The Soft Bulletin

NO LOS RECORDABA, ME GUSTA SU ESTILO SUENA MUY BIEN

This is really nice. With enough listens, this might be a 5. For now, it's a 4. Race for the Prize is the standout track.

I LOVE THE FLAMING LIPS

Maybe I should listen to The Flaming Lips more. 4/5

A surprisingly easy listen, lush and orchestral, I’d like to give it more of a listen when I get the chance. The only thing I do not understand is the inclusion of all of the bloody remixes. The last two tracks are essentially bonuses, but they’re on the main album. Completely puts off the flow

Great

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this album! I’ve never heard any of the music of The Flaming Lips before, as far as I know. I like it! The music is excellent.

Great alternative album, really dig its psychedelic/baroque/minimalist vibes. Also, the drums sound amazing in this!

Mellow, dreamy rock

I found his voice a touch grating at times, but overall it was a really good album.

Lo recordaba más de lo que esperaba y me gustaba más de lo que recordaba.

This is a nice Monday morning album. It's so positive. For some reason I always perceived these guys as a lot more jammy. You can also just feel how great these guys would be live. They just know how to use space.

Solid album

Top

Beautifully melodic and strange. Surprisingly nuanced arrangements and heartfelt lyrics. Still really not a fan of Wayne Coyne's vocal, but this album was so well-crafted, and a joy to listen to. Fave Songs: Feeling Yourself Disintegrate, Race for the Prize, Buggin', Waitin' for a Superman, Suddenly Everything Has Changed, What Is the Light?

real chill, had qute a few favourites really enjoyed 'What is The Light'

I liked it, but felt the sounds were a bit repetitive.

Interesting sound but kind of got the same by the end.

Different, nice drums

I really enjoyed this sound

A great album. Back in Y2K I would have likely given this 5 stars, but now I hesitate to do so. Not sure why. Did I overplay it? Did I grow weary of TFL’s extra-ness? Was it hearing that Wayne might not be a nice person?

Ooh, now this is a blast from my past! I used to listen to this all the time when it came out. Some very solid tunes and fond memories. This I feel like was a turning point album for the Lips, with more straightforward and genuine lyrics, though still very surreal in nature.

This and Yoshimi are Flaming Lips at their peak and I sometimes regret I didn’t see them at 80/35. Both of the albums sit solidly at a 4 for me and sometimes bump up to a 5. The first two songs on this are great. And of course, Waitin’ for Superman.

Cool album with interesting stuff on it

Awesome vibes in this one, wanted to give it a five but I’m not one hundred percent on it because the other album I gave a five was off the charts. I’ll give this one a four for now

Whilst I’m not familiar with the album I’m familiar with the band. Clearly this is the template that followed for break through albums like Yoshimi. Vulnerable Neil You g like vocals, over distorted drums over a juxtaposition of melody and cacophony. And, generally, bay shit crazy lyrics and overallness. This must be their starting point for a familiar and likeable brand. Worthy of further exploration as there is clearly something there that isn’t immediate.

Quite liked that

Good album, especially the first track is a banger

I didn't think I was going to enjoy this album as much as I did. Part of me thinks the lead singer is utterly ridiculous but his style also works at the same time. Really enjoyed the music in this album, tons to sift through and will no doubt be rewarded with relistening several times.

I basically Never Listen to music but I wanted to start doing so more often so this is one of the first full albums I ever listened to! I really liked it but I didn’t give it 5 stars due to my lack of knowledge/experience.

Nice chill album

Favourite songs: Waitin' For a Superman, Race for the Prize, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, The Spark That Bled, What Is the Light? Least favourite songs: The Gash, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate, Sleeping on the Roof 4/5

I liked this quite a bit, should definitely give The Flaming Lips another listen

Lovely stuff

Highlights: Race for the Prize

Weird shit dude. Good album, but not my favourite Lips.

Good classic rock

Super cool! Big drum sound

An enjoyable album. All of the songs were good. Pretty nice instrumentals. Just no exciting song.

Nice change of pace.

Pretty solid album. Love the experimental rock vibes.

Very interesting and personable psychedelia. It feels like this album probably influenced a lot of the more modern groups I'm more well versed in. Very approachable and enjoyable, honestly sorta feels like Duncan Trussell in a way.

Race for the Prize très cool. Globalement tout l'album est très planant, je connaissais un peu les Flaming Lips mais pas du tout cet album, bonne découverte.

Loved this one Before listening I was familiar with Buggin' from the Austin Powers soundtrack but didn't know any of the other songs Two mins in I knew I was going to love this. I love the use of the orchestra, the production, so good I'm between a 4 and a 5, we will see

The album is like a warm blanket - the more you snuggle in and embrace it, the more cozy and dreamy the album becomes. By the time it gets to "The Operator", the Flaming Lips are in full force, creating a dreamy sonic landscape that is exceptional. While the album still has some low points that rattle the whole feel and may pull some people out of the experience (songs like The Spiderbite Song and The Gash), the overall album is solid from beginning to end.

Whatever you think a Flaming Lips album sounds like. This sounds exactly like that. Dreamy, catchy and memorable. This was the start of two straight fire album cycles for the Oklahoma legends.

Love the instrumentation and feel of this album, some very personal memories of the past attached to the lyrics.

Love The Lips

Interesting stuff musically, but not necessarily my thing. Still, there is some fun stuff in here like the mostly instrumental song. Favorite song: The Gash. 7/10

7/10 - Feels like the Flaming Lips essentials. Tracks don't get too far off the rails or feel drawn out despite averaging over 4 minutes each.

I knew more songs from this album than I thought. Beautiful, haunting.

Fun and quirky. Can see a lot of artists were inspired by the flaming lips. Dreamy and ethereal. Some nice synth action in there.

Felt oddly similar to modern indie. Pretty good

Fun/trippy/experimental. Didn’t enjoy as much as Yoshimi but still good Rating: 4.2

Nice psych rock. A bit repetitive by the end.

Very interesting nice album that plays with different sounds, enjoyed this

Don't think I've given an album I've never listened to before 5 starts yet. I came pretty close on this one, I suspect it'll be a 5 star after a few listens.

Finally, the well known alternative psychadelic Flaming Lips. Iconic album of theirs too, but they ended up doing even better in their next album (*cough* Yoshimi) and is one of my favorites from the 2ks. It's pretty good if you know what you're looking for and what to expect. This album grew on me over the years and is in my record collection as well. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this to first listeners because of this and would've rated this lower years ago, but I can't change the past and you can't control how you feel.

Finally, the well known alternative psychadelic Flaming Lips. Iconic album of theirs too, but they ended up doing even better in their next album (*cough* Yoshimi) and is one of my favorites from the 2ks. It's pretty good if you know what you're looking for and what to expect. This album grew on me over the years and is in my record collection as well. Personally, I wouldn't recommend this to first listeners because of this and would've rated this lower years ago, but I can't change the past and you can't control how you feel.

Lovely rough-around-the-edges production. Wonderful melodies. Just a couple more original lyrics away from perfection.

Awesome

Funny this came up when it did because I was literally thinking about how I hadn’t listened to it in a long long time and I used to listen to it more than like any cd. It’s a classic but I actually realize now there are some songs I don’t actually like. Still the high points and the overall production are just great.

This is one of those albums where I feel like I should like it more than I do, if that makes any sense. The lo-fi kind of production, plenty of diversity in song structures and sound, it really should be right up my alley. That being said, I do definitely enjoy this album a lot, but I find myself debating whether or not to give it say a 4 rating. I think I will because the highlights on here really are great, Race for the Prize, Superman, Disintegrate are all fantastic. Even the whiny vocals don't annoy me much at all, I quite enjoy the occasional voice breaks.

Very enjoyable; definitely an “album.” Highlights: Race for the Prize, Spiderbite, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate

Frábær plata. Ég sé alltaf einhvern veginn eitthvað nýtt æðislegt við hana við hverja hlustun.

Classic. Can't be an Okie and give this less than a 4. Grew up on this music.

4*, Creative and soothing

A tad overrated but many great moments

4/5. It's really good especially the first time I heard it, but feels a little aged after listening so many times. The songs don't hit as hard. The first few songs are classics but it definitely drops in quality the further into the album you go. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad album just not a perfect 5/5.

Oye, este me gustó harto. Feeling Yourself Disintegrate es bien buena

Nostalgic. Not as good as i remembered, but not bad.

Decent. Delightfully weird.

Pleasantly surprising

For a long time, the album cover with the massive WB logo lead me to believe this was a sound track to a movie called The Soft Bulletin. I thought it might be pretty cool. Anyway, the album is an enjoyable jaunt through Wayne Coyle’s mind with some beautifully produced music. Soaring and elegiac, TFL hit on a nice engaging formula here.

An enigmatic and unique band at essentially the top of their game. There's heaps to like here - the album starts off with a bang with fresh and punchy pop songs. Sometimes Coyne's voice isn't all that pretty, and some songs probably aren't as strong as others, but still this is a solid album and easy to put on again. Three and a half. Fave track: A Spoonful Weighs a Ton

This is such a weird album. Everything about it I would usually hate. The strained whiny vocals, drums that sound horrendous and the hard pan on instruments would usually be centred. Even worse is the delay that makes everything feel out of time. I can't thibk of any reasons why I like it but I can't stop listening to it. Specially the songs Race for the price and Waiting for superman. I hate it but just can't stop listening to it or thinking about it. I'm so confused

Nice musical arrangement and excellent clean bass. Sounds well on proper HiFi. 4*

5/5 first half 4/5 second half idk it’s good tho

Sounds old and new at the same time.

Catchy mystical melodies and airy singing. It’s not quite Yoshida but it’s a good listen.

Low 4

4.5 stars. At times good alt/radio rock, at times experimental and weird. Lots of variety. "The Gash" with choral singing. Standout is the beautiful, catchy, mysterious, "Race For The Prize"

My first exposure to Flaming Lips was Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. This album is not really even close to being as good as that one, but I really love their production and arrangements overall. It is impressive to have an album this good when the lead singer's voice sounds like it's about to crack at any second. Favorite track: The Spiderbite Song

Turning into a flaming lips stan

God daym. Maybe it lulled a little in the middle but strong start and incredible last leg. Feeling yourself disintegrate is impeccable and ending the album on sleeping on the roof is beautiful. Those songs put an overwhelming melancholy over me Brum. Sick

A really easy listen

Either I didn't notice how pretty and bombastic Yoshimi was, or this was way more up my alley. I love the orchestration and punch a lot of songs have. The lead singer sometimes isn't really up to snuff with the rest of the music, but it does add charm to it. Just a solid album.

una banda que siempre te hace bien y te lleva de viaje en una fiesta por el espacio, te trae de nuevo y despega otra vez. va 4 porque no es mi fav de ellos.

nostalgia optimista, sonido espacial, hermoso final, todo sí. Voy con 4 porque me parece que "Yoshimi..." es su disco más cerrado con mejor sonido.

cool as hell, not as good as yoshimi tho

I kinda get the vibe this is about superheroes. If it is the album is a 4. If not, 2.

Beautiful. Didn't realize I would enjoy this as much as I did. 4/5

Race for the prize heel goed pak ik mee. Voor de rest een heel leuk album gewoon maar niets super speciaal

I enjoyed this, it was very calm and chill while I did some work.

The Flaming Lips have many albums under their plate and this one is definitely their master piece. It makes great transitions from faster and slower, lusher and harder, deeper and thoughtful. It certainly is their best album so far and I wish they would look out more for quality than quantity.

What a euphoric feeling, this one was absolutely blissful. The sound palette is really cool with delicate guitars and Midwest sounding vocals over booming drums. I was surprised I hadn’t heard anything on here before because it like the type of people who like Tame Impala now would be obsessed with this. Ig its because the flaming lips have a huge discography and it may be hard to find a starting point for some people. Songs 4-9 do become a little one-more which holds this back from being a 5 for me, but I could see how people would like that cause it gives you some time to think before the album really grabs you again. They should play this at stores, this makes me want to buy a cold brew and some thrifted jeans. I think if I listened to this every morning, I would be a more carefree and happy person. But I’m not gonna do that. Cover art: 5/10 obviously it doesn’t suit the music at all but I think I see what they were going for

The first 3 songs start off really strong with a lot of cool changes and made it clear you were gonna hear a lot of experimentation throughout the album. The trap hi hats on the spark that bled were funny af. After the first 3 I feel like the album hit a bit of a lull but finished with 2 great songs I kept on repeat for a minute. I was saying to Bryce before those two songs that the back half of these albums has been the make or break point in deciding how I will rate them and if I want to listen again and the end of this one made it a 4 for me. Also, the drums have a huge room sound that’s dope 👍: race for the prize, feeling, sleeping on the roof Guess for peder’s art rating: 4/10

Good

didn't like this as much as I did when it came out; still features three absolute bangers with "What Is The Light" as the highlight. really went off The Lips when I saw them live about 10 years later and Coyne was such a screeching preening dickhead, more interested in wandering around the audience in a fucking plastic bubble than singing anything approaching a tuneful vocal. left after 15 minutes and have hardly listened to them since

Quite enjoy a bit of the flaming lips. Been a while since I listened to any of their stuff. Another one perhaps worth a revisit. Going to be more telling after a few listens, but 4 seems fair from one listen.

3.5/5

it's enjoyable but it's not yoshimi battles the pink robots or at war with the mystics.

As soft as a tense vagina shaking in a windy corridor. A smack on the lips by an enormous cock.

Suppose

Un excellent album par les Flaming Lips, qui ont un son si particulier, que je trouve novateur et dont les textes me parlent énormément.

Absolutely brilliant, will re-listen again and again.

15th March 2023 Listened in the day while working from home. Jake doing the floor, pre wedding for Ben and Nilisha. Love this band, they’re so different and Wayne Coyne is a hero. Men from outer space teaching us to be nice.

Winsome and charming, just like it was back in day, when one listened to this quite a bit and when it become personally meaningful. Still packs punch through the unique mix of its big, well layered sound and its gentleness of emotion and effect. (Editors are right about FLs' humanity.) While one found the live antics to be a bit much, the record is a delight and first-rate all around. Indeed, one forgot how much soul there is in it. One hopes they enjoyed the critical and commercial recognition they received and – more importantly – deserved.

This could be a difficult one for some - the detuned synths and slightly weak vocals could be off-putting, but if you can get past that it's a rewarding album. I was lucky enough to see them live in the 90s and they put on a joyous and inspirational show. This album doesn't quite capture the vibe of the live show, but that only points out how good they are live. This album is full of great songs, full of experiments and a showcase for a band finding a new sound.

Such a fun and creative project. Not something I would normally listen to but the creativity of all the sounds and recording techniques were so interesting. I could imagine the band having a lot of fun recording this - a lot of "Hey let's try this", or "hey what if we" and each time they're all like "hell yeah let's try it". I'm familiar with these techniques in modern music (like lfo panning), so to hear it done in an older project is really cool. And how tf did they do their drums.

Expected less, got more. It's just really good music. You can hear the freshness in pretty much every track.

Great stuff, hadn't heard it before

Probably the best overall Flaming Lips record. They did some pretty creative stuff, musically, on this one, and while the songs do start to bleed together in the middle, it's an enjoyable listen overall due to the standouts.

I'd only ever listened to the Yoshimi Battles album before (which I got almost 400 albums ago) and I think I liked this album more than that one. In the intervening time I've come to appreciate this type of music a bit more. Maybe I'll revisit the other album as well. Still a bit longer though.

Приятно, мягко, вкусно. Чутка затянуто, конечно, так что 4-

Where have you been all my life?

I'm a huge Yoshi fan and this certainly has hints of where that album is going. I like Wayne's vocal delivery, a sincere understated honesty that works so well with this music. Pretty solid album, though Feeling Yourself Disintigrate and Race for the Prize are highlights.

Love the storytelling, the humour, the production

Every Flaming Lips album is a film score. Soaring and gorgeous.

Really like this! Very genuine and heartfelt. Right up my alley

Täähän oli tosi jees! Jälleen yksi hieman tuntemattomaksi jäänyt klassikkobändi kyseessä. 4/5

Actually very nice! Will definitely have to return; this one could become a 5/5 for me with a bit more time. Great drum sound. Lush album.

Really enjoyed this listen, was always uncertain what sound this band would be. Alt indie pop. Waiting for Superman stands out.

I'm really of two minds when it comes to The Flaming Lips. There are times when I hear incredible beauty and uniqueness, and other times when I feel like they're trying too hard to be quirky and different. This album mostly falls into the former category for me. 4 stars.

This and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots are the only 2 Flaming Lips albums that I really like, and like them I do. There's a lot of gems here but there's also times where I honestly find myself zoning out a bit. Overall a very good record. It's always good to listen to every once in a while.

pretty trippy, but you gotta like those hard beats over soft sounds.

Shits got some bangers def one of their best albums besides yoshimi

Moody, psychedelic, pleasant

Peak post-70s psychedelic. Not the most accessible but some of the most ‘lips’ songs on this. Loves his heroin. Sot Race For The Prize A Spoonful Weighs a Ton The Spark That Bled The observer Waitin for Superman Feeling Yourself Disintergrate 4/5

Quite liked this one

8/10 really nice :)

8/10. I never really know what to make of The Flaming Lips, but it's certainly lyrically interesting.

Poor mixing in a lot of places and really laughable vocals at times. Still, there are lots of layers here and oddly charming moments. Could also do without the random remixes. 7/10

Pretty original and enjoyable l, though the singer’s shaky voice did get on my nerves at points, but that’s just preference. 4/5

Race for the Prize - classic The Spark that Bled 10/10 Middle was the usual sort of silly but still somewhat poignant Flaming Lips I have come to know and enjoy. The Observer, a beautiful tune. Suddenly Everything has Changed 10/10 The Gash - classic much love

This is really interesting. I really like Yoshimi but hadn't stretched any further back in their catalogue. Well this album is odd for a 90s band, and well..... odd for any time either............ It lurches along musically, never seemingly planned but makes a really enjoyable rollercoaster ride. Wayne Coyne's voice is perfect for this band and I love the balance between orchestration, drums and synth. It's a tremendous trip so buckle up and enjoy.

Two great singles, and a band who in their second decade suddenly found a sound that resonated. Full of their crazy space lyrics but like the next two albums (their purple patch) underpinned by rock-solid songwriting and loads of hooks.

Requires multiple listens to catch everything that's going on. Super enjoyable. Best track: Buggin'

I like The Flaming Lips. They're just the right amount of trippy

Pretty good album! I have to admit, I've never heard anything like this before. Actually, it sounds more like a soft edition of progressive rock, like Porcupine Tree, but of course without as much virtuosity on guitars. Also, the vocal seems to be similar to Steven Wilson's or even Geddy Lee's from Rush. The vocalist is the best feature of the album, in my opinion. His singing, seemingly out of tune, and like he wouldn't even want to sing, adds a nice layer to the dreamy sequences of instruments. My favourite song is definitely "A Spoonful Weighs A Ton". Quite a lot of fillers on the album, but the overall reception was very positive. Might consider buying a vinyl!

Didnt rlly know what to expect but this was rlly solid. It has some skips but also some utterly beautiful tunes

I think I'm maybe being generous here today... I liked some of the songs and would probably put it on again at some point. A soft 4

One of my two favorite albums of theirs (along with Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots). Classic Flaming Lips.

Really cool sounding record. I love the sounds and production and arranging. I don’t really like the singer’s voice but it kind of grew on me a little. I like the instrumental song sleeping on the roof. I enjoyed listening to this album while dozing off in the cab.

So they don't use jelly on this one. Probably because…a spoonful weighs a ton? I'll show myself out.

This was an interesting and compelling album. Interesting orchestrations and so many lyrics that jumped out while listening.

really really compelling. could listen to this a bunch.

Again I must have never truly paid attention to the brilliance of The Flaming Lips - this is a great sounding standout of an album - it’s not as perfect as the masterpiece that is Yoshimi but it ranks pretty high to me.

Easy listening and relaxing

Admittedly didn’t listen closely. Admittedly the album seduced me anyway: gorgeous stuff, like a more obviously band-oriented Stereolab, with those gorgeous strings. Can already tell this is gonna get some play around Christmas for me, some sad night. Beautiful stuff, even if I’m not exactly convinced to lay my life down for it.

I heard this a few years back and never thought much of it. Upon revisiting the album, my opinion has happily been transformed.

Interesting record that is always worth a listem

Smooth like banana moose. This is a great album, nice and chilled and a unique sound. I saw the flaming lips earlier this year and it was a beautiful display of colour and sound. Check them out if you get a chance.

Great listening

This sounds like the first 21st-century psych album to me. There are plenty of nice surprises peppered throughout, and, while the annoyance quotient is still present, beauty overwhelms it.

Need to listen to it a few more times to tell if I like it but I feel like I will

I always thought I hated the Flaming Lips. A lot of their recent stuff is not my taste. I was pleasantly surprised when listening to this album! This is classic indie-psych-rock from the 90s. The production is fantastic, and while the songs aren't catchy, they have so much raw emotion in them. Highly recommend. Best Songs: A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate Worst Songs: Waiting for Superman

enjoyable and calming

A legitimate classic.

Insanely intricate. Everything all at once all the time. Not the best for casual listening. If someone is willing to sit and taste all the flavors, it is worthwhile

It's very out there but some are catchy.

The first track invoked a beautiful sense of a sort of melancholic nostalgia in me and the feeling never left.

Easy-ish listening. His voice is tough to power through at times. Quintessential late 90’s alternative. Album is well made and consistent throughout.

first listen lots to explore just in this record, looking forward to exploring more of their extensive discography

yeah, I really like this. I find the songs mellow but energetic at the same time. This album manages to be pretty experimental while still being very listenable & melodic with catchy hooks. I also always like the lyrics... like bob dylan on acid. They don't take themselves too seriously, but aren't straight up silly (most of the time). favorite tracks: what is the light the spark that bled a spoonful weighs a ton race for the prize waitin for a superman the gash 4/5 (great)

Would give it five but Wayne coynes a lil bitch

A great series of tunes with exciting instrumentation

in a room full or spiders with good music battling the pink robots while we fall in love

Didn't have a lot of hopes for this but was pleasantly surprised. Marking as a 4 so I will revisit it someday

The lush arrangements provided by this alternative band trades guitars for strings and a myriad of other instruments. They’re going for pop music through the lenses of quirky, heartfelt songs. All of this is driven by bombastic drums, which makes this an enjoyable listen.

Listening to this album made me feel at peace. The instrumentation the song structures and the production all have an ethereal and fantastical element to them. The track Waitin for Superman is a perfect example of a song that makes you feel that everything is going to be ok. Listening to this makes me want to check out the rest of their discography.

Heard this album before, but it was better than I remembered. Chill album, without a ton of what I would call hooks, but still very pleasant and enjoyable. 4/5

Okay, Flaming Lips are pretty cool. A lot of it runs together, but this is solid symphonic rock. I can get behind this. B

Why did no one tell me this album was like a combination of Yes, Queen, and Pink Floyd?! It's got a lot of the things I like about psych rock, leaning in a vaguely prog rock direction.

Интересный альбом. Пожалуй, одни из самых необычных и интересных аранжировок среди тех, что я слышал. Материал мне не очень понравился, но к ознакомлению рекомендую. 7 из 10

3.5

This is some kind of weird unidentified weapon album, the warm and magical musical hinting at the development (discovery?) of the Softest Bullet, the strange "prize" everyone had been racing for, its element so heavy that a spoonful weighs a ton. This whole album glows with radioactivity, some of it being from the laboratory, some from comic book spiders, and a lot more of it from outer space, where our supermen come from. How long have our heads been bleeding and we've not realized it? How is it that we are all glowing with this...substance? This wonderful album explores the intersection of the material and the immaterial, the chemical and the emotional, helping us understand that we are ineffable, hybrid beings, a mix of the physical and the spiritual. And it's okay to be so.

El primer de la trilogia màgica de Flaming Lips. Van perfeccionar la seva música a partir de la seva pròpia experiència i la refinació de les seves influències. Psicodelia moderna, aventures musicals, lletres personalíssimes i imaginatives, i una música que et transporta. Potser a 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' encara van anar un pas més enllà, però aquest 'The Soft Bulletin' està pràcticament a la mateixa alçada i és un dels discos que dona sentit als 90

I like the Flaming Lips a lot and I really like the direction they went on this album. I do love this album but like pretty much every Flaming Lips album there are one or two songs where Wayne's voice is bit much. My fav lips album is still Yoshimi but this is a close 2nd.

I guess I’m kind of a Flaming Lips fan, but never really thought about it. I like almost all those music.

Not as experimental or weird as some of their albums and that makes it more approachable. Also you don't need 4 cd players to listen to it. A nice listen on a rainy morning.

I like this. It's atmospheric and dreamy at times, and just a good album.

This was a jamming album, I really liked it. Great pacing and fun songs. I breezed through this album though this seemed like a movie soundtrack too which is pretty cool. This might be my fav album this week besides ol blue eyes.

Jazz rock perhaps? Not sure if that’s a thing, or if this is that, but it’s rock with an atmospheric spirit, kind of freely exploring a mood in the way jazz might. I’ve heard a couple Flaming Lips albums and find them to be quite good. This is a solid album, with a handful I’ll return to. Give us some more! Favorite tracks: Race for the Prize, The Spark that Bled, Sleeping on the Roof, Waitin’ for a Superman. Album art: Really like the retro style and the bold colors. From what I remember, these guys do album arts really well. 4/5

The Flaming Lips are a band you must listen to at least once in your life. And "The Soft Bulletin" is the album most fans will probably tell you you must start with. It's a nice album overall. I'm just wondering about one little thing. My oh my, why hasn't anyone (other band members, producer Jonathan Friedmann--*anyone*) told the singer he was decidedly singing OFF-KEY during the takes??? I'm all for "rough" or "fragile" vocals in certain genres (like with Flaming Lips' models Mercury Rev, for instance). Emotion is sometimes more primordial than perfect notes as to how the human voice can affect listeners. It can bring a sense of authenticity that makes up for a singer's technical limitations. But there's a limit. And *The Soft Bulletin" clearly blows that limit away to pieces. This is how an album that could have been a legendary one, ends up being a good one instead. This is how you lose one star, folks. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 894 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 57 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 27 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 23

This album was an unexpected love when I listened to it the first time

Some really good tracks on here. Much better than expected.

Like it

Didn’t like it at first, but grew on me slowly. Often found myself wishing the best bits would last longer though.

Flaming good

Excelente disco. Achei os arranjos ousados e os timbres de bateria muito bem gravados. A voz dele soa um tanto desafinada e me incomoda, mas entendo que tem uma certa tolerância dentro do estilo

The Flaming Lips, eccentric name aside, is weirdly never hit never miss in the two albums that this list imposes upon the listener. Perhaps that is the why here, that music that neither bores nor excites, softens or enrages, that one could both wake up and fall asleep to, does in fact exist and can be simply accepted for what it is. While innocuous music certainly is not rare, The Flaming Lips have in a way made their generally acceptable sound their selling point. Their sound does not seem heavily engineered, lending them a certain feel of indie-rock without the shortfalls of a limited or inexperienced budget. Musically, the drums were probably the most noticeable in terms of being different. "The Spiderbite Song" being an example, where the drums were given some added effect. However, upon closer listening the drums seemed to have consistently been tweaked in a creative way, as if they refused to use a drum cage opting instead to put the drumset somewhere else in the building and keep all the doors open. Overall, this is a fine listen and the band sounds young and motivated. Vocals are not perfect but they are not trying to be, and that lends to the aforementioned indie-band feel.

Another delightfully mellow album. I like this a LOT for working. Dare I say it has a strong prog feel? Many times I felt like they played Genesis-type drumming fills (no pun intended haha). I think I actually like this one better than the Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots?? I would give it 4.5 if I could.

Not the Flaming lips I know best, but very flaming lips.

Never listened to the Lips before... this was a fun album

Love this album. Full of joy and hugely uplifting

Fantastic album, probably a 4.6 or 4.7

Weird but works. Wish I could give like a 3.8 score so I’ll just round it up. Who is Mokran? He’s awesome

Para escutar

The Flaming Lips at their best in songwriting. Marked the beginning of a modern psychedelia sound that we'll see revisited in artists like MGMT. Tracks are symphonic and beautiful, easy to slip into. Just as good as Yoshimi, except instead of a concept album full of interdepencies, any track here could stand on its own. Many parts sound like 60s psychedelic pop albums, I can hear Pet Sounds and Odessey and Oracle at several points, but they utilize modern production to create an identity for themselves that later neo-psychedelic groups would follow.

Très bon album, l'ai écouté 2 fois Premier de la série que je compte m'acheter la galette

Il m’aura fallu quelques écoutes, échelonnées dans les dernières années, pour enfin apprécier cet album. La forte présence des synthétiseurs enveloppants, le traitement radical de la batterie, le sens des mélodies sont les points forts. Une certaine homogénéité des titres et la fragilité de la voix me plaisent moins.

me likey pretty much this. :) 8/10

I own this and occasionally put it on, but it’s another one of those albums I don’t really think too much about until I’m reminded of its existence in some way. Then when I’m listening to it I always think I need more Flaming Lips in my life. This is a great album, I love the weirdness of the lyrics (the whole notion of Race for the Prize is just bananas) and the arrangements aren’t any less interesting. Listening to the whole thing as I am now but with more attention than usual, I’m struck by the mixing on the drums - they’re quite high up and very present - and also by the way that there seems to be a basic structure for the songs… but other than that, they could just as easily be completely improvised around that skeleton for all I know. (The lyrics hint at that, as do some of the instrumental backing bits.) Idiosyncratic is the best description.

Nice to get a refresher on this album

De cara uma das coisas que mais gostei no álbum foi a estética, a capa e todo o conjunto que forma ele me agrada muito e é uma estética que carrego em projetos pessoais. É um álbum que eu nunca tinha ouvido, mesmo já conhecendo a banda, talvez seja aqueles álbuns que cresça conforme vamos ouvindo, não fiquei apaixonado, mas gostei do álbum, talvez eu ouça ele mais algumas vezes pra ter um veredito, mas até o momento minhas músicas favoritas são: race for the prize; the spark that bled e feeling yourself disintegrate.

Ace stuff. Love the Flaming Lips

I always find myself avoiding the Flaming Lips because of Wayne Coyne but every time I do listen, it's super enjoyable. The orchestration is lovely and grand, and this album goes interesting places without being totally alienating

It's cool to hear this band as I feel like this style was ahead of its time for 99. I enjoyed the album, some of the songs were a bit noisier than I typically like though

Beautiful is the word that comes for mind.

Ah yes, the Flaming Lips. Proving that music peaked in 1969 and again in about 1999. If you get a chance, watch a video of their concerts. I don’t like everything they ever did, but nearly every song in here is inventive and surprisingly listenable. Some people like Yoshimi better. They’re wrong. This is better.

Iv never really got into the flaming lips, I think it’s the vocals that initially put me off. After the first listen I can clearly see why this album is on the list, I just don’t enjoy it as much as other indie albums for the same era. So I made a bit more effort and gave it a couple of more listens today and wow so glad I did. Musically and lyrically this is brilliant. Not quite a master piece but a solid 4 stars, will continue to listen to this album going forward

Another Great choice Wayne Coyne at his lyrical best, Love "Race For The Prize" my Favourite here

Pretty nice flaming lips album. Wayne Coyne does a nice job having a very soothing and chill singing style. The lips always have had interesting beats and their lyrics can dig a little deeper. This was a pretty good listen. There were a few beats that stood out that felt modern. 7.7/10

A classic

It was good, but unfortunately lacks the special elements from Yoshimi to really pump it up.

"Waiting for a Superman" is very catchy, gets into my head. Weirdly, the "Mokran mix" is preferable to the original. "The Gash" has a great big sound, this is the side of Flaming Lips that I like the best. There are a lot of songs on this album that make me focus on how pitchy Wayne Coyne is. I do respect what they are doing though. Crazy that they were a band for 13 years before they struck gold with this album. Waffling between 3 and 4 stars.

Almost certainly their best album. Like the big pseudo-symphonic psychedelic sound. Alot packed in there. Always respected Wayne for staying rooted in Oklahoma rather than moving to a coast or a larger metropolis.

Nice and spooky

Great album, but not their finest hour. Very good precursor but Yoshimi is their finest.

I’d call the Flaming Lips, and this album, Dirty Precious. It’s an interesting combo of stripped down and dirty guitar and drums and spacey synth with transcendental/cutesy lyrics. The first song is one of my favorite songs, especially to dance to. The album is very solid, though I ft the limitations of their kit and at times it gets repetitive in the drum realm. Great album though. 4.

Twinkle precious stardust vibes

I did not like this album on first listen, particularly the vocals, but it definitely gets better with each listen. The sound is very layered and the dynamic between the instrumentals and the melancholic lyrics help create a unique vibe. The lyrics reflect on humanity: the joys and struggles of daily life. Favorite tracks: Race For The Prize, A Spoonful Weighs A Ton, Bugging, What Is The Light, Suddenly Everything Has Change, The Gash.

Typical Flaming Lips album. Good, borderline great.

Amazing album. Great use of different sounds and techniques. Soft, artsy, dram pop-rock.

That's a style I quite like

There's a distorted sound to the drums on the first track. I'm not sure if its intentional or my poor equipment. Anyway, I have heard of the Flaming Lips, but am not very familiar. They lead vocals on Race for the Prize sounds like Neil Young. The more I read about these guys the more I like them. They did a concert during the pandemic in bubbles and the audience was in bubbles too. Just brilliant! Do You Realize is a song I do know - but it's not on this album. That must be how I know them. This album has made me a fan though. Great inclusion on this list. There's so much happening with these songs. Music, lyrics, experimental stuff all mixed up. I like the whole weirdness of it. As this album goes, I like it more and more. I never would have listened to this or gave it much of a thought. Moreover, if I did, I doubt I'd listen to the full album, but this is a complete album where each song has something great about it. There's a Beatles psychedelic vibe to many of the songs, which I also like, especially What is the Light, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton ,even Race for the Prize. Spiderbite song was really good too. Call it a 4.5

pretty pretty cool

I liked it, but I can see why The Flaming Lips aren't for everyone. If you like the Lips, you'll definitely love this one.

Nice! Much more enjoyable than I would have guessed, but I'm here for it.

An album that grows on you. It has some great songs and some that are kind of forgettable.

Okay maybe I like the flaming lips more than I thought

Great drumwork, synths and general breadth of sounds.

Bangeeeeeeer!

I Flaming Lips sono un gruppo che sicuramente approfondirò. Quest'album mi è piaciuto molto a livello compositivo: arrangiamenti originali e testi veramente belli. L'unica nota negativa per me è stata la voce, ci ho messo un po' per digerirla (inizialmente ho pensato che la voce del cantante dei Mew sarebbe stata ideale perché leggermente più precisa), ma dopo un po' di ascolti sono arrivato alla conclusione che mi piace così com'è e che non sarebbe stata la stessa esperienza se cantato diversamente. Aggiornamento: ho ascoltato un altro album loro dopo questo, per curiosità... Ho scoperto solo dopo che è in lista ahahah

Ecco un altro album che mi ha messo seriamente in crisi. Conoscevo i Flaming Lips da alcuni pezzi ma non avevo credo mai ascoltato un album intero. Sono rimasto davvero piacevolmente colpito, il loro stile ha un fascino innegabile su di me e incontra pienamente i miei gusti. Ho trovato i pezzi molto originali, tanto più sapendo che è un album del 1999. Un'altra nota sicuramente positiva è il fatto che lo spirito dei pezzi varia abbastanza, mi piace come ci siano pezzi più seri e pezzi più surreali. Comunque The Spiderbite Song è un capolavoro. Ho apprezzato quasi tutti i pezzi e ne ho messi diversi tra i preferiti. Forse l'unico lato negativo è che sento che è un album a innamoramento lento, ci vorrebbero più ascolti protratti nel tempo perché penso che ci siano parecchie chicche che ci vuole tempo per apprezzare. Per me è un 4.5 che però, con mia enorme sorpresa, per qualche motivo non mi sento di promuovere a 5 anche se vorrei. Forse diventerà un 5 dopo altri ascolti.

Race For The Prize has me interested. Three tracks in and I can feel the album really has musical legs that it is stretching. The lyrics of this album are really good. By the end of this album, I was hooked. Will merit a second listen.

I feel like the Flaming Lips put a lot of things that apart would sound awful but together make for a really unique, enjoyable sound. Honestly might give it a second listen just to decide on 4 or 5 stars. UPDATE: didn't listen again, staying safe with a 4.

IDK what it is, but the Flaming Lips have my number. I'd only ever heard Yoshima vs the pink robots before seeing them live and I loved that. This isn't quite as good, but a trippy weird vibe that just hits me perfectly. I think its because it has similar tendencies to the prog metal I like but with a chill vibe suitable for morning coffee.

Pretty good!

again slowish, psycheish, chill, etc, but a bit better

I prefer Yoshimi, but tough to deny the excellent songs, beautiful melodies and innovative arrangements of this unique musical experience. 4 🌟

Pretty solid

Dreamlike throughout. Not always a good dream, sometimes a little sad or scary, but always ethereal. I liked it?

4/5 - Not my cup of tea, but good for what it is

Flaming lips sound and arrangements. Good Album 3.5

I didn't get it at all on my first listen, grew on me on the second time through though. This would be a phenomenal album for a road trip through the forested country side or a camping trip. Pretty good but reviews that told me it was one of the best albums of the 90s set me up for disappointment.

This is another one I have very fond memories of. Transmissions from the Satelite Heart was my first Flaming Lips album and I loved it dearly. This one isn't my favorite, but it's still one of their better albums, for sure. What takes this one down a notch for me was that it included a remix at the end, which felt kind of dumb and/or cheap to me. I didn't get. I still don't. Still, Flaming Lips.

I wish I knew how they get that wonderful sound.

I dug

Skjærende vokal, pompøse tekster, akkurat på grensa til å bli for ektefølt... Men det funker for meg! Hørte gjennom i senga i går kveld, og følte mange følelser. Rått og ømt, passe storslagent noen steder. Observerer at feel yourself disintegrate bruke "brrapa brrap" 20 år før trap var en greie. Virkelig nyskapende.

This is a good one for the car, really like this album.

Didnt finish it but was actually enjoying it, quite old school indie rock

I didn't fully listen to the whole album, which messed up my listening experience, but I can say I did enjoy it. I've had issues with this because I've been off work, then followed by traveling. I hope to be able to accomplish my daily listen in a few days.

Just gets stronger as the album goes on - Especially from what is the light onwards - will be back to this for sure

This is honestly one of the best psychedelic pop records of all-time. It is a joyous, celestial celebration of sound where symphonic music meets pop music on an acid trip. Big fun.

En ole aiemmin harrastanut tätä orkesteria. Otetaan tarkempaan seurantaan.

I actually really enjoyed this. Never given 🔥👄much of a chance but I thought this was a really slick album. Opening track is quality

Fun. Definitely felt like a story .. this feeling of traveling along. I especially liked “A Spoonful Weighs A Ton”. Man his voice sounds strained though

Nice

Tego albumiku bym sie tutaj nie spodziewal, nie jest to album z wysp brytow, nie jest latwy w odbiorze, od strony technicznej brzmi mocnym garazem, ale jednak posiada status kultowego wsrod okolo psychodelicznych albumikow wczesnych 2k, album z 99, gatunkowo rock utrzymany w klimacie psychodelicznym wykorzystujac do tego poteznie rozbudowane symfonie, instrumenty, dzwieki, sample, halasy i wokal tworza jedna spojna i niepowtarzana calosc, trzeba mocno podkrecic na glosnosci zeby wsluchac sie w niuanse melodii, ale jest to gra warta swieczki, od pierwszego do ostatniego traka wylewa sie to z plyty, otwierajacy mocno drumowy banger, jak i zamykajacy sleeping on the roof ktory do perfekcji wykorzystuje proste sample i klawisze, tworzac z nich czilujacy ending plyty, opening juz byl na plejce, to dorzuce taka 9 i 6

Catchy songs, lush orchestration and production, kooky lyrics and song titles. Singer sounds a bit like Neil young at times. I've listened to them in bits over the years but remember that all the cool people liked them.

From the first few notes and the pounding drums of Race for the Prize you know this album has chops. The Lips toned it down from their harsher punkier origins for this album and introduced some very nice catchy melodies. This album was a harbinger of even greater things to come.

Not my favourite Flaming Lips but still so great.

Sehr nett

Qué lyrics y qué música. No los conocía y fueron un gran descubrimiento.

J’ai bien aime comme musique d’ambianceen faisant d’autres trucs. J’ai porte attention plusieurs fois ca rj’aimais ce que j’entendais.

Nie jest złe trochę nudy

It was a pleasant listen.

Never heard this. Pretty bad ass - The textures and layers - geez

Wow, not expecting that. Totally fit in with what I’ve been into.

Nice melodies with good singing, sometimes more experimental

Favorites: Race for the Prize, The Spark that Bled, Spiderbite Song, What is the Light, The Gash, Waiting for Superman, Feeling Yourself Disintegrate, Sleeping on the Roof Widely considered to be the one of the greatest albums of the 90's and the Flaming Lips' masterpiece.

Strange and uplifting. Sometimes becomes a bit meandering and I lose focus. Nonetheless, presses a lot of my buttons. Love the chaotic drum energy.

Bit of a Niel Young style to his voice. The Spiderbite song was weird but also seemed genuinely caring. The Gas was my highlight.

Not as good as robots but still loved this. The opening 2 tracks are fantastic

I like the flaming lips but haven't taken a dive into their discography. This is a good album and I would listen again as it is what I think of when I think of the flaming lips.

Not my fav record of theirs but still very awesome.

Nice Flaming Lips album. Definitely need to give this one more listens.

Not my favorite Flaming Lips record, but it's up there. Listening to Race for the Prize is pure indie pop bliss.

Minner litt om et elektronisk kaizers. Liker det etter to sanger hverfall. Teatralsk og spennende

Good album overall. The Flaming Lips definitely show their range and versatility on this one. Sounds fresh after 20+ years. Not quite at their peak, but close.

4,5

this one is cool

Fun album, solid listen

Awesome record, great atmosphere. I love Wayne’s voice. Favourites are “A Spoonful Weighs a Ton” and “The Spiderbite Song.”

Twee in places but still got a lot of instrumentation and sounds in it

Decent pop album that is varied enough that it never gets boring. The two main singles are quite good, but the rest is nothing more than okay

Well, this was certainly fifty-eight minutes of music. Fifty-eight long, whiny minutes, to be exact. The Flaming Lips’ The Soft Bulletin is apparently one of those albums people choose to listen to on purpose. Me? I’m only here because the 1001 Albums generator told me to be.

The opening album for our 1,001 challenge came from The Flaming Lips. I did not reread my thoughts on that record, but I imagine they would be similar to the ones for The Soft Bulletin. Wayne Coyne’s songs sound like they come from the perspective of a kid in a Tim Burton movie. Mystified, sad, magical tales filled with some interesting images. Depending on the song, and my mood, they connect to the characters Coyne describes. The best ones like “Race for the Prize” and “Waiting for Superman” burst open with rays of keyboards and a surging sound. “A Spoonful Weighs a Ton” creates a last man on earth or first person on Mars feeling. Not sure why, but lost wonderment makes for an effective piece of music. Too many songs fail to reach out in this manner. The altering of Coyne’s voice at best becomes part of the atmosphere. On other occasions the altered sounds start to grate whereas a strong tack like “Superman” features a more straightforward approach. I sense that the songwriting is not strong enough to carry an entire record. It might be the rare record where I would suggest outside musicians who could have brought a different take to the songs. My rating will not be generous if a third Lips album appears on the list.

I wasn't familiar with the band or their music. It could have stayed that way, and I wouldn't have missed a thing. Now that I've gotten to know the band, I know I won't miss a thing if I never hear them again. Even if it's only a minor annoyance, I just don't care. 3/5

Could improve with further listens.

Like some of the melodies, but the singers voice isn't for me

Not great, not bad - very much in the middle. It’s basically the OKest type of music possible. I enjoyed it a lot more than most of the albums on this list so far, but it was a little too soft and slow for me to be super excited about it. And it was repetitive, with a couple of the songs presented twice with different remixes. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Very similar to yoshimi. I think i like yoshimi more but they are nearly identical in terms of quality. Its just good indie rock. Thats not really my favorite genre. Its just too chill for my tastes. But I will say that it mixes it up alot. There are tons of different things going on all over this thing. I do like that. Im just not crazy about any of the things this does. I see that its good. Im just not that enthused. Worth a listen still though.

3.5

Vocals remind me of Neil Young, which isn't necessarily a good thing. This isn't terrible but I'm rather surprised it's gotten so much acclaim.

Good music but I can't get over his voice.

J'ai un avis très contrasté sur cet album. D'un côté, y'avait beaucoup d'éléments très bizarres, dans le meilleur sens du terme, que ce soit au niveau des paroles ou des sonorités. J'adore les groupes qui tentent des trucs et qui font un peu n'importe quoi, ça donne souvent des albums très intéressants et au minimum distrayants avec leurs bizarreries. Mais là, étonnamment, j'ai pas trouvé ça foufou. Est-ce que c'est parce que j'ai pas bien écouté ? Peut-être, oui. D'autres écoutes plus attentives m'aideraient à mieux assimiler l'album et, peut-être, à davantage l'apprécier. Mais c'est la meta du site. Un album par jour ne permet pas l'approfondissement, il y a un rythme à tenir. Et puis, il faut bien dire ce qui est, la voix du chanteur ne me plaît pas. Alors en vrai, je comprends pourquoi beaucoup de gens peuvent l'adorer. Il est créatif, original, il a de la personnalité, mais il faut bien se rendre à l'évidence. Sur la fin, je l'ai trouvé vraiment long et c'est jamais bon signe. J'ai vaguement été tenté de le noter 2, mais ça aurait été injuste avec les qualités que j'ai déjà citées, donc ça sera un 3.

Not ao sure why this album must be in this list. I added nothing to my playlist, but the music was OK