The Soft Bulletin

they are a weird band. a few good songs, had 'race for the prize' downloaded before, such a vibe but yeah they're weird, not bad not great, kinda unique, wish there was less meh tracks, giving it a 3.

It’s an easy listen and it’s easy not to listen to it again. Good though.

I always love The Flaining Lips!

love it, that early Flaming Lips is classic.

3 - There's some good tracks on here. I like the first few songs as well as some of the instrumental tracks. I was hoping to like it a bit more, but oh well, it's still good.

I like the Flaming Lips. They're fun. Not too serious but not screwball either. It's like Gen-X Talking Heads.

Tons of great stuff on here. This is the first time I've listened to a flaming lips album all the way through. It won't be the last. My biggest complaint is that the back half fades a bit to better background than foreground music for me.

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

first listen. very chill and pleasant to the ears, i liked it a lot

Quirky, pretty, but eclectic stuff with a bunch of different instruments. Hard to pigeonhole this genre wise. Certainly lots of indie (dream) pop sounds but it really does cover quite a lot of ground. Some really beautiful moments like the sad melody on Race for the Prize or the intro to A Spoonful Weighs a Ton. Whiny vocals at times is the only negative for me, keeping it from being outstanding. Unsurprisingly, then, the largely instrumental The Observer was another highlight. Very good.

One of my favorite albums ever.

While The Flaming Lips are an accomplished and celebrated band, I find them boring and uninspired.

Seems to be a surprisingly divisive album. I have enjoyed worse singers and more abrasive songs so that really didn't bother me. I've always wanted to get into Flaming Lips after hearing the yeah yeah yeah song and the golden path but never did. This seems like as good an album as any to start on. The goofy lyrics didnt really bother me.

ngl i didnt like the vocals. they kind of detracted from some pretty good mysic in the back sometimes. kind of whatever about it

Good. 3.5 stars I say

This was an album wasn't a huge fan of the vocals

Man, I do love the flaming lips! Not their best album imo, but still pretty great

Ok, dit is dus wel echt bagger. Ontzettend saai album waar echt vrijwel niets gebeurd. Elk nummer gaat in de ander over, maar dan wel op de meest oninteressante manier ooit. De zanger heeft echt een ontzettend zeikerige stem waardoor ik me actief irriteer. Hij klinkt een beetje als iemand die al te veel op heeft en eigenlijk niet meer zou moeten zingen maar toch niet bij de karaoke microfoon weg te slaan is... Ik snap echt totaal niet waarom dit in de lijst staat, is het om aan te tonen dat soms een zanger gewoon écht niet kan zingen en dat het heel erg dapper is dat ze dan alsnog het album uitbrengen? Dit komt voor mij echt niet boven 'middelbare school musical' zanger uit, hij klinkt vermoeid, verveeld en ongelooflijk zeikerig. Ik begin me nu, BIJ NUMMER 4 AL GOVERDOMME, ontzettend te irriteren aan de zanger en het album. "It won't destroy you, but it will destroy meeeee" is van toepassing op dit album, want ik overweeg nu zeer sterk om maar gewoon te springen. blegh. Ik vind het ergens een beetje sneu om dit een 1 te geven want opzich is het instrumentaal best ok. Het is alleen jammer dat ze de meest zeikerige zanger aller tijden hebben en dat hij HEEL ERG de frontman is... Maarja, misschien leren ze er dan wat van! Oh trouwens, Race for the Prize is een prima nummer, het is grotendeels instrumentaal dus dan hoor je de zanger wat minder.

On the service I enjoy the quirkiness and unique instrument blending. The songs have a fun quality to them, but I get lost in the monotony and casual exploration.

This was way better than the "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" I got first on the list. I don't have much to say despite it.

Not bad. Never really got into this band

Its a weird album in that its occassionally great and sometimes awful. Experimental, I suppose. Wayne's vocals dont help

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.

Not my thing Find it boring and sinply not a good voice. Lyrics are alright but nohing life changing.

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.

I like their music, but the main singers voice can be grating.

Wanted to like it more than I actually did.

The lyrics are so painfully simplistic the album sounds like a children's music album. The singing and musical arrangements are similarly underwhelming. The songs are just...there. I wouldn't call this a bad album, but it seemed overall uninspired and boring. I fail to see what makes this album something one should listen to before they die - it's mid at best.

I didn't love this album at first but it substantially grew on me as I listened to tracks such as Feeling Yourself Disintegrate, Waiting for a Superman and A Spoonful Weighs a Ton. The first on the list especially moves me and I think that this album has great replay value.

2.36

Sloppy instrumentals and vocals, low-quality production, and uncreative lyrics…quite possibly the worst album I’ve ever listened to

Didn’t like this

One standout track and then lots of examples of why they needed to be sensational live - that voice just doesn't cut it if the band aren't smashing it

Over played The Flaming Lips about 10 years ago to the point they annoyed me. Although really it was just Yoshimi I used to listen to. A good amount of time has passed and Im less familiar with this so it felt new. Great record though, has that unique FL style of soft pysch indie. Each songs sounds like you’re either riding a lovey dragon or are watching a sunset over some lovely beach. Another ridiculously influential band definitely worthy of a few slots on this list. Probably listened to A Spoonful Weighs a tonne 50 times since I heard it so I’d say that was my favourite, along with the classic opener. Overall though there’s no real duff moments. A solid 4.5

Somebody once asked me if I liked the flaming lips and instead of saying 'no, are they good, any albums you would recommend?' I just said no, because I was a music snob despite listening to 90% pop punk. I then listened to a few tracks and it turns out I would like them and they were bang on to ask me. They've got a grand sort of classic movie quality to them and combined with their indie sound it's really unique. The only album I really know is Yoshimi battles the pink robots and I prefer it to this album which sounds like a much earlier one, apart from the first track there wasn't any standouts but I still enjoyed it. Should listen to more flaming lips, this album was good but not an essential listen id say.

Reading our reviews, everyone has different favourites. That's pretty cool - they have a fair amount of diversity on the album and a number of good tracks. For me, What is the Light, The Spiderbite Song, and The Spark that Bled really stand out. A very easy 4. Great stuff.

I've been meaning to listen to the flaming lips for years, so I'm glad this has come up. I know a few tracks, but none from this album... Initially I wasn't sure but it really grew on me. It's got a hint of the postal service about it. Highlights: Race for the prize Waiting for a superman I hope there's more on the list. Think I'll be back 3.5 for now

There is so much to love here. The songs - the melodies and harmonic structures - are gorgeous and most of the production - instrumentation and arrangements- are unique, interesting, and sonically beautiful. But I'm left thinking that whoever's in charge doesn't believe that the music is enough. So they introduce all of these wink-wink clever elements that veer into novelty-act territory: the aren't-I-a-nerdy-wit lyrics, the Neil Youngish vocal fry, the intermittently over-compressed drums. So I appreciate what they're doing. I come really close to being moved at times; but each time I come close, they do something affected and unnecessary to ruin the mood.

Un excelente LP de "neo-psicodelia" por parte de los legendarios Flaming Lips. En mi opinión, este es su mejor trabajo, logrando crear una narrativa entretenida y atrapante, contada a través de interesantes paisajes sonoros que son reminiscentes a laboratorios y experimentos químicos, logrando potenciar a un más el concepto del álbum. Creo que cualquier fanático de la música debería escuchar este trabajo al menos una vez.

very good album, probably a 4.5 rating. I want to listen some more.

Man, what a great album. Had a blast listening and have been going back recently.

The opening track "Race for the Prize" grates my nerves - the twanging guitar, synth, or whatever it is sound like it's out of tune, as do the vocals on the second track "A Spoonful Weighs a Ton". A difficult listen - perhaps a bit too "out there" for my liking.

too weird

The Flaming Lips have a knack for making beautiful pop music and then making it more interesting. The odd instrumentation and production changes stuck with me as I heard the opening track get blown out by peaking volumes and funny synth sounds. Fittingly, the album closes with reprises as you hear two wonderful songs in a new light, showing how the Flaming Lips innovates in pop music in fantastic ways.

Started so so strong. Then became a jumbled mess with boring lyrics

tough listen

That's not my taste in musik. But ok

The album takes some time to get used to. Then it gets better and better with its calm, unagitated songs.

Some good tracks, voice is shocking

**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.

Never listened to any of the flaming lips besides "Do You Realize". Just not my kind of music. I get it, super artsy and experimental.

Op zich wel relaxte muziek. De zang vind ik wat minder prettig.

Great album that really brings me back to a specific time and place in my life. Great music by a revolutionary band grappling with what they wanted that to mean and themselves. The different version releases and some filler muddies the waters for me though. Only thing that keeps it from a 5.

Interesting. Started off very intriguing, but just kept progressing to be weirder and less pleasant. A shame.

4.8/10 1. Race for the Prize 2. The Spark that Bled 3. The Gash

I’m not a fan, not bad playing or singing, some nice scores, but nothing to get your teeth into. It’s more of a poetry album, which is not what I’m looking for.

Seichter Dreams Pop.

Although i discovered this after their 2000's opus, I think I prefer it's universe

Not as bad as I thought it could be, not as good as it could have been.

Maybe it lulled a little in the middle but strong start and incredible last leg.

Super strong opening but the album lost me about halfway through. I don't think they reached anywhere close to their first song and I've given it this rating just for that.

This isn't my favorite Flaming Lips album, but I do really like it. I think I probably haven't spent enough time with it. I have friends that this is their favorite. I prefer Yoshimi and War with Mystics. I will keep this in the rotation to see if I can find some hits with a few listens.

I liked this a lot. I didn't think I would. Loud drums mixed to be quiet. Some genuine love in the lyrics. Still weird and not to everyone's taste -- but it hit me nicely. Unexpected bangers: Waiting for a Superman, A Spoonful Weighs a Ton

I knew of the Flaming Lips for a few random reasons, but this is my first full-album listen. It was really good, and I look forward to exploring more from the band, which has surprisingly been around since 1983. I can't give it a 5 only because too many songs bleed together without a true standout. But I will for sure seek out more Lips in the future.

I love the Flaming Lips. Wayne Coyne is a gift. They have so many albums with great tracks and they don't seem to be slowing down.

far out

Meh...

Made me cry. Fav songs suddenly everything has changed, what is the light, and buggin

always been a peripheral fan of Flaming Lips but the more I hear, the more I really like them!

Thoughts before listening: Another album on this list that I own. This isn't my favorite Flaming Lips album, but that's only because Yoshimi is a masterpiece. Still though this is a very good album that I've consistently listened to for years. Review: I love that the band that became known for a novelty song like "She Don't Use Jelly" ended up becoming even better known for releasing nearly perfect orchestral pop albums. These songs are extremely catchy pop gems and blew me away the first time I heard this album. "Race for the Prize", "The Spiderbite Song", "Waitin' for a Superman", "Suddenly Everything Has Changed", and "Feeling Yourself Disintegrate" are all absolute gems that have stuck with me long after I first heard them. I'll give this 4-stars for the fact that Yoshimi is Flaming Lips' best and because there are a couple of boring duds on the album.

Feeling yourself disintegrate Mental instrumentation

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.

Crap music, paired with uninspired lyrics and a vocalist whose voice is like nails on a chalk board.

It was ok

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.

The Flaming Lips are one of the strangest bands I've ever listened to. They sound fairly normal on one hand but then they do or say something out of left field and somehow it works. I think this album was the start of their more saccharine poppy sound. Had I not known they had darker more rock heavy previous albums, albums like this would probably be higher rated and more easily accepted. Once you've heard the dark side of The Flaming Lips, it kind of pushes the second half of their career back a bit. Wayne has a voice and I'm starting to realize through everything we've listened to already on 1001 that having a unique voice gets you everywhere.

Eclectic, fun, but nothing that stood out to me

+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)

Хвалил аранжировки и структуру песен у rush но здесь это что то по настоящему волшебное местами даже гипнотизирующее чувствуется вдохновение то king crimson, то pet sounds. Не успел послушать до конца но того что услышал хватило с головой (buggin' просто разрыв) что бы понять все те хвалебные отзывы в которых расплывался pitchfork. Звезду забрал только из за личного ощущения что альбом все таки под определенное настроение и не всегда будет уместен.

Some interesting sound design, but nothing particularly compelling.

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 think this album is just straight up charming, the vocalists unique and child like voice, the brash instrumentals which feel well produced although everything sounds like it’s been recorded in a garage. 3.8

I really liked this album, wavering over whether to give it a 4 or a 5 but I could do without the ‘Mokran mix’ additions

Coldplay/U2 if they tried to rip off Pavement. This is SO shit. SO middle of the road. SO generic and whiny. Jesus christ the zany symphonic sound is awful. I can't believe how beloved this band was at the time.

Pretty rad.

Just not my thing. It was painful to listen to the whole album. I feel like my high school band had better tone and talent than this attempt.

A spoonful does in fact weigh a ton

I really want to like The Flaming Lips but they never grab me

Classic lips well liked

Not my taste.

Couldn't stand it.

I have heard of these guys before. Interesting listen.

Pleasant

I really enjoyed this one.

I didn't find this very interesting.

Enjoyed lyrics and layers of music throughout…. Science, Superman… Surprised I missed this when realized, though had left London by then

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.

This fits right in with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and OK Computer as albums that are describing the strange feeling that we were living at the high point of human civilization in the late 1990s yet something was missing. I like the other two albums better, but I very much enjoyed this one as well.

Well, it had to happen, I got an album by a group that I've just never gotten into that much. The Flaming Lips are certainly talented enough and have pretty good songs, but to me they try way too hard to be quirky and Beatles-esque. With that said, I wouldn't change the station if this came on the radio, but I wouldn't seek it out or buy it either.

There’s no excuse for Wayne Coyne’s voice

I like the Flaming Lips. Nice little diversion-pretty middle of the road.

Enjoyable listen, didn't get bored. Appreciated the mixing. Not something I'd necessarily get back to but I enjoyed it. Felt dreamy.

Singer’s voice sounded like a 13 going through puberty and was very shaky at best. When they started singing about spider bites and flying insects, they lost me.

I am not a fan of modern art. I would compare them to Salvador Dali. They both tell interesting stories, and I think I was more a fan of the sounds than some of the lyrics.

This album is fortunate it caught me on a good day otherwise it would be getting a 1. Happily for all parties involved I was in a good mood so this gets a 2 but my goodness I did not enjoy sitting through this album. So far all the indie albums this site has forced me to endure have been absolute buns. I don't know if that's just because this site is choosing stupid indie bands or if this just means I do not like indie as a genre (which could very well be the case and I'm perfectly fine with that). Wayne Coyne's voice is awful. He cannot sing. Somebody had to have told him that early on because I don't understand how someone could enjoy listening to that man try to sing. It is unpleasant on the ears. The instruments were great.

don't understand why this is on the list. way too much use of distortion, discordant sounds. and not a fan of vocals, or lyrics

Ugh. No.

Weird album. Never understood the popularity of the Flaming Lips

Has to be one of the worst albums I have ever listened to. Just noise and no musical skill. Maybe this is one to listen to so one understands what bad music is.

I don’t believe this is required listening. Played it through though.

If Neil Young and David Bowie had a threesome with ELO the Flaming Lips would be the love child.

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.

I'll admit only passing familiarity with these guys but this album went down easy i.e. I had it on while doing other things and found myself occasionally checking in and being like "oh, that's interesting" -- unusual for a record in semi background mode to do that. It means I'll have to listen to it again, hence a four, anything interesting enough to require a relisten later is clearly better than some of the dreck on the 1001.

Neo psicodelia, dream pop. Un tanto rollo. Ni fu ni fa.

un 5.

3+

Very mellow. Great chilling out music

Listenable, but nothing particularly captured my attention

Weird music for normal people. Not a fan of the voice or the songs. All a bit mannered for me.

This album has a fairytale quality to it. The distorted drums crashing all over the melodies add to the confusion. Any album containing a song called The Gash has to be worth at least three stars. Music for a rainy day.

Never been a big flaming lips fan. I find Wayne Coyne’s voice to be too whiney. So this isn’t doing much for me.

Probably a 3 for the music, 1 for the lyrics and so we'll average it out to a 2.

Really great.

This is my first time through this one. I have heard of the band but couldn't have told you what songs they are known for. There are several good songs on this record but I find it a touch commercial sounding. I will give this a second listen to see if it grows on me, along with checking out some more of the catalog.

Never knew what to expect from this band. I’m digging this album though.

unknown

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.

let’s stop using the label “indie” as an excuse to sing really badly

I don't really like this album. I remember liking the lips but not this album I guess

Very solid album, a rock opera to be sure, an album that tells a tale you have to love. Very weird but I appreciate weird. Lotta lovely melodies interlaced with beautiful noise rock lite tapestries and folky sensibilities. Thinky surrealist lyrics

Enjoyable kind of dream -like atmosphere.

Ugh

I liked everything about this except the weird voice crack thing he does sometimes. Favorite song: Buggin'

Not as good as the cauliflower cream soup, but better than the veggie dumplings

Not for me

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.

Blends so smoothly into Yoshimi a fave.

It had its moments but it also had moments where I nervously checked how many more minutes were left so. A very low 3.

The music on this album is good, but the vocals and lyrics aren't that great. I've tried to listen to it a number of times in my life and it never sticks, unlike Yoshimi. It also feels like a very long album. 3/5.

voice is annoying the shit out of me

alternate reality neil young that decided to make experimental psych rock with his friends instead of folk music.

I guess I can start to call myself a fan. This quite enjoyable and my first time listening to the whole album. This could potentially become a 5 with a few more listens but for now fave track is A Spoonful Weighs a Ton, and Suddenly Everything Has Changed.

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....

No thanks

Pretty solid. Had some songs I liked, some I didn’t. Great instrumentals.

I love this album.

Really enjoyed this and will re-visit at some point.

Knew the name but hadn't really listened to them before. I'm sure I'll listen again

I was not minding this but then it went downhill after the spider bite song.

Great album. Soup to nuts interesting all the way through. The Gash was a standout for me. Kinda sounds like the Beatles kept making music together, and it's an evolution of their later stuff.

More like the smudged lipstick

Holy pretentious nonsense, Superman!

I used to really love this album but can't remember why - good feelings left over from discovering them via Yoshimi and seeing their amazing live show a couple times? It's pretty listless for long stretches. Dreamy slides into dreary. Too many songs never really get going and when they do collapse back into themselves before too long. It feels like inflating a balloon with a hole in it. The strings and elaborate orchestral arrangements kind of bog it down and don't let the riffs really come through. There are some good moments of course. The sense of melody is great and even though its thin, underpowered, and just off key his voice is really affecting in it's wavering faltering earnestness. Some pretty moments of quite reflectivity, some nice little guitar parts... Favorites: Prize, Spoonful, Superman

Very cool stuff. Proto-Pond, psychedelic type experimental rock, using drum machines and blown out sounds for what a sunburn feels like when you put aloe over it. I liked it a lot, but only a few songs really stuck out to me. Good stuff.

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.

Very good album. Great sound and style Has a little UK The edge to it for a middle American band . Great band that shows up on this album. Solid , consistent songs that plays like an album not a bunch of singles mashed together

Another band that’s been hanging on my periphery…besides “Do You Realize”, hadn’t heard any of their music. If the rest of their catalog is like this I could pay more attention. Evolved Psychedelic sound makes it work.

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

Delicious melodies and subtle sounds.

They're just humans

My second Flaming Lips album in a few days. I like when bands get experimental, but jeez this falls short for me. When it works it's really good, but a lot of the time it sounds like at least one of the instruments is fighting the others just for the sake of being different. The lyrics are atrocious. I certainly won't be listening to this again.

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.

It's not Yoshimi, but it's pretty damn cool

These guys are so cool.

Not a bad album, just not something for me. A lot of the songs are a little too melodramatic and I am not the biggest fan of the singers voice, which is weird because he reminds me of the Pavement singer (which I do like).

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.

Omg turn down the drums We're these lyrics written by children?

Never heard of this group, I like the cover though, and it was giving rock instantly. It's either too basic or uniqueness is spotted in them. First song, first song is a remix?! Weird but the beat is fine at the start. Oh nvm it's fully different now and his voice is quite good, there is also background vocals too coming in my right ear. This one is chamber genred and I love that. There is this piano chord that I like, comes rarely tho. Oh beat slowed down and after the last lyric increased. Despite being monotonous, it was good for the ears, plus the vocals, so I'd say 4/5. Second song, it's a sad song, violin is main instrument. His vocals are different. It's a big intro, hope good part is ahead. WOW the sudden guitar in my right ear, fully mood change to rock, and back to sadness. Loved that instrumental break. That happened again, and ended quite beautifully. This was better than the last one, but not too much, 4/5 it is. Third song, soft guitar start, oh violin existed for some time(Apparently it comed back still). There is this opera like instruments suddenly, almost dramatic. The beat change again, guitar is the main instrument with some other weird ones in both ears. Back to sad vibes, now I hear guitar and a piano. Ohh the tropical vibe is back. Pardon, now it feels like a different song, it's upbeat and countryed. There is three songs here like what. The outro is another song now I feel like. Still a 4/5, I except more noww. 4th song, Elton John vibes with that piano and vocals. Sudded drum chime in constantly. It's so soft and chilly, I love it. The opera vibes especially are well made. It feels like Beatles too. Since there was nothing different this is a 3/5, but it was interesting. 5th song, I like the upliftingness here. It's slow and progresses too, with the drums and piano too. This one has something that is too good to don't like. This was solid 3/5, I want more from them. 6th song, dark start, love that. Vocals are haunting now. It's very different, the beat no instruments, they just came in. It's less spooky tbh. It has a movie soundtrack vibe. It's short at the end. I liked this more than others so 4/5, this is objective rating, it would be lower if it was not. 7th song, again spookyness, it's and instrumental song too, which is bad, because it's not unique, and would never want to listen to this willingly, unless use it as a background. It was a 2/5. 8th song, not bad, it's just basic for now, and has an indie vibe(not bad). It seems monotonous. I'm not liking this much. It's melancholic and I love that, but I think there are many songs like this already for me to absolutely love this. I like the instrumental break, but it was too short. I wanted to rate this 3 but 2/5. 9th song, it was basic at start, but the violin come in was perfect, plus guitar chords now. I consider their voice type overused rn, I would prefer this to be like of monsters and men, which means to be more downtempo yet upbeat. 3/5 for the violin. 10th song, starting with a choir, feeling churchy. Now men murmuring. I loved how the beat came in, giving gothic. Big intro. Singing style is changed a little. Vocals changed to more clear one. It's still boring though. I like the choir singing that part together. Big outro, with the choir. Hmm 2/5. 11th song, I like the "Ratatat" whispering start already a star for that. That was the best part I'm afraid. I skipped a little it's very not what I want rn. There is instrumental break at 3 minutes, it's a nice one. I slept on this yesterday, no wonder why(it's just too quiet not that it's bad). For rainy weather I'd say. 3/5 I guess. 12th song, it's a short one, good. It feels instrumental only though. I like the piano, but it's not the main instrument exactly so overall it's not my vibe, I prefer classical or a nostalgic movie soundtrack to this. 2/5 to sum up. 13th song, what a start, fast and it sound familiar. Smn called this COVID anthem and I kinda agree because of the lyrics. I like this song the best I think. The deliver of the instrumental break, plus the rhyme I think I heard was great. and that piano riff just before the lyrics start has a FTM vibe. I like how it slows down for a moment and goes into chorus. No wonder this is one of the most listened on Spotify. So 4/5, really deserved, I should rate songs out of 10, 5 is too low at this point, I put too many songs in the same category. 14th song, this one's a remix of a 8th song, which was not as good. And this remix is no difference sadly, sounds almost same tbh. Idk if I should rate this but 1/5. Basically it was definitely not bad, I like the chamber vibes plus that indieness and rock. Had some moments, but too many flops. I think 3 stars is enough, because I like this genre and I get why I should like this, there's just better albums like this.

Drums are fabulous, voice not so much.

Finally, some good music again. This time, it's The Flaming Lips, a band that I have vaguely heard of before and that's about it. Seriously though, this album is pretty good. I have a few minor problems to go over first. First of all, it is a bit long. It doesn't drag too much, but it is somewhat noticeable. Secondly, the singing isn't bad, but it isn't everyone's thing, and I could see why someone else might not like it. That's it for complaints. Time for praise! I like the sound of this album. It's not the craziest thing out there, but it is just a nice solid pop-rock sound. I like it. The writing is also quite good. There are some great songs on here. Songs like "Race for the Prize" and "Waitin' for a Superman" are so good that they have two versions on this album! The alternate versions are at the end, so they don't really have any negative bearing on the whole album experience. They're just kind of nice to have. The other songs are good as well. There's some good emotion to this album, with prevalent themes like death and the struggles of life being executed well. Overall, this is a great album that serves as a nice listen for the end of a middle-of-the-road day. 4/5.

I hadn't listened to this in a long time! Unique and original sound, great story. 3/5

4/5

Great indie rock album Would definitely listen again 3.5

Ik kan echt niet langer luisteren naar deze kut stem

Gaah. Did listen but not reviewing.

I thought I liked them. I do. but not so much this album

The only Flaming Lips album I’ve ever been familiar with is Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, the album that followed this one. And like most of the band’s tracks that I’m familiar with, I found them on compilation cd’s given away with British music mags, probably Uncut. I very much enjoyed this - the vocals & harmonies are totally engaging, although I find the comparisons with The Beachboys’ Pet Sounds a bit ridiculous. Still, there’s nothing here I disliked. Highlights for me : A Spoonful Weighs A Ton, Buggin’, The Spiderbite & Race For The Prize.

ooh, tough one here. I have tried with this album on multiple occasions over the years. I am a big fan of their next record, Yoshimi vs. The Pink Robots, which is, in many ways, a very similar album to this. Similar lofi production aesthetic, but big orchestrations (using cheap detuned keyboards), and generally hippy vibe, lyrical material that veers between the humorous and the profound, an embrace of life while acknowledging the reality of sadness and despair.... But I really love Yoshimi, and I just don't really dig this. I think, when it comes down to it, the tunes just aren't a as good. I certainly haven't liked any of their other albums before or afterwards. Maybe when it came down to it, they only really had one great album int hem. This is an important part of their run-up to that achievement, but really not essential (for me, at least). 2.5 stars, rounding up for amiability.

Interesting album

I really want to rate this higher but it’s not doing it for me. Perhaps a kind extra .5 of a star as I head off to listen to Yoshimi..

I listened to this a couple weeks ago and wasn’t memorable enough to rate high or low, I can confirm it exists, but nothing else when I search my memory banks.

Kind of slow and meandering. Nothing really stood out to me. Nothing was terrible either.

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.

A good record, didn't love the guy's voice, the production is neat though esp though over-saturated drums! The first track was great! The rest of the record less memorable but still good.

Nah, I would rather have Yoshimi than this album.

The only redeemable track on this album is the one without vocals. I’m not even a person whose first focus is lyrics but the vocalists talk-singing and cheesy lyrics completely ruin anything good the band may be doing.

Nice album.

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

Well, I've known who these guys are for a long time but something odd has put me off from ever deep diving into there catalog. I really should like them, there compositions are intriguing and complex, but I think there is something just a little too lighthearted and frivolous about their sound. And I don't really like the lead singers voice. This is pleasantly listenable tho, so I'll give 3 stars.

Strange album. A mix of pop/soft rock music with electronic effects. The lyrics seemed borderline childish at times, like someone carefully guiding you through a psychedelic trip. Never really gets interesting somehow. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again.

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.

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

Man, I guess I just don't like The Flaming Lips?

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

Not really my thing

Comes strong out of the gate. Then peters out a bit

Decent listen

58 minutes and 14 tracks that blended together into a nondescript melange of forgettable sound. Here's a soft bulletin for you...if you really want to listen to something good from the 90's, find something else.

Ok, not my favorite by them but it has some good songs on it.

Fun!

Not a fan. Lead singers voice a little too high pitched for me

Mellow, dreamy rock

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

Honestly not a bad album, it's just a little ruined by the Lead Singer's terrible voice. It's got some cool alt sound though

Meh.

Regular!

Love The Flaming Lips.

Not for me. Every song felt similar. Boringly long.

great 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.

Love this album Enjoyed the drums

Solid album

Beautiful music!

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

Torn between a three and a four here, I enjoyed the sound but it got a little repetitive after a while.

Top

good stuff but i like yoshimi better

Kinda boring

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?

Very different.

"Thin" music. An aspiring version of Pink Floyd, but not even close.

With the exception of Mokran mix tracks, most are dominated by a jazzy feel. They lack a consistent melody, but are driven lyrically in a speech-like, highly rhythmic declamatory style delivered with pained vocals.

I didn’t care for these lyrics. I think I’m not much of a Flaming Lips fan. This listen didn’t really grab me and I found the music repetitive and bland.

Interesting music, cool instrumentation. Not really my thing though and not a big fan of the singer’s voice.

Very meh. Very boring. The lead singer doesn’t have a very good voice, and the writing seems basic. Wouldn’t listen to again.

No too bad as soothing background noise but a little too artsy for me

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

Not my style personally. The instrumental near the end of the album was my favorite piece (blanking on the name). Nothing else really stuck out. Not a bad album but probably wont listen again.

Meh

Not my fav Flaming Lips

A pretty good listen. Indie ahead of its time. Good bass, chill, with decent vocals. Has a lush, psychedelic quality to it.

Twas ok

This is such a creative and unique album. Although not a huge Flaming Lips fan I can appreciate the artistry.

very good.

Don’t like leads voice. Grating.

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

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

A bit meh, some songs are better than the others…

Different, nice drums

Enjoyed the music, but not the vocals so much

Great opening. Musically so good, but couldn’t get past the guys voice. Hard to listen to over the course of the full album.

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

passt scho

The music on this one is top-notch. The singer, and lyrics, though, are just weird. Some really good songs, mixed in with some stuff that left me scratching my head.

The 2nd album of theirs on this list. It's just okay for me. I found the orchestration to be distracting. I understand what they were going for but it didn't really work for me. Not really my cup of tea.

Not groundbreaking.. why is this on the list?

Not really a big fan unless I'm on copious amounts of drugs

Was looking forward to this classic. Love Race for the Prize, but overall it's actually pretty mid. Wayne's voice is pretty terrible and strains to hit most notes

Немам неки посебан утисак, и ово је ок 4/10

A good Flaming Lips album, I'd put it right under Yoshimi.

It is very nice and soft album.

Enjoyed this one. Didn’t blow me away. No song really jumps out as great, but a solid album. Will listen again.

Talked a lot about the sun and how heavy it and everything else is, quite a ride, lots of interesting musical shit, but also some pretty dumb angsty lyrics, basically the album made me sad.

So good.

I went through a Flaming Lips period in my 20's, so I am familiar with this album. It's good. I like it. It doesn't matter if it's soaring art piece with strings and layers, or if it's a more traditional arrangement, the drums are going to be good. They stand out on this album for sure.

Kannte ich nicht. Das erste Stück klingt älter, als es ist. Die Synth-Sound sind schlecht gealtert. Verzerrte Drums? Hm. Gesang ok. Insgesamt not my pair of shoes...

Sorry, aber absolut nicht meins. Nach zwei Stücken (Remixe übersprungen) geht mir der schlechte Gesang und die nach Zufallsprinzip ausgewählten Magix Music Maker Instrumente auf den Sack. Habe die anderen Stücke kurz durchgescrollt, bin bei nix hängengeblieben. Vielleicht isses ja genial und ich verstehs nur nicht. Schwieriger Einstieg. :)

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.

I owe my life to The Flaming Lips. See, a while back, I got in a horrible car crash, and I was in a 6-month coma as a result. While at the hospital, desperately holding on to the decaying potential that I’d ever wake up, the nurse put on "The Soft Bulletin". Realizing - even from a state of barely being conscious - what album this was, I awoke from my long coma, stood up, and walked to the radio to turn this garbage off.

I’m no music expert but this album sounded very amateur, and tinny, like they recorded it in someone’s garage. None of the songs stood out to me in a good way. Some of the lyrics definitely stood out in a this-is-really-bad-song-writing kind of way. I was pretty glad when it ended.

Don't care for it. Sleeping on the Roof is okay.

I think it's good but highly overrated...

I wish the singer had a different sound. Instruments are a bit all over but not in a bad way. Can't really get into it with his voice and how it works with the rest of it all. I didn't get a lot out of this one sadly. I liked the energy from the drums on Race for the Prize.

I've liked a Flaming Lips track here and there through the years, but I'm not sure about a whole album. The sound blends the songs sound a little repetitive. Might revisit tho

I really enjoyed this sound

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

Overall the album is a 3, but A Spoonful Weighs a Ton and The Spark that Bled are fantastic.

Not much more than "meh" can be said about this album.

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.

So trippy and unusual

Ça chante comme j'aime mais ça suffit pas

True to the album title, "The Soft Bulletin" is, in fact, annoyingly soft. Like cream of wheat. Or cottage cheese. It's just painfully wimpy. There are no teeth behind those flaming lips, apparently. The instrumentation is alright which is why this doesn't flat fail. But it was a close thing, let me tell you. A super-soft 2 for a super-soft album.

First time with this album. Not a great first impression.

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

nowhere near as good as Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. this really wasn’t that good at all.

2.5

Cool

Totally serviceable, off the beaten path alt rock that sounds not much like the decade it's from. The Flaming Lips have never tickled my brain in the same way that they seem to for many fans and critics but they're well worth a look for any music fan. It's built around melody and harmony, lovely chord cadences and clever lyrics. Very well made.

sounds very morning jacket-y. i get the hype though

2.5/5 - I was once lucky enough to leave a Flaming Lips concert early

I like the vibe, not a fan of the vocal style but the instrumentals are cool. The drums stood out to me.

Good album, especially the first track is a banger

I enjoy The Flaming Lips but not as much as those who REALLY enjoy The Flaming Lips, leaving me like I'm missing the point. Either way, this was pretty good.

I needed more time. In 1999 I can see this being a big album, but it’s pre strokes indie revolution and I feel that. I didn’t vibe with the vibe. Feeling yourself disintegrate and what is the light started to grow on me but other than that everything blended together.

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.

Ellers tak. Det var virkelig ikke noget for mig.