions, existentialism, and the complexities of life. Wayne Coyne's songwriting is both introspective and poetic, inviting listeners into a world of introspection and wonder. Tracks like "Waitin' for a Superman" and "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" explore themes of loss, redemption, and the fragility of existence with a profound sense of vulnerability. Coyne's ability to blend abstract imagery with raw emotion creates a deeply resonant listening experience, drawing listeners into a world of existential contemplation. *Music:* Musically, "The Soft Bulletin" is a tour de force of sonic experimentation and innovation. The album blends elements of rock, pop, and electronica to create a sound that is both expansive and immersive. From the lush orchestration of tracks like "Race for the Prize" to the ethereal ambience of "The Spark That Bled," each song is a sonic journey unto itself. The Flaming Lips' willingness to push the boundaries of conventional song structures and instrumentation results in a truly unique listening experience that rewards repeated listens. *Production:* The production on "The Soft Bulletin" is nothing short of spectacular. Produced by Dave Fridmann and the band themselves, the album is a masterclass in sonic layering and texture. The lush orchestration, intricate arrangements, and psychedelic flourishes are all brought to life with a clarity and depth that is truly awe-inspiring. Fridmann's use of studio manipulation and experimentation adds an extra dimension to the album, creating a sense of otherworldliness that perfectly complements the lyrical themes. *Themes:* Thematically, "The Soft Bulletin" is a meditation on the human condition and the search for meaning in an increasingly chaotic world. The album grapples with existential questions of mortality, love, and the nature of reality, offering both introspective reflection and moments of transcendent beauty. Themes of hope and redemption run throughout the album, serving as a beacon of light amidst the darkness. "The Soft Bulletin" is ultimately a celebration of life's inherent contradictions and complexities, urging listeners to embrace the chaos and find solace in the beauty of the unknown. *Influence:* "The Soft Bulletin" has had a profound influence on the alternative rock landscape, inspiring countless artists with its innovative sound and introspective lyricism. The album's experimental approach to songwriting and production paved the way for a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of genre and convention. Its impact can be felt across a wide range of genres, from indie rock to electronica, with artists like Animal Collective, Tame Impala, and Arcade Fire citing The Flaming Lips as a major influence on their work. *Pros:* 1. **Innovative Sound:** "The Soft Bulletin" pushes the boundaries of conventional rock music, incorporating elements of electronica, psychedelia, and orchestration to create a truly unique sonic landscape. 2. **Poetic Lyricism:** Wayne Coyne's introspective and poetic lyrics invite listeners into a world of existential contemplation and emotional depth. 3. **Lush Production:** The album's production is top-notch, with Dave Fridmann's expert handling of studio manipulation and experimentation adding an extra layer of depth and texture to the music. 4. **Transcendent Themes:** "The Soft Bulletin" grapples with existential themes of mortality, love, and the nature of reality, offering both introspective reflection and moments of transcendent beauty. 5. **Lasting Influence:** The album's innovative sound and introspective lyricism have had a profound influence on the alternative rock landscape, inspiring countless artists across a wide range of genres. *Cons:* 1. **Complexity:** Some listeners may find the album's experimental approach to songwriting and production to be overly complex or inaccessible. 2. **Length:** At 12 tracks and over 50 minutes in length, "The Soft Bulletin" can feel somewhat sprawling and indulgent at times, potentially testing the patience of more casual listeners. 3. **Lyrical Ambiguity:** While Wayne Coyne's poetic lyricism adds depth to the album, some listeners may find the abstract imagery and symbolism to be overly ambiguous or difficult to decipher. *Conclusion:* In conclusion, "The Soft Bulletin" stands as a towering achievement in the realm of alternative rock. With its innovative sound, poetic lyricism, and transcendent themes, the album invites listeners on a journey of introspection and wonder. While its complexity and length may be off-putting to some, those willing to dive into its sonic depths will find a rich and rewarding listening experience that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
I stood up and I said yeah! Unqualified monster of an album and one of my favorites of the 90s. Wayne Coyne's broken tenor always sounds so tender and sweet, Steven Drozd pulling double duty as a truly inspired drummer and guitarist at the same time...and Michael Ivins' bass definitely had a breakthrough on this and Yoshimi. Not to mention a celebrated producer in Dave Fridmann really shooting the gap by both helping a band yearning to experiment and helping them sound their best while doing it. I've commented that it's a shame bands like The Flaming Lips could hardly ever exist anymore — to be given five albums' worth of leash by a major label (and nine albums total) before everyone could agree they'd truly hit their stride. Love this album.
Great album, possibly their best along with Yoshimi. They have a perfect mix of psychedelic and pop and it is easy listening for me. Upbeat and easy to get lost in.
+1 to the list of bands that had only existed as a name on the fringes of my perception [trailing off] It's now some time later, after the previous sentence - this is becoming a thing in my reviews? - in which I have spent some more time with the album, and The Flaming Lips' work, like their, what? cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band? the whole thing?, with huh?? Miley Cyrus on Lucy In The Sky!? I'm awed by how this here is my introduction to this band! But hey, it's never too late. I... love this, I think? I'm firmly in the second half of my life, so this being new to me, it reminds me of a lot of other music - much of which is eligible for a good part of my all-time favourites list: do I sense Spiritualized, Pink Floyd, bits of Radiohead? German ~post-rockers The Notwist in the - well, not conventially great but endearing - vocals, especially in Waitin' for a Superman? Yes to all. It's quite gorgeous, really. Not sure if a 20 year younger me would have liked this, but I've been developing a soft spot for dreamy, shoegazy, psychy rock/pop and this fits *right* in. Thank you, 1001AYMHBYD. (the inclusion of those Mokran mixes at the end is wtf, though)
Fantastic. I had never heard of them before I saw them at Joe Walsh’ VETSAID concert a few months ago. They are worth the ticket on their own.
I really enjoyed this one.
Another great intriguing concept record about science, the heaviness of space coinciding with the weight of living, and existentialism. The instrumentation was really dense at times, and I loved the orchestral feel of certain tracks and the cohesion of the full album. A little more rock-based and less experimental than Yoshimi, but still had its moments to shine and stray from the norm, especially in the instrumental tracks.
I think this album is a masterpiece. The orchestral sound belies simple and melancholy lyrics. Sometimes, the lyrics border on the inane, but I think that’s kind of why it’s brilliant. The album applies an epic scale to the trivialities of everyday life and its basic questions. There is nothing quite like this album.
Yoshimi was my gateway into the Flaming Lips discography, and this is just a lush sound that really ended the 90s on a high. I hate that I never got to hear it when it came out as summer 1999 was a transition for me from college to "working adult" and this really captures my vibe perfectly.
un 5.
Really great.
A classic! My number 5 album of 1999, I might rank it higher today. Here’s what I said then: They've come a long way, baby. Who'd have guessed a few years ago that the Lips were capable of putting out an album as lush and orchestral as this one. But here it is. They're still the Flaming Lips, if perhaps a bit (gulp) kinder and gentler. Downright impressive.
My previous self apologizes profusely for writing this record off. This is a god damned masterpiece. I need to get some LSD and trip out with this.
alternate reality neil young that decided to make experimental psych rock with his friends instead of folk music.
Around these parts, The Flaming Lips get 5 stars. 😎 For my second play through, gonna listen to the live version with the Colorado Symphony, why not. Fave tracks - "Race For the Prize" is an absolutely cracking opener - that first sound effect immediately whisks you into another world. "The Gash" also stood out to me this time around....
I love this album.
Such a beautiful record. Ambitious, sweeping, progressive. I love the quirky production. Huge drum sounds and enormous low end at times. Wayne's voice is so weird and quirky, but also compelling. Great to go back and spend some time with this record again.
Texture Titans. I understand why fans say this is their favorite album. A band I occasionally dive into and am glad to come back around to them. They are sonic decorators/soundscape travelers. Wayne expresses it all so simply. Great work
Really lovable album, a trip that begins with the firsr riff and takes me on an indie voyage
I stood up and I said, "Yeah!" One of my favorite albums of all time - I'm literally wearing the shirt right now. Put on headphones and feel yourself disintegrate.
Enjoyable every time I listen to it. Standout songs: Waiting for Superman Spiderbite song Race for the Prize
Outstanding. Truly enjoyed every song.
These guys are so cool.
Been meaning to give this and its successor a listen for a while. I love the dense, orchestral arrangements and dramatic mood, and like that it stuck to more accessible melodies and structures while still being pretty out-there in style and production. 4.5 leaning 5.
The Flaming Lips are a band I have been interested in for a little while now. Simply because any group that is willing to push their own boundaries and try new things without fear of it not working or not being friendly for commercial success has my upmost respect. This album is probably the best place to start. And if you have any curiosity for this band, please give this a listen. This is by far one of the most unique listening experiences I’ve had of any album on this list, and really of any album ever. This is so wildly its own thing, and sporadically so many different things at the same time. So many textures. So many sound profiles. It takes effects created digitally and through guitar pedals and pushes them to their absolute limit. But they still come out sounding massive, and not very muddy in the mix. I urge you, if you listen to this, to experience it with the best set of headphones or earbuds you can. It’s important to take a step back at some points, and really envelope yourself in this sound. Although it can be hard and make it feel like your head is spinning, try to focus on individual elements of the meticulously constructed music. They also absolutely mastered the fuzz and distortion effects. I don’t know if any album uses it better than they do here, except for maybe Siamese Dream. Listen to songs like Race for the Prize or A Spoonful Weighs a Ton and try to tell me that ridiculously full and crushing mix isn’t incredible. This album is also beautiful. There are so many awe-inspiring moments of gorgeous orchestral strings or vocal harmonies, or even electronic drum beats. This is a melting pot of modern progressive psychedelic music at its absolute best. Rating: 9/10
Love The Flaming Lips.
great album.
Love this album Enjoyed the drums
Simply an incredible band. If you have the chance to go see the Flaming Lips in concert, DO IT. It's impossible for me to objectively rate this band's music anymore because of the time I saw them. The fact that this is universally seen as the album that launched their career to a new dimension makes it automatically one of my favorites. But all the elements that make people love the Flaming Lips are overly present here: high degree of creativity in arrangements, very high production value, poignant lyrics that never take themselves too seriously, unpredictable songwriting. Favorite track: Race for the Prize
very good.
The Soft Bulletin is a musical masterpiece that effortlessly transports me back to my university days, enveloping me in a warm embrace of nostalgia. The familiarity of hearing two songs repeated only adds to the excitement, creating a sense of anticipation and joy each time. The album's expertly layered fusion of rock and electronic beats, often considered conceptual, is a testament to its artistic brilliance. With each listen, I find myself drifting off into the beauty of its soundscapes, and I can't help but feel a profound sense of happiness for having such a remarkable piece of music in my life. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 14 STAND OUT TRACK - Waitin' For a Superman
It is very nice and soft album.
So good.
In “The Soft Bulletin”, The Flaming Lips tell us that life is heavy (“Waitin’ For a Superman”) and hard (“The Gash”). It’s a fleeting flash before we aren’t here any more, and death is the only certainty (“Feeling Yourself Disintegrate”). So what should we do? We should find the beauty. See that beauty in every single bug flying through the air (“Buggin’”)… in recognising how far we’ve come through everyday life (“Suddenly Everything Has Changed”)… in helping each other through trying times (“The Spiderbite Song”, “A Spoonful Weighs a Ton”). If that all sounds like schmaltzy nonsense and something you need to be stoned to appreciate, then what a shame the music alone can’t work its magic on you. Musically, “The Soft Bulletin” feels every bit as symphonic as “Pet Sounds”, to which it often draws comparisons. There are perfect pop choruses, catchy and accessible: “Buggin’”, “Race for the Prize”and “What Is The Light” all glow with euphoria. There’s bombastic, epic drama: “The Gash” plays like a lost Queen song, and there’s the world-ending guitar solo at the end of “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate”. There are heartfelt and beautiful moments: “The Spiderbite Song” is a tender tribute to a precious relationship, and “Waitin’ For A Superman” is a plea to hold a broken world together. And there are more complex compositions which unravel like handheld symphonies: “The Spark that Bled” and “Suddenly Everything Has Changed” are ambitious, prog-psych suites trapped inside four minute indie-pop songs. Rounding off the set are two serene instrumentals, “The Observer” and “Sleeping on the Roof”: far from needless padding, their atmospherics enrich the surrounding material. The band make use of an extended sonic palette using strings, brass, woodwind, glockenspiel, harp, bells and more. Most of it is synthesised, but that doesn’t take away from the intricacy of the arrangements: it’s lush, sweeping and varied enough to always hold a listener’s interest. On vocals, Wayne Coyne sounds a little like a frayed Jon Anderson (especially in the beautiful chorus of “The Spark That Bled” and all of “Slow Motion”, a soaring ballad only on the UK release). His vocals are often fragile or strained, but it never bothers me once. It’s just another layer of “The Soft Bulletin”’s delicate beauty: everyday life projected onto a galactic scale. Like most of my favourite albums, there’s a heavy personal note here. In 2019, I experienced one of the most euphoric gigs of my life watching the Flaming Lips play “The Soft Bulletin” in full. About a year later, I was listening to the album again on a walk through a deserted quay… and it stopped me in my tracks. Through the last eight months of lockdown, we’d all been waiting for Superman, and suddenly everything had changed. It blew me apart like only the most powerful music does, and has been putting me back together ever since. Beautiful.
ДА. вот это сильная хуйня, гениальное дерьмо. такое я люблю. не так часто слушаю такую неопсиходелику или дрим поп, но это прям хорошо. ебанутейший звук, свойственный подобной музыке, простые но цепляющие тексты, меня особенно тронула Suddenly Everything Has Changed, это ж как из за такой простой мысли я в астрал ушёл. в целом очень приятный голос, но инструментальные треки слушаются ничуть не хуже, музыка реально вполне самодостаточная, от чего треки в 5 минут не кажутся душными. к тому же большинство треков тут имеет мощное развитие или кульминацию, так что некоторая медитативность иногда наоборот играет на руку эмоциональному взрыву. короче пиздато, гениально, кайфово, секс проще говоря оценка - 9/10
So trippy and unusual
Banger
What an album! It seems crazy that this album came out so long ago, when it still feels so relevant today. Every song is good, and several of them are great. Beautiful, heartfelt songs, some of which you can dance to, some of which you can cry to 5/5
I enjoyed this album SO VERY MUCH! It's giving 90's vibes all over. Loved it
Fun
un 5.
- Seeing these guys at a music festival would be life changing - Was not sure about this when the album started, but it grew on me - Honestly a journey and I really ended up enjoying it - The Observer and Race for the Prize were my favorites - 4.5 but I'll round up
This group has such a crazy sound!
It was a revelation at the time and, after all these years, I still think this is their masterpiece.
A fantastic album start to finish. It feels refreshing having music that sounds like it's played by humans, with slight errors in timing, pitch and the instruments, particularly the piano, sound old and used. It feels like each song has haphazard layers on top of each other but through the chaos of reverbing vocals, drums that come in seemingly randomly with loud, heavy mixing and orchestral strings every now and then, it just works. And the subject matter can just be about anything, with songs like buggin and spiderbite. Then there are moments where something just clicks and changes, a key change or addition of the strings, and it switches to something beautiful like sleeping in the roof, reminiscent of some Syd Barrett era pink Floyd stuff. Loved it
I've been appreciating The Flaming Lips more over the last few years. I really love this whole album. Waitin' for a Superman in particular is sublime and touching.
My experience with The Flaming Lips is limited to YOSHIMI BATTLES THE PINK ROBOTS and trying to get borrow four CD players to try and listen to the complete ZAIREEKA, prior to MP3 technology. (I never got it quite right) I think the only reason why I didn't experiment more with the band is because at the time it was financial and availability restraints. I wish I listened to this back then, it is magnificent in every way.
i want to go to dinner
I’m so angry at myself for writing this band off, I’m not sure why, but i thought they were another rolling stones or something. It’s the whole band tshirt phenomena and turns out - they are brilliant! Honest to god, I listened to this album twice over and was shocked by how insanely good it was and could hear how influential they are to modern music, this album is easily a 5 star, I now have to do a deep dive but i assume this is a cult classic.
I haven’t been to many concerts in recent years given COVID and kids, but I did have the pleasure of seeing The Flaming Lips this year during their Yoshimi tour. They closed with Race for the Prize and it was glorious and euphoric. I’ve loved this album since I first heard it back in high school and it still sounds amazing. They managed to channel their sweet and poppy weirdness into an album that was borderline commercial, while at the same time retaining their thirst for experimentation. The first half is so strong it makes up for some of the weakness in the back half, but the back still has great songs like Waiting for Superman and Feeling Yourself Disintegrate. It’s a fascinating listen and it brings a lot of joy every time I come back to it and here those first pounds on the drum kit.
An alternative rock masterpiece and one of my all-time favourites.
Wish You Were Here - Very good. Brought out real emotion, and the instrumentals are incredible. Album cover definitely inspired Heroes and Villains. The Soft Bulletin - Incredibly inspiring, a whole range of emotion at the play of a button. Vocals are out of this world with the instrumentals backing them up tenfold.
emotional & weird
One of my top albums and an easy 5/5. I do not listen to this nearly as often as I should so I was stoked when it came up today, especially because it's been a while since I've had something I knew I'd love. Had a blast listening to this a couple times today.
Edit: I really hate The Flaming Lips, but I've come to love this album. Ever since I listened to it for the first time it has continued to grow on me. So many good songs. It's worth the 5 stars, damn it. I was actually pleasantly surprised by this album. I usually don't care for The Flaming Lips, but I actually found myself really liking these songs and playing a few of them on repeat. The first half of the album is a lot stronger than the latter half, but overall it's really good. My favorite songs are "Race for the Prize," "The Spark That Bled," and "The Spiderbite Song"
Wat een fijn album, mooie nummers, geweldige arrangementen.
If you made the argument that this was the Lips' best album, I wouldn't argue. A bittersweet experimental pop-rock record that is just weird enough to be interesting and innovative without becoming inaccessible. The lyrics, simplistic on first glance, mask a hidden depth, waxing on life's most profound emotions and experiences. The instrumentation and production are fantastic as well. I can see how this wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea, but to me, it's nearly perfect.
Probably my favourite album for such a long time when it came out. Bit of a mess this on Spotify, for some reason the UK/US versions have different running order and the US version inexplicably leaves out the gorgeous Slow Motion in favour of the not very good Spiderbite Song. Well it's alright, I suppose, I just don't have any great love for it as it wasn't on my CD. Whereas the correct order of Spark into Slow Motion into Light? = pure joy.
How have I never heard this album? I loved it and will get into more Flaming Lips. I generally don't like art rock or avant garde rock, but this album seems to strike the type of sound I like.
Two scientists are racing For the good of all mankind Both of them side-by-side So determined Locked in heated battle For the cure that is their prize But it's so dangerous But they're determined Theirs is to win If it kills them They're just humans With wives and children I fucking love the flaming lips. This album is brilliant, and has some of the best storytelling journeys in music ever. 5/5
Wow, this is so frigging awesome! The Gash is incredible, feeling yourself disintegrate just the same, what is the light too An absolute fucker of an album that made it tingle where the sun never shines
Love this album. Listen to it all the time. It's a classic in my mind.
I love a surprise 5-star and here we are! It’s percussive, wonky, off-the-wall, psychedelic magic and incredibly catchy. The lyrics can be silly (A Spoonful Weights a Ton) or remarkably poignant (Feeling Yourself Disintegrate) and are sung in such a charming style. On top of that the little electronic hooks and synth incorporations are pure bliss and compliment the raw rock instrumentals really well. 9/10
One of the best albums of all time
One of the two masterpieces from the Flaming Lips. Whereas Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots might bring you into space and off to other planets, this album keeps you within the upper stratosphere, still feeling the pull of earth's gravity and heaviness of the human condition. Yoshimi has better singles, but the Soft Bulletin is arguably the better album from start to finish.
A beautiful album that seems nearly perfect. The melodies are absolutely infectious. 5 stars
I wonder how much your enjoyment of this album is affected by whether you saw the Lips performing live in support of this album. I saw them twice and they probably rank as two of my favourite gigs of all time. It was an astonishing mix of instruments (including a giant gong!), loops, samples, movies, confetti, fake blood, and ambition. At the front of it all was Wayne Coyne - the greatest singer who could never sing a note. But that didn’t matter as his performance, both live and on record, is so honest that he takes you with him. The fragility of his voice actually suits these big songs about big ideas (depression, the Big Bang, oblivion) as his sometimes child like vocals match the simplicity of the lyrics. Waitin’ For A Superman still reduces me to tears after nearly 25 years. This is a jaw droppingly ambitious album that rewards so many repeat listens. Slight preference for the Uk version of the album as I think Slow Motion is better than the Spiderbite Song. I’m only giving it 5 stars because there’s no option to give it 6 My favourite album of all time
Used to think this was the deepest shit ever when I first heard it. Still do, love it.
Crackin
No way — I was listening to this yesterday! This album holds a lot of emotional weight for me because I listened to it before I went off to college for my freshman year while I was dealing with some significant mental health issues. This album, its lyrics, each and every song provided a sonic haven for me while I was stuck in a rut. I may be a bit biased then, in giving it a 5. But it never fails to remind me of how far I’ve come.
Fantastic
To me, The Flaming Lips feel like that band that's just always around. Coyne and company are constantly pumping out material, which admittedly, has gotten less consistent over the years, but nevertheless, it's just nice to know that they're there when I need them. I love this band. The Soft Bulletin was my first entry into their wide discography. I was immediately into the weird changes, dynamics and in-between tracks on this record. Although these days it's pretty tame compared to some of its psych rock/pop companions, I still really love this album. The Spark That Bled and Feeling Yourself Disintegrate remain favorites of mine, but really, the best way to appreciate this (like most of their records) is to just get lost in it. I think this works as a great predecessor to the follow up, Yoshimi (an undeniable masterpiece). This album really set the band on the track they would follow for the next decade plus, and I think the Lips' sound is really perfected here.
Why’s it called The Soft Bulletin when it hits so fucking hard?
Enjoyed this one far more on this listen than I ever had before. Great album. 4.5/5
The spiderbite song, mi prefe del disco que tema hermoso por favor. Abre con uno de sus hits que siempre que la tocó en vivo, y las dos veces que lo vi, me emocionó. Lo mejor de FL siempre fueron las baladas a mi gusto, y a "A Spoonful" es una demostración. What is the light, podria estar en cualquier final de peli y te emocionaría, que canción más hermosa. The gash, un tema muy de pepa y amistad, y cantar feliz. Felling Yourself Desintegrate, una joya de producción, medio Floyd meets Beck. Una canción desde las entrañas. Si antes la pepa había pegado abrazo, ahora es instrospectiva y te volvés molécula. Soy fan de la banda, no es mi disco preferido, pero aún así es un discazo y me parece que es su punto de inflexión, a partir de acá vino lo mejor. Además creo que en ciertos sonidos y conceptos es un disco medio adelantado a su época, pareciera posterior. Esa fusión sesentosa, noventosa y futurista, y a la vez inclasificables, que siempre los destacó. Steven Drozd como multiinstrumentista, se lo extraña mucho, fundamental en este disco. Este el primer gran disco de Wayne como cantante y compositor, totalmente volado. Siempre los paralelicé con los Baba, que para mí justo en Miami hacen el quiebre, y este disco es de la misma época. Se nota mucho la influencia de Bowie,The Who y de Brian Eno, en este disco. Es un 4 y medio, porque tienen discos mejores, pero vamos a ponerle un 5 porque hace bocha no lo escuchaba y me alegró el día realmente.
Had to give it a quick re-listen, but is this album awesome or what? To be fair, I am a giant The Flaming Lips fan (and I'd probably rank Yoshimi slightly higher), but this has to be an easy 5 star for me. Between Fridmann's production, Drozd's drumming, etc. this album is special. Tracks like "Waiting For Superman" and "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" hit home hard in today's landscape.
There is no other album like this. Sure, indie rock with an orchestral edge wasn't new or anything, but the Lips made it sound so genuine, without any sense of the pretension that's often attached to that approach. There's a lot of details but it all seems so effortless, almost as if those sounds were coming on their own. One of the most beautiful albums I know.
I'm not the biggest fan of The Flaming Lips, but this one just doesn't miss. The mix is flawless and the instrumentals just gets through your soul without any effort.
I feel like this will come out tommorow and still be a hit. Incredible that it was more than 25 years ago. So melancholic.
Light, uplifting, well toned, beautifully constructed and arranged music. Perfect to listen with eyes closed to get lost in it. A must from The Flaming Lips.
The Flaming Lips are a band that the internet has been telling me I'd love for a long time, and honestly, the internet was right
This is another nostalgia album for me. This is practically a perfect album (along with Pet Sounds) to listen to while on psychedelic drugs. And even if you haven't taken any drugs, it really holds up! The production and experimentation is top level, but still so accessible.
Reading the wiki definitely made me appreciate the album more. Gonna make sure to do that with all the albums. Bro the high hat roll on track 3 😂😂 trap beat drum kit is crazy “Comb your haiiiiiiir”…it’s a no from me dog* Man this album is such a toss up between a 3 and a 4. Those opening tracks are just such banger tho do imma go with my gut. *(upon second listen it is a maybe from me dog) 👍: A spoonful weighs a ton, the spark thst bled 👎: buggin
This album was great, and I say that without even knowing what they were singing about half the time. The flaming lips were able to create such a cool sound that is truly their own. I’m not even sure how I would describe this album; pop? alternative? Psychadelic? They combine them all to create a unique experience that really draws you at the ruin and doesn’t let it go. This guy isn’t exactly the most talented vocalist, he’s more of a talker really, but something about it is pretty captivating. Another 5? Two days in a row? What a weekend it’s been already. Heard before: none? Although the beginning beat in what is the light sounds too familiar 😫: race for the prize, spark that bled, disintegrate. Honestly all of these tracks bring something to the table. Interesting note: The album was remastered in 2017 and it features a different mix of the song “Buggin” than the original album. Kinda odd thing to do don’t you think? Song still bangs tho
Lush psych pop classic flaming lips album
I was admittedly not into the album at first... I've only ever been familiar with Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (who hasn't seen that album cover at least once?). Was walking in the rain while listening and it just started to make sense to me. Notable tracks - 'Buggin', 'The Gash', and 'Sleeping On the Roof'. I'll definitely be listening again! This album made me finally understand the brilliance woven into the fabric of this album.
How long has it been since I saw someone on Reddit recommending this album? 20 hours? Turns out this is a real treat, the only song I knew before was "Race for the Prize", but it's great psych-pop rock all across the board- and 90s MIDI synths never sounded better
This is a favorite of mine. I like Pink Robots better but this is an easy 5. I LOVE albums that are weird and disjointed and the Lips are exactly that. The melodies are great and the songs have this feeling like they are going to fall apart angry second.
Great album!
The Flaming Lips were the first band I ever discovered "on my own". It wasn't something my parents listened to and it wasn't something my friends told me about. Yoshimi was my first love, and I couldn't get enough. I heard on the early internet (The E.I.) that some people thought this album was EVEN BETTER than Yoshimi! I had to get my hands on it. I was obsessed with this from about 2002 to 2004. It is still great, but I acknowledge that I am the opposite of whatever Objective is.
One of the best albums ever made. College student 1999. Music was getting weird. Not in a good way. i wanted weird goddammit. I also wanted great songs and production. I was familiar withy Flaming Lips. They had the fluke hit a few years earlier. I bought that album and enjoyed it, but never explored much further. Wacky psychedelic guitar rock. So this really caught me by surprise. It doesn't even have much guitar at all. Race For The Prize- an all time great album opener and mission statement. They have opened every show I've seen them do with this song. A Spoonful Weighs a Ton-I always see Teletubbies when I hear this. Their video screen was star of the show at Canopy Club Urbana (Sparklehorse opened!) The Spark That Bled-fake blood. Mortality. Big theme on this drugged out masterpiece of an album.
Tää levy merkkaa mun mielessä sitä ajankohtaa rockin historiassa, kun jenkeistä alkoi tulla viimein enemmän kiinnostavaa rockia kuin briteistä. Jenkeissä alkoi garage rock revivalit ja indiebuumit, kun briteissä loppui shoegazen ja britpopin tulva. Ihanan rehellistä indietä ja vaikka sitä melkein odottaa, että leikittelevä instrumentaatio alkaisi jossain kohtaa menettää tehoaan, niin Flamingo Lips naulaa sen niin luontevasti, ettei näin koskaan tapahdu. Levyn tunteellinen kaari on myös upea.
the flaming lips is one of those “your favorite artist’s favorite band” kinda band. i had listened to yoshimi a number of times, but had never given this one a full listen until now. this was such a fun listen. you can hear them experimenting with ideas that i think they solidified in yoshimi. the flaming lips are for sure one of the most creatively unique rocks bands out there and this project is bursting with that creativity. it feels like i’m drunk and then i took acid but you get none of the bad parts of that experience. i’ve listened to their newest record a little bit, but this record has definitely revitalized my interest in them and i’m excited to check out the rest of their discography
Four years after hearing this for the first time, this is an album is the one that stuck like glue on me. Far, far away from cynical land, commercial land, cool land, exists this child-like id this so so beautiful, so unconfined, so premature… but always with a hint of sadness. The big-ness of the world as seen through the eyes of a child in the backseat of the car, whose seemingly incoherent babbling may at first be inscrutable to the adults, until realizing that— hold on— what exactly is he saying? Maybe… there’s something profound he’s getting at? Out of nowhere, the words: “I stood up and I said YEAH,” you immediately understand. That’s The Flaming Lips. Also, laying my cards out. I realized this year that I’ve been a Dave Fridmann acolyte my whole life, as a producer. And I had no idea. It’s because this album’s production DNA is stamped on so many follow-up indie records for the next 20 years. By now, it’s been somewhat codified, figured out. But there’s something so wild and untamed about the arrangements that use Disney-sounding orchestration on some 90’s synth patches, butting up against some really hard, intense shimmery synth jam. The rapid switch-ups, the wall-of-sound big-ness, the kid instruments. By now I have you figured out, Dave Fridmann. But this is a version of The Flaming Lips that isn’t fully figured out, so it’s more raw, more unpolished, than Fridmann’s later work. And I like it more. PS: if nobody’s told you this, go listen to the Live At Red Rocks version of this album, with the full orchestra and choir. You’ll be glad you did. 5/5
Popping in to quickly review this album as I ended up listening to the whole thing while cooking a Tunisian chickpea soup. What a beautiful album. I can’t wait to listen to it again and then again. I can hear how artists I love are influenced by this album. Perfume Genius must have listened to A Spoonful Weigh A Ton many times. The compositions are complex and are beautifully matched by simple and elegant lyrics. The layered harmonies are like butter. Chickpeas and butter! I could just float away into space while listening to this album. 5/5, what a gift to rediscover The Flaming Lips after all these years.
Already listened
WOW this is one of the most creative, moody, and beautiful albums I've heard! Waitin' for a Superman, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, and The Spiderbite Song, they're all just...wow! Flaming Lips > Radiohead, change my mind!
one of my college favorites
Every time I listen to The Flaming Lips, I am struck with the realization that I need to listen to a lot more The Flaming Lips. The Soft Bulletin is simply magnificent. It's accessible without ever becoming trivial, and each track is given enough time to create a micro cosmos of its own. Wayne Coyne's desperate and fragile vocal is instantly recognizable and matches perfectly with the melancholic melodies on tracks like 'Race for the Prize' and 'Waitin' for a Superman'. Also, I have absolutely zero idea what the entire album is about. Not a clue.
There’s simply no denying the pure genius that is Wayne Coyne. The man might not have the most flashing vocals, technically speaking, but that is exactly what makes Coyne the perfect pop singer. His emotions are always on full display and it’s as if he could break down in front of you every second. It’s quite astonishing. The Soft Bulletin is easily one of the Flaming Lips’ greatest records, where the band’s understanding of intricate songwriting, instrumental layering and balance between delicate and noise is on full display. It’s too rare that I remember to let myself get lost in the Flaming Lips’ universe - and listening to this I’m reminded that that’s a damn shame. Please, let Yoshimi show up soon.
80 / 1069 An absolute classic album, sonically beautiful. There has been a lot written about this album much better than I could, if you haven't heard it do yourself a favor and go listen now.
Soft Bulletin is hands down my favorite Lips record. I feel Soft Bulletin is their “Revolver” and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is their “Sgt Peppers”. Soft Bulletin is the point in which the freak out acid tinged psychedelia of their early work and pop sensibility finally reached a touch point. Yet it’s still has a fresh lo-fi sound and sensibility where Yoshimi was more polished. Overall amazing album
great record.
Another classic in a series of great records by the Lips. This is the one where they first put it all together on a grand scale. Beach Boys moments mixing in with their earlier craziness.
Wow, so awesome. The soundscape is so complex, the words wonderful, the tunes catchy, and they become more so the more you listen. A masterpiece!
FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE FEELING YOURSELF DISINTEGRATE
I am not a fan of Flaming Lips, but when this album was released I stood up and said "Hell yeah!" Something about The Soft Bulletin was magical to me. The drums have the most unique overblown sound. Both this and Pavement's Terror Twilight just came out of left field and consumed me for a while (I have made personal retrospective rankings of albums and songs throughout my life; Terror Twilight was my #1 album of 1999 and Waiting For A Superman was my #1 song of 1999. They were kind of guilty pleasures as well because they didn't fit in to my usual listening at the time. I never felt that connection with Yoshimi, but I still come back to The Soft Bulletin a few times a year. I'm so glad the generator served this one up today, I kinda needed this boost. Waiting For Superman is the one song that absolutely destroys me... one my all time favorite songs.
10/10 this album has NO RIGHT to slap this hard it honestly hits so hard for an album from early 1999 it’s so progressive and modern by todays standards, I swear they are using technology that didn’t exist yet crazy I can’t decide a favorite track, the whole album had me going 😤 just straight heat
Songs of life, death and what it is to be alive. A life affirming record that is one of my favourites (if not my favourite) of all time. Musically creative and unique, and emotionally affecting, this does the happy/sad, defeated/determined, mundane/extraordinary thing to perfection. It is totally my jam. Individually every track is brilliant and many are a microcosm of the album overall, taking the listener on a voyage from a sad or troubling feeling through to happiness, wonder or even euphoria as a result of reaching acceptance. Sometimes this emotional journey is inspired by something mundane like folding up washing or feeling a little old. My favourite moment is when Wayne's meek little voice comes in in the middle of the orchestrally huge 'The Gash' with "will the fight for sanity be the fight of our lives, now that we've lost all the reasons that we thought that we had". A devastatingly sad sentiment. But then the huge group vocals kick back in and rouse the spirit to want to keep battling and keep trying even if everything seems hopeless. I'm not sure why, but this somehow connects with me, as does the whole record. I love it because it makes me feel. Rating: 5/5 Playlist track: Race for the Prize Date listened: 06/12/22 P.S. I've grown up with the UK/Australian track listing, which I consider the definitive and best flowing version (especially if you stop after Sleeping on the Roof and ignore the three remixes at the end).
I don't care what Jeremy says this album is baller.
очень атмосферненько сразу слышно конец 90х начало 00х softlyy agreable music
Yes! This is still great. Happy memories of seeing them live. Brilliant to listen to the whole thing again. Best song is obviously, boringly, Race for the Prize.
That guy you know that loves Indie rock music? This is in his top 5 of all time. I spent a better part of the mid-2000's trying to get my friends to talk about anything other than The Flaming Lips, The White Stripes, and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. That said, I'd never gave this album a listen. I still don't like the lead singer's voice in a lot of sections but once you get past the whiney portions... this album is very good. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It's a little psychedelic rock, modern alt rock, electronic, and experimental. The lyrics tell the story of someone going through grief, maybe having an existential crisis. Either way, its a little trippy and a neat listen.
I was apprehensive when this album came up. I was pleasantly surprised, as I expected something with more noisy and rockin’ guitar. This was quite listenable and interesting.
I love their raggedy vocals and quirky, specific lyrics. They've got a bit of a 70s AM radio sensibility that I find quite charming.
The Flaming Lips first drew my attention back in ‘93 with their song “She Don’t Use Jelly.” The lead singer’s raspy voice seemed to be just barely catching the notes in an endearing way and I loved the song. But for whatever reason it wasn’t until decades later that I would listen to a full album from them and discover how truly magical they are. That time came at the height-of-the-pandemic when I saw a video of The Flaming Lips performing “Race for the Prize.” Each band member was inside a plastic bubble performing to an audience who were each in plastic bubbles. Self-preservation juxtaposed with the need to connect. The song seemed to be written about the scientists researching the COVID vaccines, but I was surprised to discover it was the opening track of this album from 1999. So 22 years after its release I found this album. What I found was wildly catchy, filled with insightful songs that veer wildly from the epic to the mundane. The insights into the human condition perfectly captured by this album startles me throughout. How about insects? “The Spiderbite Song” captures the fear enormous consequences from daily events. “Buggin’” annoying mosquitos mirror the annoyance of love. Did “Waitin’ for a Superman” just make me tear up a little again? “Suddenly Everything Has Changed” captures our complicated feelings about our transient emotions in a wonderfully simple song. The moment when the lead singer clears his throat before the last verse makes me feel like I’m with someone who cares. It’s a truly special moment on a truly special album. “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate” places death directly front and center. Instead of instilling fear instead it makes me feel less alone. So much love, loss, fear, hope, sadness, joy packed into an hour. Such lush, musical experimentation! More than a great album, The Soft Bulletin is a perfectly timed musical hand on my shoulder. I’ve made a new musical best friend.
i like flaming lips
All time fave!
Nice album
suave, rico, ambiental, está bueno para escucharlo en cualquier contexto, se siente la importancia que tuvo el hecho de que esta obra saliera en el '99, es realmente bonito. "race for the prize" es fantástica. "waitin' for a superman", también. el final de "the spark that bled" me encantó. "feeling yourself dissintegrate" es etérea. escucharlo todo corrido con audífonos es realmente una aventura, no puedo creerlo, mejora el disco de una manera impresionante en una palabra: cool
A spoonful weighs a ton
i used to think this was the lips best effort. over the last 5-10 years i've wandered more towards yoshimi, clouds taste metallic, and hit to death, but this is still a really good effort. way better than 99% of music ever put on wax.
Edited review: the moment I heard they had an edit button this is immediately what I went back for. Bumping this from 3 to 5. Don't know if there is another band I've had more of a turn around on after a first listen. Love them now.
awesome 5 out of 5
Muito bomm
So good!
Feels like I am floating adrift on an ocean of sonic goodliness. A great way to start my day.
incredible arrangements
I fucking love everything the flaming lips does
Intricately layered and beautifully produced. This album was incredibly influential when it came out and it holds up very well. These songs are so well written and constructed that it almost sounds less complex than it actually is. It is one of those albums which rewards multiple listens due to the amount of stuff going on in each song.
Listened to this one a bunch of times. More than I normally give an album. It’s great, oddball lyrics that I’m not entirely sure I followed but liked. Elements of progressing psych, electronic and all sorts of just unique Flaming Lips. Definitely 9/10
un 5.
A joy to listen to. This was my first introduction to The Flaming Lips in 1999 and have never looked back.
like!
Epic soaring
Geweldig album, maar ik kende deze uiteraard al. Ik heb 'm op CD.
Already listened. The Spark that Bled is great.
Seems to be the least popular Flaming Lips album for SOME reason. A wonderful soundscape, Wayne Coyne just does not know how to make bad music
Traveled to OKC to see the band play this record on NYE. Big fan.
Excellante
Lisää nuoruuden suosikkilevyjä. Ei ihan yhtä selvä vitonen kuin Oasis mutta eipä tälle voi yhtään vähempääkään antaa. Ei sorru yhtä överiksi vedettyyn progeiluun ja psykeilyyn kuin jotkut muut Flaming Lipsin levyt.
Great background music. I like it.
Very easy listening. Good background music while you work or hang out
loved it.
I can easily see this going down as an all time favorite for me, it is gorgeously produced, trippy as all hell, and genuinely tearjerking. Appeals to me massively as an indie fan.
Great stuff from a band in their prime
It's a tie between The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot for the best Flaming Lips album in my book. It's an album with symphonic ambitions and it works. The tunes are catchy and the lyrics are silly but touching anyway. Favorite Songs: Race for the Prize ; The Spark that Bled ; Waitin' for a Superman
I think we were all already familiar with the flaming lips from their 2002 album, but I think this is my first time listening to any other album by theirs. Despite relatively high expectations, I was still fairly impressed. This kind of tops the trifecta of albums we've heard recently that I've noticed have creative production. There is always some interesting electronic element to go with the acoustic/live instrumentation. The acoustic guitar goes so well with synths and things like that. The drumming in their songs is always very enjoyable. I like the singer quite a bit too; he has very good pitch, a soothing voice, and implements nice layered harmonies. I think I'm confident to give this a four.
Trying to keep up while on vacation, so this review will be short. Giving this 4 stars. Coincidentally, listened to this on CD just a month ago or so. Lots of creativity and interesting sounds (and lyrics), though possibly a bit lacking in coherence.
Race for the Prize (Mokran remix) 4.2 A Spoonful Weighs a Ton 4.1 The Spark That Bled 4.1 The Spiderbite Song 4.2 Buggin' 4.1 What I the Light? 4 The Observer 3.7 Waitin' for a Superman 4.3 Suddenly Everything Has Changed 3.8 The Gash 4.3 Feeling Yourself Disintegrate 4 Sleeping on the Roof 3.7 Race for the Prize 4.2 Waitin' for a Superman (Mokran remix) 4.3 Score: 4.071428571
This was interesting. Good variety of instrumentation and styles. Will revisit. 3.5/5
I could listen to these guys anytime and this one is up there with Yoshimi. People say it took 15+ years for the band to break more commercially around this time. I like to think it actually took the audience 15+ years to recognize the unpredictable weirdness of the band that was always there.
Something about The Flaming Lips does it for me… I appreciate the weirdness. 3.5/5
The vocals could be better, but I enjoy the lyrics and the general feel of this one.
This one is almost as fun as "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," but doesn't quite reach that height. I think there are some tradeoffs here, and I think this almost feels more unique as it is a transition between two styles. It's still a great album, I just don't think I love it as much. Favorite track: "Race for the Prize (Mokran Mix)"
Two flaming lips in 4 days
8/10
I dig the psychedelic sound here. Not huge on the singer, but the melodies and production deliver.
Really weird album, I really liked it. I found it very enjoyable and engaging
Love the Flaming Lips and this album. So cool.
Really enjoyed this. I always like the flaming lips, but never seek them out. This was great.
exactly what i want out of psychadelic album. so dense and detailed and it super catchy. this is so mesmorizing, love this band so much
Always really enjoyed this Flaming Lips record; it's just so bubbly, colorful, and warm. It has that otherworldly feel but still manages to sound so human, a unique balance very few music acts have been able to pull off. It reminds me a lot of early Eno more than any psych record I've heard, especially when it comes to the abstract and surreal imagery over these sort of dusty but very eclectic bits of art pop instrumentation (dusty drums here also give a sort of trip-hop vibe). 'Race for the Prize' has always been a personal favorite, such an extravagant opener that's beaming with energy and joy, like the wonder of staring up at the city skyline after exiting a long, dark tunnel. This record in general is very theatrical like that, could be over-the-top at times with these sweeping string sections, but it all still comes off as sincere at the end of the day. The instrumentals here are standouts as well; 'The Observer' and 'Sleeping on the Floor' showcase the band's most textured soundscapes. You rarely find an album where the instrumentals are about as good, if not on the same level as, the regular, sung songs. Again, it reminds me a lot of what made the early Eno albums so amazing. 'The Gash' was another highlight here, love those grainy and almost distorted group vocals, and how they clash with the cleanish production. Fun and very easy album to get through, keeps your ears busy and warm like a pair of fluffy ear muffs.
Jag såg FL på Roskilde år 2000, då hade jag inte hört dom alls förut. Efter en inledning med några äldre spår som har ett helt annat uttryck, spelade dom igenom hela Soft Bulletin. Den konserten är däruppe bland de bästa jag sett. Bl.a. hade dom ingen trummis på scen, han var på en av storbildsskärmarna hela konserten, bara en sån sak, jäkligt snyggt. Soft Bulletin lyckas vara storslagen men ändå musikaliskt krypa under skinnet på en och kännas nära. Det finns flertalet bra låtar men det är helheten och jämnheten som imponerar mest. Jag tycker väldigt mycket om det här albumet. Opropertionerligt mycket faktiskt, jag brukar inte gå igång massor på den här typen av musik. Produktionen är en stor del av det tror jag Det är stort men aldrig överlastat och det känns inte effektsökande som t.ex. Arcade Fire. Det slammriga, nästan replokalsljudande trummorna. Den överdrivet separerade ljudbilden, det är som om alla instrument och vokaler befinner sig i sitt eget lilla hörn, det är oerhört snyggt. Jag tycker dom långsammare låtarna funkar allra bäst. "Feeling yourself disintergrate" är vansinnigt vacker musik, den ger mig fortfarande gåshud, det får bli favorotlåten
whimsical und mystical aber immer noch langweiliges männer gesinge also nicht perfekt
It’s actually surprisingly good. I like it a lot better than Yoshimi. I’m gonna use this platform to rant about their latest release which is a Lullaby version of Yoshimi, which must be for the worst most pretentious babies on earth.
This album is really nice just like the previously flaming lips one!
The Flaming Lips are a lot less intense than I thought. There were some slow parts, but overall it was an upbeat, tight, and thoroughly engaging album. I would definitely listen to it again. Race for the Prize, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, and Buggin were particular standouts
A litte strange, but fun and very sweet.
4.5
4.5
(9.45) ★★★★½
Along with it's sister project, Mercury Rev's Deserter's Songs, this album really put Dave Fridmann on the map as one of the best producers in rock. Moving further away from the guitar heavy sound that put them on the map, the Flaming Lips incorporate a layered sound that gives it a symphonic feel. The whole thing feels super majestic, but retains the Lips' trademark weirdness. Highlights are "The Spark That Bled", "A Spoonful Weighs a Ton", "Waitin' for a Superman", and "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate". 4.5 stars.
Race for the Prize is an all timer
Est-ce qu'il y a de l'auto-tune sur Waitin' for a superman? Pourquoi il y a des tounes reprises dans deux mix différents, ils étaient pas capables de choisir? Je continue ma série de questionnements, pour un autre band que j'ai bien aimé mais qui m'a malgré tout laissé un peu tiède.
Je ne suis jamais certain d'aimer Flaming Lips ou être indifférent. Je les connaissait un peu de leur autre album Yoshimi battles the pink robots, et leur chanson Do You Realize. Mais bon Flaming Lips c'est toujours beaucoup de choses en même temps, ça m'étourdi. Vraiment aimé la chanson d'ouverture.
this is a blissful psychedelic 4.5 ^_^
I haven't listened to Flaming Lips in a while, and even then I only knew the stuff off of Yoshimi. I think Wayne Coyne has a cool voice, and it works well for the emotional performance, but at times I feel like he doesn't sit completely right with the music. This doesn't really detract from the project as a whole, though. There are some interesting creative choices regarding Wayne's delivery that are mediated by the fantastic psychedelic instrumentals. I think that sort of "whiny" vulnerability really helps out these gorgeous lyrics, too. It's so sad, but so lovely and hopeful at the same time. I knew the backstory of The Spiderbite Song going in and it was such a nice payoff, emotionally. It's the type of album that makes me wanna know more, not just for the songs themselves, but the rest of their work. Favorite track: Feeling Yourself Disintegrate
Not their best album, but I still enjoyed.
First time listening to this album and I loved it
Felt like a ride back home in the night. Had a great moment.
I walked into the office today for the first time in about four or five years and this album was conveniently enough long enough to last for the journey there and back again. It was a beautifully sunny day and gulls were circling over Poole Harbour. As I listened, I kept thinking to myself, how much I was going to enjoy this album even more on the next listen and the one after that. I’m going to give this four stars for now, and I may well come back and upgrade that at some point in the future. Can’t say fairer than that!
Smooth, easy listening, never heard of this band but I was pleasantly surprised.
The soft bulletin was a very interesting record.
I've never listened to an album by The Flaming Lips before but I knew they were out there and I wasn't disappointed. It's a really interesting album that feels different and unique. Four stars.
good - wanted to get more into this OKC band more for a while
It's a cool album, and it reminds me of Beach House's Teen Dreams album.
Loved it when it came out, haven't listened to a long time. Starts so strong, some weaker tracks in the middle detract from what would be a higher scrore. 4.5 rounded down Heard before? Yes Owned: Yes 64/257 (24%) Will I get: Already have
Peak flaming lips this took them into stadium. Dramatic but with good forward momentum.
This was pretty good. Reminds me of pink floyd for some reason.
The Flaming Lips are always interesting even if i dont know how much I actually like their music.
I had never heard of them before, but it was an enjoyable listen
There was a time that I’d be really into this. I think a part of me still is, but I’d have to be in the right mood.
8.5/10 Loved this album. Creative, whacky, full of eargasms, just an all around fun time. I didn't think it possible for such clumsy vocals to work so well, but it does. > What was this, I thought, that struck me? > What kind of weapons have they got? > The softest bullet ever shot Best track: A Spoonful Weighs a Ton Will I revisit?: Absolutely
Ya, I liked this one. I had only heard Waiting For a Superman before this but the rest were good too.
Unexpectedly enjoyed
Excellent and band I need to investigate more.
Mjög ljúft og gott stöff. Elska flaming lips. Hljómsveitin sem arcade fire heldur að þeir séu.
Elska Flaming lips. Frábær plata.