Reviews (page 4 of 14)
Easy 5 all day!
Probably the best album by The Flaming Lips as a whole album, and certainly the one most open to influences outside of their normal well.
Classic - instrumental in my weird dad music development
I have this on vinyl and it is one of the great headphone records. So much going on in each of these beautiful songs. A remarkable record that rewards you with each listen.
Amazing album.
Absolutely love this album and have done since it was released. Just as fresh now as it was back then. Favourite tracks: Fight Test, Are You a Hypnotist??, Do You Realize??
easily one of the best albums i’ve listened to from this website. makes you feel like the main character in 2000s coming of age movie. bits of Sufjan Stevens, Gorillaz, Arcade Fire, and The Aquabats all coming together wonderfully
Wayne Coyne and his band The Flaming Lips have always been innovators. On Yoshimi they perfected their musical style and created a cross-over hit. One of the finest concept albums from the alternative side of music.
HAIKU REVIEW Do you realize this is the Flaming Liips’ best? You must listen NOW!!!!!!!!!!!
Loving this.
An eclectic, atmospheric mix of indie/folk, electronic beats and weirdness - in terms of offbeat background vocals and sounds that constantly pop up. The song-writing is strong and Wayne Coyne is a rarity in that, he may not have the greatest voice but he’s easy to listen to song after song. The title track(s) and "Do you Realize" are great and there are no duds among the supporting tracks.
When I first heard this album over 20 years ago it knocked my socks off and it continues to be one of my favourites to this day. Their previous album Soft Bulletin was also excellent, but this is just a notch above. Wayne Coyne, the brilliant crazy genius behind this band claims that this isn't a concept album but it sure sounds and looks like one. Individually the tracks are very good indie/pysch/rock songs, but taken together as a whole, they transcend the genre and this album becomes something truly special. I don't think I will ever get tired listening to this album.
This is a classic, and Do You Realize is one of the best songs ever written.
Great melody writing, interesting blend of acoustic folk themes with electronic and big production ideas. Didn’t pay too much attention to the overarching concept but the musical ideas carried enough of a related strand to feel cohesive.
I think one of the better albums of the 2000s, especially out of the indie genre. Such a unique sounding album.
Catchy tunes, and thought provoking lyrics. It’s quirky but deep at the same time. Would listen to this entire album again.
Spacey funky ass shit. Some soft flowing songs. Nothing to abstract in lyrics. Some interesting instrumental only songs. Lots of boing-y synth sounds. Raspy odd voice. Certainly interesting. “Do You Realize??” is a slapper, brings it up to a ?
I really enjoyed this. I think the crazy concept mixed with earnest singing, and the acoustic plus electronic gave something 1969-1971 experimental about it, in a good way.
I was again surprised at how much I liked this album. I would not have thought that I would be a fan of The Flaming Lips even after the positive experience of the other album. Why do I have this notion, I don't know...ignorance... I really enjoyed the entirety of the album!
I have realized through this project that I really love The Flaming Lips. After listening to The Soft Bulletin months ago for this project, I saw a reference to this album in some of the background material and listened to this and loved it. I was pleased to see it here. Terrific!
VERY FUNKY I LOKE
Bought this album on cd when it was released at the time, on the strength of its predecessor. Yoshimi was certainly not disappointing, but always rated Soft Bulletin a bit higher. Now after 20 years I am not so sure anymore. Yoshimi has a very relaxed atmosphere, is even more accessible than Soft Bulletin, but in particular has a very relaxed sound and lots of really good pop songs. I would say both albums are 5 star and the best FL albums, so agree with the list on this occasion.
Really fantastic. Great listen 4.5
The instrumentation on this album scratches an itch in my brain I didn't even know I had; it feels as though every instrument breathes life.
I thought I had listened to this before but I guess not. Fight Test is such a good song and strong opener, it was great to hear the rest of the album.
great storytelling and some of the coolest sounds
Whacky indie weirdness
First record I ever bought. Nothing they've done since has touched this.
As an Oklahoman, this is one of our only worthwhile exports
I have seen this album several times but had never listened to it before. It was very dreamy and enjoyable. I think it requires a certain mood and setting to enjoy it properly, though that does not detract from its quality.
Pretty dank album.
"I don't know where the sunbeams end and the starlights begin; it's all a mystery." I really got into this album around 2010 when I was doing my undergrad in Seattle and it brings me back every time. Since then I've probably listened to this over 100 times and still love it just as much now as I did back then. Perfect complement to my sunny walk this afternoon.
Standout: All We Have Is Now. 5/5.
I really liked this
Really enjoyed this album. Best tracks: Fight Test, In The Morning of the Magicians No bad tracks. 4.5 rounded up.
Can’t believe I pretty much forgot about this album. 17yo me would be disappointed.
This album is a masterpiece. Headphones, or a good sound system and no distractions is recommended.
Old favorite. Forgot how much I loved it.
Clicked with me in every way.
Thank the lord they added an edit button! I don't know what I was thinking at the time of the original 3 rating and part of me wants to preserve that snapshot of time but I had rediscovered them some time later and absolutely LOVE this now.
Great album. Weird without ever being ugly. Emotional without being dumb
Fdjne
Do you realize That you have the most beautiful face? Do you realize We're floating in space? Do you realize That happiness makes you cry? Do you realize That everyone you know someday will die? And instead of saying all of your goodbyes Let them know you realize that life goes fast It's hard to make the good things last You realize the sun doesn't go down It's just an illusion caused by the world spinning round Up there with Dark Side. No shit. 5/5
Amazing.
Fantastic album start to finish. cohesive story and super multi versatile. 10/10 will be listening again. would love to see a rock opera set to this.
Loved it obviously
I've already heard this one too
beautiful
je vais arrêter de tergiverser
8.5/10 masterpiece notes in notebook
love it
Yoshimi is a great and classic mid-00's indie rock album. The main strong points of this album are the amazing songwriting and the great instrumentation choices. "Do You Realize ??", "Are You a Hypnotist??", "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell" and"Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1" are the hifhlights here in term of songs, but there are no weak tracks. superb album. 9,4/10
Brillante
First of all, love the cover sooo much. Had no idea what this was coming in. Don't think I've ever heard anything by The Flaming Lips for that matter. But it starts off great, really enjoying the dreaminess and the addition of electronic bits and subtle piano. Saved songs: Fight Test, One More Robot / Sympathy 3000-21, In the Morning of the Magicians, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Do You Realize??, Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia)
Yoshimi is the sweet spot between the reserved Soft Bulletin and the utter batshit crazy of the rest of The Flaming Lips catalog. It had an amazing structure and some of their strongest songs. Nature versus machine being told against a backdrop of audible maturity and pure creativity. It’s all pretty much perfect.
What an album, what a band. Loved their stage shows in this era. Some truly brilliant songs. Stand out - Yoshimi (of course), Do You Realize??
Such a weird, fun, unique album. Really a slice of my past. I still have that CD floating around here somewhere. I was totally one of those people who had never heard Flaming Lips before this album, even though it was their 10th and absolutely fell in love
Obvious 5 and anyone who disagrees is silly.
Yes, now this is great.
Brilliant
Obozavam
One of my favorite albums
pretty good album
Nice indie with surprising elements of psychodelia. Instrumentals are good with interesting parts, also very soothing at moments. Lyrics definitely add to the experience, they are mainly simple and smart thoughts and reflections on life.
I remember the first time I heard this album I was sitting on my friend Mike's stairs and over the chatter of the conversations in the other room this album was playing above that. I was completely blown away and had to go out and buy a copy the next day.
Lots of nostalgia for this one. It's trippy and weird and catchy and existential and hopeful. Love it. Do You Realize is maybe a bit overrated. Still love the message of it.
It's just freaking brilliant. All the fun bits of prog, but none of the fluff, wild ideas, big emotions, odd questions. And Do You Realize? Is one of the greatest songs ever written.
I haven’t heard this in a few years and I’m so relieved it holds up. Maybe the messages are pretty simple, but they still resonate. We all need to feel sometimes that the struggle is worth it, just to make it through, or if we’re really lucky to try to actually build something. The mix of electronic sounds and more traditional instruments in psychedelic pop felt new and exciting at the time. It might feel like it’s of a time now, but I don’t think it’s dated. This album helped define a sound that feels familiar in retrospect. Just because one of the most popular current reviews is someone trying to appear cool by dismissing the whole album by saying “plagiarism,” let me just say, “Shut the fuck up.”
Flaming Lips.. always classic.
YAAASSSS!
I adore this album. I acknowledge that it's not for everybody and don't judge anybody for not being into it, but it hits all my buttons despite being mad corny. Best track: I can't decide. Probably Yoshimi Part 1 because it gets super stuck in my head
Very good album.
One of the classic records from my past. I used to absolutely love this record, and haven't listened to it fully for a while. It's still almost perfect.
I fucking love this album
This is such a good album!
Psychedelic fluff but I like it. Not sure if I like Flight Test so much because I can't not hear Father and Son every time I listen to it
flaming lips greatest band of all time
I love this album, always have.
That's a big ol' 5 from me. Been very fond of this album since it came out, and seen them live a couple of times, and they put on an AMAZING live show. Fave track - I mean, it's gotta be "Do You Realize??" really - that song never fails to hit me in the feels. There are a bunch of other excellent tunes on here too, though....
every single song blew my fucking mind, holy shit perfect album - 10/10
5 stars, no notes.
I didn’t think I liked The Flaming Lips. I was wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Just so good. Loved the production's bizzare uncomfortable, but often gorgeous feel and the style of songwriting, the narrative, while loose, was brilliant and the songs could be absolutely nuts ("yoshimi battles the pink robots pt.2") or stunningly beautiful ("do you realize") without felling out of place in the context of the album. I could see myself revisiting this album for many days to come. An essential record.
this was really excellent. a mix of classic flaming lips song styles and some delightful weirdness. i thoroughly enjoyed it
So good. Weirder than I thought.
An enjoyable warm bath of an album
I absolutely love this album. Today was my first time listening to it, and it will be stuck in my head for the foreseeable future. Genuinely very fun, interesting music. Flaming Lips will be in my rotation henceforth. Favorite track: Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell
Yoshimi and Do You Realize are fantastic, this whole album is super chill
I always saw the flaming lips as a sideshow oddity almost - so when this came on I was a bit ‘sigh here we go’. But. BUT this album is a work of art I wish I had listened to before. It takes the very definition of the album form and uses it to the full - it’s an end to end piece that in context of the other tracks is better than the sum of its parts. Not to say the songs themselves aren’t great standalone - they are awesome too but they sound better as part of this album. Also it must be the first time I came across a Joseph Campbell hero’s journey in an album format. This is probably the best discovery for me so far from the list.
Unexpected gem. Crazy good!
Almost as good as The Soft Bulletin. Do You Realize is one of their greatest ever songs.
Loved it. Horns, good melody, funky sounds, good variety of songs!
10/5 I love this album
Wow. The sonics on this are ridiculous. Never heard it before except the single.
This is a fantastic album. Etherial sounds throughout. Themes of love and self reflection. It's a trip from start to finish. I want to listen to it again, and I want to listen to it again with my mind slightly altered.
Love it, probably my fave Flaming Lips album
This is one of my favorite albums of all time and was a real changing point for me in music in general. 'Do you Realize' is still one of the most beautiful songs ever written to me.
One of the greatest albums I’ve ever heard. Blown away the first time I heard this.
A beautiful, warm, lush album full of melancholy, wonderfully constructed songs and dreamy soundscapes. This is an album I know well and I've listened to many, many times going back years and it just resonates with me. The attitude and outlook are spot on and the music is consistently strong.
cool
Yoshimi battles the pink robots and picks up 5*s in the process.
Absolutely loved it, only 1/2 skips but overall amazing
Loved it
Delightful
A personal favorite. All tracks are interesting, distinct, full of emotive lyrics, and the overall sound is upbeat, electronic-tinged rock.
Creative poppy brilliance!
Fuck. Yeah
A beautiful and weird album. You obviously have the hits, and while that's often enough to carry any album, this album not only delivers on the above but makes sure every track is a fun and unique journey.
Muito bom! Não conhecia! Fiquei encantada!
2/03/22
4.7 + What a delight revisiting this album that was a mainstay of my early 20s. It centers around an epic battle between a Dragonball-esque superhero (Yoshimi) and a villainous robot army, set against an interstellar Japanimé backdrop. By the middle of the album good has prevailed over evil and the hero is seemingly pondering her place in the universe and the nature of existence. At least that's my take. This album has the most vastly cinematic and philosophical sweep of any other record of recent memory. So many terrific tracks here: "Fight Test", "Yoshimi Battles...Pt. 1", "In the Morning of the Magicians", "Do You Realize??" My only nitpick is with "One More Robot" - such a terrific song made worse with too much noise and blip-blurp-gurgles.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time. Unfortunately I never got into any of the other Flaming Lips releases as strongly as this one. But this one is just incredible.
Fantastic experience, can’t wait for more Flaming Lips
A baby’s smile. A litter of sleeping puppies. Your lover’s heart. Years ago, solely on the basis of Radiohead vocalist and lyricist Thom Yorke’s raving recommendation, I gave a listen to the Icelandic group, Sigur Ros. In addition to being every bit as wonderful as he had suggested, it also touched something much deeper in me than almost anything else I had ever heard before or since… until now. This is rarified air for me, reserved for the music of the Taize monastery in France, Russian Orthodox liturgical chants, John Lennon’s first two solo albums. These are works of musical art to whom I open my heart- no small thing. They always find me, and not the other way around, because they are looking for a heart too, to endure. ‘Joy is in the ear that hears, not the mouth that speaks,’ claim the race of giants in author Stephen Donaldson’s magnificent Chronicles of Thomas Covenant series. When the student is ready the teacher will come, say the Buddhists. The Flaming Lips’ 'Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots' have found me like a grace. “Do you realize that everyone you know someday will die? And instead of saying all of your goodbyes, let them know you realize that life goes fast. It’s hard to make the good things last. You realize the sun doesn’t go down, it’s just an illusion caused by the world spinning round.” Ok, I’m not going to quote anymore lyrics, because they really need to be heard with the music: tender, trippy, soulful, lovely. Just three of ‘em, these Lips: guitar (often acoustic), minimalist drum kit, bass and synth (incidentally, I have never heard a bass ‘flutter,’ until ‘Summertime.’ And then it gently, mysteriously just transformed into something synthesized. I’d call it remarkable if it wasn’t so… effortless? No, screw it, it’s remarkable. Just something that simple. Ok, I just said I wasn’t going to do this, but I changed my mind. Kindness, please. I’m still somewhat in a state of rapture. The lyrics conclude on the second to last song (the closer is an instrumental): “As logic stands, you couldn’t met a man who’s from the future. But logic broke; as he appeared, he spoke about the future: ‘We’re not going to make it,’ he explained how the end will come... I noticed that he had a watch and hat that looked familiar. He was me, from a dimension torn free of the future… ‘You and me were never meant to be part of the future.’ All we have is now. All we’ve ever had is now. All we have is now. All we’ll ever have is now.” ‘Ego Tripping From The Gates Of Hell’ (the title of the 6th track and, incidentally, sounding like a title ELP would’ve been comfortable with on any of their LPs)- the consequence of missing all the other gifted moments of life because of one’s desperate search for the one moment they want so badly to control. Or, surrendering victoriously into the eternal now, the eternal here, and being given every moment, out of control. This is the choice offered on 'Yoshimi.' This is music getting close to beyond music. This LP has no use for stars (rating). It lives among the stars already. But for our purposes, I’m giving it five. Five squared. Five to the fifth power. Add five more to that.
This album was a constant companion freshman year of college. It helped ease my angst especially with my shyness and awkwardness around cute girls. I could not get enough of "Fight Test" and "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell." Lots of other great songs here, "Yoshimi" (obviously), "Are You a Hypnotist", " Do You Realize"... This album is really a gem.
My favorite The Flaming Lips album. This feels like the perfect encapsulation of their style: an interesting narrative concept (whether intentional or not), melancholia but whimsical sounds/lyrics, and a lust for life. I remember first hearing this my junior year in college and just being filled with hope for both the world's and my own future. I may be ignorant, but there still isn't much out there like this. I could type out things about every track on this album; they are all good which is also a rare feat. I'd say the highlight is Do You Realize?? which most people likely already know. It's still extremely pure and beautiful and I've prob heard it over 100 times. It's very impressive that this is also the 10th album for them, most bands start produce shit at this point but the fact that they could make this after so long is a testament to their artistic acumen, not to mention the really great production work here. One of the most human albums of the 00s. A rare straight 5 for me.
Own. Thanks for reminding me I have this on CD and not listened to it in its entirety in ages.
Great album
Loved it, very melancholy
this was the album that made me like the flaming lips...starts out so beautiful with fight test
I am digging this two sings in. I have heard of this previously but didn't know much about it other than it existed. Continued to really like it. It is a very cohesive and the songs really tell a story. Would definitely listen to it more. Final verdict is it is a cool album ahead of its time, it sound like it could have come out this year and I definitely dig it.
Listened to it just a couple weeks ago, what a fun trip. Such an interesting story that coincides some great production.
Fight test, yoshimi battles the pink robots part 1, do you realize??, are you a hypnotist??
Glad I had time to listen to this!
Amazing. One more Robot/ Simpathe 3000-21 Is my favorite song now.
i've never heard about this band before, to be honest. anyways the album is nice, sometimes chilly, sometimes a bit weird. AND i love their album covers favs: yoshimi battles....pt.1, do you realize?
Bangs
Whoa my second 5 album of the week. The best Flaming Lips album.
One of my favourite albums, five stars all day long
Classic
great
Love this album. Was in Japan when it was released and it felt the perfect place to listen to it.
Euphoric loveliness
Гениально
Some beautiful music on here. I really enjoyed Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Are you a Hypnotist, and Do You Realize. But all of the tracks on here were great.
Long time favorite!
How is this only from 2002?! This album is so cool. psychedelic, indie, odyssey, experimental fusion. "Do You Realize" was the only song I really knew from them and it's so cool to hear how it fit into the rest of the album.
So good. Took a couple listens to understand the world they built :)
One of my favorite psychedelic albums of all time. The drumming is excellent as usual for Flaming Lips, and the lyrics and themes still feel futuristic to this day. Highlights: 1, 3, 6, 7, and 9.
This is the first album that was generated that I already have. I love this album.
such a magnificent album. the lush production, beautiful vocals, and overall sound just make this project very enjoyable for myself (not an avid flaming lips listener). i highly recommend this album. will be purchasing vinyl.
Awsome
This is one of the most important albums to the development of my current taste in music.
Solo conocía dos canciones de The Flaming Lips (ambas de este disco), pero qué gusto que la vida me haya dado la oportunidad (?) de escuchar el álbum completo porque lo disfruté mucho.
this album brings me intense happiness.
One of my favorite albums of all time. I listen to this at least once a week.
Fucking brilliant
Classic
One of my all time favourites. Amazing live band too. Easy 5
Lovely, unique sound.
Me gustó. Muchas vibras de las aventuras de Fionna y Cake de Adventure Time XD, desde la portada hasta los sonidos de las primeras canciones del disco. Sobretodo la producción de soniditos y texturas variadas fue lo que me agradó. Creo que no me quedo con ninguna canción para mis playlists pero 9/10 igual por la experiencia. Top 3: Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots P2 y Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon. Creo que a andrugkr le guatrian justo Fight Test y are you a Hypnotist porque tiene vibras radiohead. Mood: en la víspera de enfrentar al Lich (a.k.a. Sweet P.) en un atardecer postapocalíptico creado por Studio Gibli.
Smooth and mellow. I've heard several of the songs before on their own but they sound even better listening through the entire album.
A long time favourite.
Love this album. Psychedelic, Nostalgic, and a hell of a time.
Aw h*ck yeah
Nunca había escuchado este disco completo, pero qué bueno haberlo hecho ahora. Me dio mucha paz (?), con un toque de ternura, incluso aunque a veces las letras tiendan más hacia la depresión. Supongo que tuvo un efecto relajante, por así decirlo. Y me conmovió. No tengo skips en este disco, pero diría que "In the Morning of the Magicians" fue mi canción preferida, quizá le sigan "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1" y "Are You a Hypnotist?", pero todas tienen algo que me gusta, el cierre instrumental también está padre. ¿Es una actualización de lo psicodélico? Asumo que sí y sobre todo porque los Flaming Lips siempre son asociado a eso, lo que sí sé es que para mí todo está en su punto. 10/10
Loved this album - love a theme love the sound
Dope! Really liked the titular songs and "Do You Realize??"
Excellent album! I definitely need to pay more attention to The Flaming Lips, and will sure do.
That was a beautiful story phenomenal band and instruments overall
Love this album. Fun, creative, quirky.
i was gonna give this 4 stars but that's only relative to soft bulletin so i'll give this 5 too.
Glad I finally got around to listening to the Flaming Lips. Such a fun album, even the campy tracks.
Oh shit!!! Yassssssssssssss
I've probably listened to this album 1000 times but not recently. Holds up so well - definitely captures the vibe of that time for me.
Great stuff.
Dug it. Dug it real good.
Great album, listened about 4 times, will be returning to this. Some familiar songs.
Pleasent surprise and unique. I felt so good listening to this album.
Love this spacey/trippy album. Own it on red vinyl.
Love this album, find the music so otherworldly and hypnotic. Yoshimi pt 1 is a Jam
trippy but sounds incredible
Easy listening indie rock
Really liked the technical fusion sound.
In the morning of the magicians is my favorite song on the album
Hauntingly beautiful
Large Air 24/7
Very decent album from very decent band
Lyrically and sonically great, and a great concept. Definitely a highlight of 2000’s indie music. Some of the many highlights for me include “In the Morning of the Magicians”, “Are You a Hypnotist?”, “Fight Test”, and “All We Have Is Now”.
9.2 ★★★★½
A masterclass in psychedlic pop music. 4.5 stars
Like the song she dont use jelly
weird and enjoyable
This album isn't quite my taste, but it is done very well. Cute and quirky, and done with a lot of heart. 3.6/5.
Exceeded all my expectations - trippy and dreamy concept album that stayed captivating. Really different, really fun
I love the mini concept songs in the beginning. Sounds even more modern and polished than "The Soft Bulletin". Some songs I could see being hip hop beats/instrumentals.
loving this.
Bonus points for the album cover reminding me of Earthbound
Very instrumentally fun, interesting sounds!
Enjoyable. Inoffensive. Never listened to the full album.
One of my first album reviews, so take it with a grain of salt. It may be that I was having a great day at the gym, but the album was amazing to listen to. The vocals and instrumentals were strong and unique, and I just had a great time listening to them. There were a few weird moments for my taste, but I just thought it was a great album overall.
This album is peacefully amazing! I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this has been pleasant. I'm not sure it's revolutionary, but it's a really nice album.
Had to skip a day bc of Spectrum I'm 40 seconds into song one.... my brain thinks this sounds just like Space Oddity Bowie lol. I like it! Quirky. I'm not quite in concept album mood and this is clearly a concept album, but it'll be ok. Whoa ok what the fuck is track 2. What is this, indie Deltron? Track 4 sure is a lot. I believe this is where the concept part ends(?). Upon a few relistens I am not a fan of this song. The screaming/meowing noises, the silly scale the bass follows, the BELL. Noooot a fan; I think it's just part of the loose concept though - it sounds like she's battling the robots :P Track 5 is dope! I really enjoy the spacey melody, and the bass is awesome! Ego Tripping is also dope! A little too whimsical for me, but the bass sounds great. Are You a Hypnotist is also cool; a lot of this album has blended together for me so far, but I like the vocals. Love the plucky reverberated guitar (?) sounds. I had forgiven you for tricking me again... but I have been tricked again into forgiving you It's Summertime is great! This album is really slow. But I love this song! Big fan of all of the electronic and hip hop elements scattered throughout. All We Have Is Now - simply too somber and sad. I can only be reverberated low pass sad synthy for SO long man. Oh man this song is actually really fucking good. I still miss Jen. Going back, I really like One More Robot. I also enjoy track 4 way more this time around, it's silly but the basssssss!!! Yoshimi having a black belt in karate makes me think of Dayman being a master of karate LOL Do you realize That happiness makes you cry? Do you realize That everyone you know someday will die? And instead of saying all of your goodbyes Let them know you realize that life goes fast It's hard to make the good things last Great I'm crying thanks guys. Wait a minute dude I may need to go back again and sit with the lyrics... "Oh to fight is to defend, if it's not now then tell me when would be the time, that you would stand up and be a man For to lose I could accept, but to surrender I just wept and regretted this moment. Oh that I was the fool. I don't know where the sunbeams end and the starlights begin.. it's all a mystery." Fuck. I think I've teared up like 3 times now. This album is very sad in a very particular way; more often than not I really don't enjoy explicitly *sad* music, I don't like to wallow (except for this past winter, that was pretty fun...). But the topics the music touches on and the way that it's touched on... along with how YOU interpret what you're hearing and how it applies to your own life is what makes it so sad. Not just the topics. Not just the writing. But the takeaway. It's full of existentialism, the human experience, learning to let go, accepting the inevitable tough moments that we will all go through, love, loss.... and maybe how it's all just gonna be okay regardless. It just so happens that this exact strand of emotion is one that really, really gets to me all the fucking time. Good timing Generator. 4 stars. One for each time I teared up at work. :D Favorite: Do You Realize?? Least: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2 Shoutout: One More Robot, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Are You a Hypnotist??, In the Morning of the Magicians
this was so ahead of its time, kinda scott pilgrimy indie rock
After the first run-thorugh I thought "why is this album on this list"? After the second run-through I thought "I should listen to it once more". After the third run-through it really grew on me. Fab album!
Classic flaming lips, it's nice going back to an album you know backwards and forwards
Flaming Lips will always remind me of my early 20s hanging out with friends. Their music always invokes happy memories, and this album was no different.
It's better with the inflatable robots and the light show, but it's not bad.
(strong 8/10) super summery vibes with super nice instrumentals and wayne coyne sounds so nice on this record, I like it a lot
Good, but not near as good as people make it out to be.
9- / 10
I love the mix of electronic instruments with the other ones, very chill and relaxing music.
I usted to love all of this with a passion. I still love, I just dont listen to it as much.
Banger album
I wasnt expecting to but I loved a lot of songs on this
Good, Midwest emo vibes, grooved withit, reminds me of west VA kinda but not as country
This was ridiculous but honestly I had fun listening to it.
Always found his voice a little twee, that plus songs about robots give a childish impression of The Flaming Lips. But in reality this is a fine album, really well constructed with no hint of filler. Do You realize is one of my favourite tracks from this era
Nautin robottiviboista. Loistavaa hillasuomusaa.
Tykkäsin superpaljon! Ihan uusi tuttavuus. Migelin mew-vertaus oli ihan osuva. Musta tää on niinku jos mew ois tehny katamarin soundtrackin. Hyviä glorba-ääniä ja ihanaa outoa maalailua. Jotenki tälleen haluan nähä maailman. Ja kuulla. Tosi tiukka onko 4 vai 5 mutta ehkä oon nyt kuitenki tarkka ja sanon 4. Mutta tuun kuuntelemaan uusiksi. Kaikenkaikkiaan maukas ja raikas. Superhyvää maalausmusiikkia.
Confession: I confused Flaming Lips with The Mars Volta when I started to listening to this record. I thought "this is less heavy and less progy than people let on" and then realized my mix up. Once I had gotten past that I actually did enjoy this record a lot. Its not a style I would normally listen to and it didn't make me want to listen to more Flaming Lips, but it was a nice surprise to get on a Monday. 3.5 rounded up to a 4
playing catchup due to honeymoon. loved this album in HS.
Hell yeah 4.5
This one takes me back. I love this album art a lot Very evocative. Puts me in the mind of Shadow of the Colossus. I truly adore like north of half of these songs but then there’s other songs that are just kinda there.
That’s how we get down in the big OK.
The songs were nice.. Liked listening to this. Can listen again and I think it'll grow on me. Some bacteria ahh music in the middle but still a vibe Rating - 8/10
An immersive and sweet-sounding trip that anyone should hear, though a fairly consistent sound might leave the lesser tracks beginning to feel like one big blob Album's still awesome though
I chose my senior quote from this record, but they didn’t end up publishing our quotes in the yearbook. This record was such a revelation for me. It was whimsical and experimental and I was so enamored with how the energy seemed to ebb and flow and all kind of build to a crescendo with “Do You Realize??” “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2” is always a curiosity for me because it comes from left field but perfectly breaks up the mood and helps make “Pt. 1” and “In The Morning of the Magicians” feel unique, and not run together like they otherwise might.
Awesome
Got a little weird, but you know, I liked it!
Quite the transition in overall vibe/genre from The Soft Bulletin, to this. Love the electronic elements; very dreamy & hipster-y which maintains a rock feel but still finds ways to branch out & be its own thing. Poignant lyrics.
These Flaming Lips aren’t that bad. This is my first exposure to them ever. Can’t believe I’ve gone this long!
Super catchy and a little wild
This album is a giant spot-light, and I am a tiny bug. There is something about the sincerity and gentleness of Wayne’s voice that draws me in. While the beeps and bops aren’t technically as proficient as those on Kid A, there’s a warmth, intimacy, and hopefulness that I think I prefer now that I’m older.
"It's hard to say what's real when you know the way you feel." My dissociative droogs know that truer words have not been spoken. Yoshimi has long been a friend for bad days (I return to her every time my anxiety gets bad, and she instantly makes me feel more powerful and less alone), and her sonics remain foreign still...what the hell did they do to the drums, feed them through a bit crusher? Did they have a bass player at this time or...? For Robert owes debts (pitched-up harmonies; colorful synths; general air of wackiness). I could take or leave the instrumental tracks (except the screaming part), but the song songs are perfect.
top to bottom a great listen.
Music for vegans who vape /positive
I've always enjoyed this band. It really appealed to me in a twee middle school era. It's a good album. That song do you realize is grating tho.
Gran álbum. Tiene cositas psicodélicas, pop, muy entretenido. No recuerdo haberlos escuchado antes y era una cuenta pendiente. Esas bandas que te aparecen y nunca les diste bola. 8/10
Oh to be a candy-coated potato chip. An auspicious album for the week Rifflandia announced it was done. Lots of fond memories of the confetti blizzard of 2012. Objectively is a myth, context is all that matters in making you love the art you love. Sorry!
They always say that something’s will grow on you, and this album is definitely an example of that. I listened to it a while back and I didn’t really think much of it, I thought it was kind of dense instrumentally and that it kind of made for a weird listen, but now that I heard it again, I understand it so much better. The instrumentation is not dense, it is actually very floaty, with the combination of synths with acoustic guitars being the main focus, with electronic breaks and heavy bass alongside it. The lyrical content on this album is also very impressive, with songs like One More Robot, It’s Summertime, and Do You Realize?? being standout songs lyrically. And overall I just feel like this album has a very beautiful message, most of the songs have to do with love and the passage of time, with Do You Realize?? being the center of this, focusing on making sure to care for the people close to you, because you don’t know what will happen in the future. Songs like All We Have Is Now also reinforce this idea, while One More Robot and Fight Test also explore themes of love and what it means to be human. Overall, I thought that this was a very impressive album, and definitely a standout among albums of the 2000s, now I’m gonna approach the next album by balloon, if you don’t mind.
I enjoyed the ethereal dreamscapes in this album. However, it feels like you need to listen to it a bunch to really appreciate it, and the first playthrough was just fine. 3.5/5
Tällä levyllä oli kyllä laidasta laitaan vähän kaikkea. Jouduin kuuntelemaan vähän pätkissä, joten tää varmaan pitää laittaa vielä tarkempaan syyniin. Nimikkobiisi(t) kolahti varmaan eniten, mut muutenkin oli freesejä biisejä hyvin tuotetussa paketissa.
Riemastuttava seikkailu! Nimiraitakaksikko puhutteli erityisesti 🤩 Do You Realize?? olikin just hiljattain tullut jossain (varmaan Polydiscordin Musaliigassa) vastaan ja sehän on kyllä hieno (vähän Beatlesmäinen? 🤔) hitti! All We Have Is Nowsta tuli vahvasti mieleen jotkut Mewin biisit ❤️
vittu että onkin iso tykitys ollut näillä albumeilla tähän mennessä :D tää on meikän yläaste/lukioajan lemppareita, rakastan tämän avaruustiluja ja glonky ääniä ja tottakai do you realize on iso klassikko. vähän puhkikulutettu itsellä tai jotenkin kyllästytti loppua kohden, mutta kova levy silti!!
good stuff
Experimental very nice :P
Everyone says it but it’s insane how weird this CONCEPT album is whilst being incredible accessible and catchy?? Light 9/10
This is why you do this project. I have heard about tios album but would probably never voluntarily listen to it just based on the album title. It’s more fun and less esoteric thank I would have imagined.
Un album qui fonctionne comme une histoire, un principe que j'adore. Sonorité psychedelique, des vibes à la air et lcd soundsystem. Le challenge commence sur une bonne note hihi.
Really whimsy but forgettable, just like a lazy summer day in which you do nothing remarkable. Still, really good for the vibes.
surprisingly good album, when i read the description, i didn’t think i’d like it that much. very solid, 8/10
The Flaming Lips I like this uncanny - delicious blend of hypnotic and lucid- the pulse of thinking you have drunk at 1am when you think you might have just figured life out but know you couldn’t for the life of you write it down or remember it the next day. Thinking of are You a Hypnotist? in particular when saying that. I like the presentist philosophy that pervades all of it too. Faves: Do You Realize, It’s Summertime, One More Robot/ Sympathy 3000-21
Me gustó muchísimo. Experimental pero fue una grata sorpresa
Absolute ear candy
very very good...it doesn't quite have the Sauce for a 5 but i really enjoyed this and will be coming back.
I've been a big fan of the title track of this album but never gave the rest of it a listen until now. It's great. I want to listen to it again. Didn't realize that Do You Realize was from this album. Overall the kind of thing that melts my cheese.
"Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" is one of those albums that I'd heard about for a long time but never listened to. I don't know what I was expecting an album with that title to sound like, but it wasn't this. It's plaintive and beautiful and strange, with elements alternately reminding me of Pink Floyd or ELP or Porcupine Tree or Sea Power, but it's something all of its own. The one-two punch of "Do You Realize??" and "All We Have Is Now" is a marvelous emotional payoff that seems light-years away from the slightly goofy lyrics of the earlier songs. I'm actually mad that I haven't listened to this album before, and I'm going to go listen to it again.
I feel so torn about this album. On one hand, it feels like an interesting concept to make the album about Yoshimi and her battle against the robots, even though that isn't a story that exactly follows throughout the whole album. Musically it is also very true to itself and follows a very clear red thread. Takes twists and turns, but never strays of its own path. On the other hand I think this borders being pretentious - a feeling perhaps reinforced by the singers soft voice. The naming of the songs they use in this album (Pt1, Pt2 etc.) also reinforces this feeling. Song names being whole sentences rarely is a good sign. I've heard 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot, P1. 1' before and really like that track. But after finishing the album, I can't deny that it just keeps delivering. There are other really good songs in 'Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell' for example, and I can't really find any song that is bad on this album. This definitely feel like something that should have come out around 2010, but doing this in 2002 is quite a feat. Not much else sounded like this back then that I can think of. Very indie. This will have to be a 4 for me. The drawbacks are just not big enough to offset the good music.
it was really good, the soundtrack is absolutely amazing, will be adding some songs to m,y playlist
This album was such a massive improvement over "The Soft Bulletin" that I had to double-check if this was the same band. Last time I was impressed with the ideas that could have been developed better with the weakest link being the vocal performance. This time I can gladly say that the band had elevated everything and completely blew it out of the water. The songs here are not just ideas, they are a part of a complete artistic vision that is uncompromising in its exploration of new sounds while coherently layering them into memorable compositions. Even the vocalist had improved massively. The lyrics on various songs are existential in a good way. It sounds more mature, more understanding of where the great sides are and fully committing to what it does best. My favorite tracks are "One More Robot / Sympathy 3000-21", "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Part 2" and "All We Have Is Now".
Очень странный альбом, электронная инди-рок психоделика. Понимаю, что альбом совершенно не мой, но оставляет интересное впечатление, музыка сделана необычно и местами есть очень цепляющие мелодии.
01) Fight Test - 9,0 02) One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21 - 9,0 03) Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1 - 10,0 04) Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2 - 7,5 05) In the Morning of the Magicians - 9,0 06) Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell - 8,5 07) Are You a Hypnotist?? - 8,5 08) It's Summertime - 8,5 09) Do You Realize?? - 10,0 10) All We Have Is Now - 8,0 11) Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia) - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,73 (87/100) Current ranking: 115/924
The robot SF and mythical sounds got me.
I enjoyed this album! I can't put my finger on exactly why. Maybe it was the vocals? Or perhaps just the familiarity of it. It for sure sounds like an early 2000s album and I love that. Favorite- Ego Tripping At The Gates of Hell
This is a very good album and new for me. I was expecting more of a rock sound but it's funky, quirky space pop with some hip-hop beats. While there not be huge hits, the album as a whole is good.
7,5/10
I would make a joke that this is hipster music but I did actually hear it being played in a microbrewery in Chicago so yeah Pretty fun. Yoshimi pt 1 is a really fun song. I think its a great blend of weird and surreal but with this childish innocence that gives good emotion. Im glad she beat those evil robots!
Not bad. Not bad at all. Never listened to The Flaming Lips. I liked the album title above all. Good sounds, creative stuff. Very listenable. Probably a 3 1/2, but I'll give it a 4.
4/5
nao escutei tudo mas gostei do que ouvi, dou nota 7 e irei terminar de escutar depois
J'avais laissé les Flaming Lips sur une impression mitigée la dernière fois. Un 3 sur 5 pour The Soft Bulletin, un disque certes baigné d'un foutre cosmique enflammé et d'ambitions orchestrales démesurées, mais complètement saboté à mes oreilles par un problème de taille : la voix de Wayne Coyne. Ce filet de voix incertain, ce canard boiteux de la justesse qui venait piétiner mes espoirs de transcendance psychédélique au milieu de cuivres synthétiques grandiloquents. C’était frustrant, voir presque agaçant. Je remets donc le couvert avec ce Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots. Et autant le dire tout de suite : le miracle a eu lieu car l'album s'en sort cette fois avec un joli 4 sur 5, et la certitude que ces hurluberlus d'Oklahoma City ont enfin trouvé la formule magique pour transformer leurs faiblesses en or pur. Ma plus grande crainte en posant le saphir sur cet opus (ou plutôt en utilisant mon lecteur mp3, soyons modernes) résidait évidemment dans la performance de Coyne. Eh bien, il faut l'avouer, le sorcier du son Dave Fridmann a enfin compris comment utiliser cet instrument défaillant. Au lieu de pousser Wayne dans des retranchements héroïques qu'il est bien incapable d'assumer, la production choisit ici de cajoler ses failles. La voix est traitée, triturée, compressée, parfois doublée par des effets électroniques discrets qui lui confèrent une texture de cyborg en pleine crise existentielle. Au final, Coyne ne chante toujours pas comme un dieu, mais il chante enfin comme un homme conscient de sa fragilité. Et sa voix de vieux gamin apeuré se marie désormais à la perfection avec les arrangements froids et robotiques qui l'entourent. Là où The Soft Bulletin me laissait sur le bord de la route à cause de ses envolées stridentes, Yoshimi me harponne directement au cœur. Et c'est précisément ce minimalisme vocal, paradoxalement plus travaillé, qui fait basculer l'album du côté des réussites majeurs. Beaucoup ont dit que cet album était un concept-album rigide narrant le combat d'une jeune Japonaise adepte d'arts martiaux contre une armée d'automates roses destructeurs. Laissez-moi rire, ça c’est la vitrine technicolor pour les gamins ou les critiques un peu trop paresseux. Car derrière cette imagerie de bande dessinée nippone se cache une réalité bien plus sombre, une méditation poignante sur la mortalité, la maladie et l'inéluctabilité du temps qui passe. Les robots roses ne sont pas en métal ; ils sont l'allégorie du cancer, de la déchéance physique et de la mort qui vient frapper sans crier gare. Je trouve la narration absolument brillante dans sa manière de contourner le pathos. On avance dans ce disque comme dans un rêve éveillé où la pop la plus bubblegum s'accouple avec une mélancolie rampante, presque étouffante. C'est l'histoire d'un combat perdu d'avance, mais mené avec un sourire immense et des ballons gonflés à l'hélium. La dualité entre la candeur des mélodies et la noirceur des thèmes abordés crée une tension dramatique rare qui me fascine du début à la fin. Sur le plan purement sonore, cet album est un chef-d'œuvre de bricolage de luxe. J'aime particulièrement la façon dont le groupe a abandonné les grands élans symphoniques parfois boursouflés du disque précédent pour se concentrer sur un télescopage permanent entre l'organique et le synthétique. Et c’est précisément ce traitement sonore qui donne à Yoshimi sa patine si particulière. On oscille constamment entre la folk intimiste jouée au coin du feu et la techno de rave spatiale pour extraterrestres sous ecstasy. Le génie de Fridmann est de rendre ce melting-pot d'une fluidité totale. Tout s'imbrique avec une évidence déconcertante. Le cœur du disque quant à lui bat au rythme de morceaux d'une lucidité désarmante sur notre condition d'éphémères poussières d'étoiles. On y parle de l'amour qui sauve, du soleil qui ne se couche jamais vraiment mais que la terre fait tourner, et de la nécessité absolue de dire aux gens qu'on les aime avant qu'ils ne crèvent. C’est de la pop de fin du monde, mais une fin du monde lumineuse, baignée de lumières stroboscopiques et de confettis dorés. Alors, pourquoi s'arrêter à un 4 sur 5 si tout est si rose (ou si rose robot) ? Tout simplement parce que la seconde moitié de l'album accuse une légère baisse de régime, une tendance à se perdre dans des digressions instrumentales un poil trop contemplatives. Le voyage en ballon vers les montagnes de Mars est charmant, certes, mais il manque parfois de la tension nerveuse qui caractérise l'ouverture phénoménale du disque. Il n'en reste pas moins que Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots est un album indispensable des années 2000. Les Flaming Lips ont réussi l'exploit de signer un album de science-fiction profondément humain, un disque qui panse les plaies tout en assumant la terreur face au néant. Wayne Coyne a trouvé sa voix en acceptant de ne plus cacher ses limites derrière des arrangements trop grands pour lui. C’est beau, c'est absurde, c'est parfois d'une tristesse à fendre les pierres.
always good
solid 4.0
Surprisingly cool. I enjoyed much of this album.
It’s okay! Very fun and a joy to listen to, something I’m never gonna forget or stop returning to but also something that’s hard to recommend. A joy nonetheless.
Way better than I anticipated!
I enjoyed this one much more than I anticipated. The sound was easy to get lost in.
not my favorite flaming lips album but one of the best.
Although I've never been a huge fan of Wayne's voice, this story is undeniable. What a great concept album. Lots of variety and fun. Squishy synths and bass, orchestral arrangements, and it was eventually made into a play that I saw while it was being tested at the La Jolla Playhouse. The play really highlighted the story which made this an enjoyable listen. Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell and Do You Realize/All We Have is Now are my faves.
Beautiful psych rock album. Some absolutely phenomenal songs, and great production all around.
Had a cool vibe
Didn't like this at first. Didn't expect to come round to it either. Couple of plays through and really enjoy it.
très sympa pour une bonne partie de l'album mais certaines musiques chelou
Acho que se eu não o tivesse escutado enquanto estava tão triste pouco teria efeito sobre mim... ou não (?), é um projeto muito lindinho..
This is really good? I haven’t quite heard an album that portrays the feeling. This one does really really good production on some tracks very interesting writing I genuinely like this. But I don’t know if I would listen to it again.
Interesting electronic indie album. I was not convinced with the first few tracks, but by the second half I came around to see the appeal.
Really enjoyed this album! Liked that it had a theme throughout. Liked the vibes and the singer's voice. Think I would listen to this one again.
8/10
Great album cover. I've listened to this before, and although I do really like it - I can't quite understand the amount of love it gets. It's wacky, with a great theme, and overall I'd probably give it a 3.5 stars so I'll be generous and bump it up to a 4. Favourites: Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt 1 In The Morning of The Magicians Do You Realize??
I don't remember why, but by the time tihs came out I had stopped listening to them. A beautiful sounding album, rich vibrant. Although not as good as the soft bulletin and wears out quicker than that one. 3.5 rounded up Heard before? Some Owned: No: 71/285 (25%) Will I get: Maybe
in my mind, the Flaming Lips really broke through with Yoshimi; maybe that's just because it's the one album of theirs we had in the house. (I think that CD now lives in my brother's car.) it's a pretty successful streamlining of their psyched-out antics into some sort of existential, grandiose pop rock space opera, full of musings on love, robots, mortality, pacifism, egoism, et cetera. seriously, this shit gets deep, despite its pleasant, dreamy surface. I love the synths and orchestral swells coming in on tracks like "In the Morning of the Magicians" or "Do You Realize??", and I'm equally into the moments where the Lips just let it rock and/or roll like "Fight Test" or the second half of the title track (featuring the titular Yoshimi P-We of Boredoms letting out some piercing battle cries). the levity provided by the goofy sci-fi theme makes Wayne Coyne's musings on life hit that much harder. decent 8/10.
One Two Three DFour
getting into this
trop choupi, trop agréable la sensation de flotter
very peak indeed i kinda tuned out listening to this. 8.5/10 will listen again
Oddly compelling - have to confess that I did not expect to enjoy it. Reminds me very much of Pink Floyd’s the wall.
4/5
I always thought this was a concept album, but I guess the first four tracks really only follow that theme. Regardless, this album does a good job of creating this unique sonic atmosphere with the instrumentation and abstract themes that are present (robot fighting and all). It's all very spacey and whimsical, happy-sounding despite not actually really being that cheerful beneath the surface. Things might trail off a bit at points, but this is still an interesting enough listen that sounds of many different times.
overall a nice album but sometimes a bit too saccharine for my tastes. 3.5 rounding up.
I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't what I heard. A dreamy soundscape of songs that sort of merged into each other. I enjoyed it. But now it's finished I couldn't tell you anything about it, except that I will listen again.
Un album et un groupe que j'avais jamais vue/ entendu de ma vie. J'viens de terminer tout ça et pour bien décrire ce que j'viens d'entendre, le mot qui me vient c'est : Contemplatif ! Un album doux qui s'écoute bien un après midi, livre en main. Un album à découvrir.
This was kind of sci-fi sounding to me. The singer's voice was odd to me, but it did help keep my attention to the music. I would personally give this album a 3.5, but I'm okay with a 4.
Absolutely one of my favorites. As with all skits, the battle scene still kinda takes me out of it, but it is pretty well done and sounds like a fight. The rest of it is definitely some of the best the lips have to offer.
i normally listen to these albums sober, but i was given this right on the eve of my friday night smoke sesh, and i don't wanna pass up an opportunity like that. it's fun and weird in spots and is bursting with heart. pretty good album albeit not quite "great" to me. shoutout to my girlfriend for putting the title track(s) on when i was up visiting her 3 weeks back. deserves to be one of the 1001? at risk of sounding like a hater: yes but only this one they dont need other albums on here
Weird and enticing! A string of songs that are inseparable. The music is fun and unmistakably joyful
Strange but nice in parts.
i enjoyed a lot more than i was expecting. it was clear, thoughtful, and easy to listen to
Me gustó ✨