Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Un album muy experimental, con muchas capas de sonidos interesantes. Gran portada acompañada de estupendos títulos para las canciones. Las voces me parecen un poco aburridas.
The cover looks AI-generated, it's weird. Favourite Songs: Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1, In the Morning of the Magicians, Do You Realize??. Least Favourite Songs: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2, It's Summertime.
I thought that this band influenced Tame Impala, then I checked his Wikipedia page and it was true
A really good album. Plenty to immerse yourself in, some great songs and a warm sound.
When Flaming Lips are on, they are great.
I love this album! "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, pt 1/2", "Do You Realize", and "All We Have is Now" are my favorites. Do You Realize is a rare song where the lyrics broke through and made me sit back and listen. It makes me sit back and wonder and why I'm in a chair in an office as I listen. One of my greatest regrets is not seeing Flaming Lips w/ Tame Impala when they came through. Not every song is incredible, but it's a strong album with a sound I really like, and a run-time that didn't have me looking for the exit. 8/10
This is a band I discovered when I borrowed 'In a Priest Driven Ambulance' off a friend in 1990. Which was around the time I discovered Mercry Rev, and I always saw these two bands intertwined, especially ad they shared band members for a while. Strangely I thought MR got steadily worse and this lot got better. This album is definitely one of their best and a million miles away from their debut. I suppose they have to please their major label paymasters. The whole album just drifts along in a really nice mellow vibe and I was very surprised when one of the tracks was featured in a Marvel film recently! 4 stars
This came out in 2002 and was popular as the "CD of the month" when my wife and I were dating, so this has a lot of memories for me. We both really liked this album, and especially the title track. The Flaming Lips were actually touring recently in our town too but we sadly couldn't make the show. That was every bit as fun, weird, sad, and wacky as I remember it being. "Fight test", and the album's title track, and "do you realize" are my favorites and a strong overall 4 now that I listen to it again after so long.
The first of the 1001 dailies that I'd heard all the way through previously. When I'm in the right mood for it, I love this album. Luckily, I was in the mood for it when it came up here. 4 stars.
yayaya
Nice
After listening to it a second time, I reconsidered my decision and have to say that the album is actually a good experimental album.
The Flaming Lips certainly aren't the most normal band you've seen, but the oddities in their sound just make it more interesting. The little bits of electronics mixed with the acoustic sound immerses you in the story they're trying to tell and I really like that. Favorites are Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots pt 1 (which is then immediately followed by the atrocious Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Pt 2), Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Are You A Hypnotist, and Do You Realize??
This album maintains a dreamy psychedelic sci-fi aesthetic throughout. I have listened to and like The Flaming Lips, but have given this album a full listen until now. I really liked it. Favorite songs were Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1, Are You A Hypnotist?, and Do You Realize??.
Good for Saturday morning chill, doing a little work.
Firnurligt og fornøjeligt. Nogle sange står ud som små mesterværker. Særligt det querkie titelnummer og den eftertænksomme Do You Realize?? Resten af albummet er godt, hyggeligt selskab.
didn't think id enjoy it but I really did. I appreciate how the sounds set the scene and lived up to the albums name
I enjoyed this, chill listen. 3.75/5
It’s funny reading interviews surrounding this album’s release and how it was noted as not being a concept album. When it’s conceptual ideas front and center that have allowed this great band to sustain for so long. This is a really good record that holds together nicely due to conceptual cohesiveness.
First song I was thinking “man, this really sounds like a cat Stevens song…” Apparently the courts agreed and they had to split the royalties. Aside from a slight ripoff of Mr. Yusuf Islam, I love how original and creative FL are. A most chill listen with some excellent song titles.
This one surprised me in a good way. I didn't care for The Soft Bulletin but this one was quite good. Sly commentary on technology and AI which is very relevant today. A grower. Also a very sad and distant album. Good to play on lonely rainy nights.
Some songs were enjoyable, some were far too slow. Overall, not my taste but seemed well done.
Genuinely enjoyed this and #finally exploring this band a bit more.
it’s freaky
do you realize is just so good
I didn't expect to like this. Very quirky but catchy
I know this is their big album for a lot of people, but it doesn't hit as much for me as Soft Bulletin. The highs are perfection, but the album doesn't feel overall as strong as some of their other stuff.
One of the best by the always eccentric Flaming Lips
DOOO YOU REALIZE That this whole album is sick and what a fun concept and love his voice Lost some points cuz listened to soft bulletin and liked that better
Not bad
Arcade Fire but it's psychedelic folk? I'm absolutely here for it.
Nice stuff. The title tracks are a fun concept-album kind of thing. "Do You Realize?" is a classic too.
Interludet ja kappaleiden venytykset on imo vähän tylsiä, vaikka teema-albumiin kiistatta kuuluvatkin eivätkä kerrankaan kuulosta turhilta. Vaatii useamman kuuntelukerran, jotka olen onneksi vuosien varrella suorittanut, ja niin tästä tulee mukava kuunnella. Lempeä tarina vaikka vähän haikea (elämä on lyhyt). Olisi kiva, jos olisi vielä ainakin yksi kunnon biisi vielä.
A little more and will be 5 stars
Really liked the concept of first 4 songs. Do you realize is great. Enjoyed this album probably closer to 3.5 stars for me.
Sounds like the starting of a fight or battle or test. Very beautiful intro and great catchy song with cool lyrics. Feels like a fantasy adventure. Love the first song. When the second song starts it feels like another stage in the fight kind of. Still very interesting song but less catchy and i like it slightly less than the first. Love the bass line though. Beautiful ass outro. The third song is the most catchy and my fav. Feels very happy and a contrast from the second. The fourth song is a part 2 and brings a much more upbeat song which may be showing the fight between yoshimi and the pink robots. No lyrics though. Also a bit too long and gets slightly boring. Love the intro on the fifth song and the bass line is also great on this song. Don’t love the vocals but they’re still ok. Kinda weird song overall but is a nice equalizer to the last song. Also drags on a bit too long like the last song for a sec but the switch up to the next part of the song makes it feel less long. Could’ve been split into two parts or called a different song. Still great instrumentation. The sixth song is really cool and has some trippy effects and vocals. Great song length and builds the whole time so you don’t get bored which i really like. Perfectly fades into the seventh song. The seventh song has a really cool intro that introduces a really cool drum beat matched with a weird bass line. One of the weirdest songs i’ve heard in the way it uses instruments. Also has some of my fav vocals on the whole album. Also has a great song length and doesn’t get boring. The eighth song feels like if a beatles song was trippier and was a bit weirder. Love the vocals on this one though. The ninth song is the biggest hit on the album and is rightfully so with it being very catchy and beautiful. Also probably the most sound at once in the whole album. Great lyrical content. Definitely my favorite song too but the third song is a close second. Overall loved the album but the middle felt a bit dragged out.
futuristic i like it the music is sooooo good i feel like its good roadtrip music so calming i love it i cant describe the feeling of the album but its so calm and a little nostalgic idk my favorite song: ego tripping at the gates of hell
Never heard of them. First song sounds good.
yarrrr fight test- more like fight club. im sorry. 7 one more robot/ sympathy- i read that as one more time with sympathy which i think is funnier. 6 this one didnt stick out too much yoshimi battles the pink robots 1- lmao i was interrupted while i was listening to it and spilled water all over my room ✌️ so imma just give it a 7. also i have this sharp pain in my sternum.... its probably good. yoshimi battles the pink robots 2- this shit is kinda crazy. 7 or 8 in the morning of magicians- 8. this should play in a movie. ego tripping at the gates of hell- 7 are you a hypnotist- this kinda reminds me of um that one song by filter whats it called...... dose. flaming lips kinda sound like a nicer version of nin and filter but maybe im just delusional. 6 or 7 its summertime- i think its cute but it doesnt really stand out so 6 or 7 do you realize- <3 8 or 9 all we have is now- 5 or 6 not my favorite approaching pavonis mons by balloon- 6 or 7 favorite track- do you realize or the morning of magicians.
Not sure why but I liked it.
Love the Flaming Lips! Thoroughly enjoyed listening and look forward to more album like this, and from Flaming Lips
ive been trying to get into the flaming lips for a while now without all that much success. id rather be listening to animal collective's more experimental sound if i wanted to hear psych pop like this. do you realize is obviously incredible but outside of that the album feels inconsistent. 7/10
having never listened to them before i was not expecting them to sound like this but i enjoyed it. quite chill fave track: in the morning of the magicians
They achieve a cool sci-fi aesthetic in the first couple of tracks with the retro future sounding synths. Very dense sonically. Fight Test is a good intro but One More Robot is great, atmospheric with sad sounding melodies and a beautiful orchestral coda. The two parter title track is full of weird sounds but never really gets going. At its best in the more energetic tracks like Are You a Hypnotist?? Vocals hold the album back for me though, he gets whiny at times. Nevertheless some great soundscapes. Hard to describe, but one of those albums you just need to listen to.
Niceeee
Not the biggest Lips fan but this is a great album
Heard this one before. Cool album.
Great sound and the drumming is fantastic, I’ll have to look into the concept more (3.5/5)
gently psychedelic, dreamy and wistful
4.5
this fills a niche I’ve been looking for for a while. same density as Deathconsciousness but I don’t have to be super depressed :)
Im in love with this album
Grew on me
8/10 Yoshimi has a black belt in karate and she works for the city. your argument is irrelevant. 6-28-2024
We can't let those evil robots win .. Too right. Loved this at the time and it still connects but maybe not so much now.
I enjoyed this a lot more than I expected
Very familiar with this album, as it was on a frequent rotation for me back in my college days. "Do You Realize??" is one of my favorite indie rock tracks ever (was pleasantly surprised when it popped up in the latest GotG movie).
I have definitely seen this cover around and know that I was vaguely aware that this was supposed to be a good album. Some of it seems vaguely familiar which makes me wonder if I tried listening to it closer to when it came out. If so I am not surprised I more or less forgot about it. That makes it sound like I don't like it, which is very untrue. Just strikes me like something I wouldn't have appreciated as much in my teen years for a lot of reasons. Going in when I heard the first song I was kind of like "ugh... ok... this seems kinda overrated." It won me over very quickly though starting with the second track. Ended up enjoying the rest of it. Very dreamy and a great thing to vibe to when relaxing. I bet this would also be super to walk/sit on the beach with. Especially sunrise/sunset time. Some weak tracks in there which takes this down to a 4 instead of a 5 for me but really enjoy this album as a whole and as a concept.
Oooohhh, yoshimi. A beautiful and very weird concept album I've known for many years. Nice to see it on here.
good
The Flaming Lips more or less succeeded in providing a pseudo concept under the influence of hip hop and electronica soundscapes to express the fear and wonder of emerging technology and reiterating the frail, yet defiant, nature of humanity. It's goofy, but endearing in its charm. I enjoyed the eclectic and essentric nature of these songs which flow very well together and reward with repeated listens. Great headphones album, too.
Very very good, as the album with do you realise should be.
This album was much chiller than I expected. It's a good vibe all the way through with some interesting, experimental tracks.
I was not expecting to enjoy this at all. Opening track was great. Second track is really good. I like the vibe. This album I really fantastic. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was not this.
wow pleseantly surprised
One thing I'm discovering through this list is my liking of concept albums. I'm no big Flaming Lips fan but Yoshimi is an album that brings on a level of joy that is unexplainable. 4/5
Evokes Pink Floyd's combo of chill and exciting, and has a great flow to the whole album.
I was first introduced to the Flaming Lips via "Do You Realize" via commercials or VH1 or both. It was a pleasant song, but a I took it (like most things ) a bit literally , and felt it was kind of soft and lovey to me in my angsty playlists of the time. Then come Rock Band later I got into Yoshimi pt1 and rediscovered the album. In the context of the full album, Realize takes a more somber feel, and all the tracks fit together a a greater dum of the parts. Some days I can listen to it and feel sad, others just at peace with the beauty. A great piece of art. Favorite track "Yoshimi part 1"
Gostei! Vou ouvir mais!
Excellent album! Would not mind owning this on vinyl.
Enjoyable.
I remember the first few songs but thoroughly forgot about Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 2. Still a favorite album.
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Fight test Do You Realize?? 7.6/10 4/5
Pretty tight, nice melodies, not too annoying singing. Less abrasive than their early stuff. Some all time classics of course. One was Cat Steven's though. Prancin!
Bueno
Day142 - if you just listen to this album and didn’t know the name of the band or the album name it would probably rate higher. the title song is shockingly good
Pretty nice
Fight Test - 8.3/10 One More Robot / Sympathy 3000-21 - 8.4/10 Yoshimi Battles the Pink RobotsPt. 1 - 8.5/10 Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Part 2 - 7.2/10 In the Morning of the Magicians - 7.5/10 Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell - 9/10 Are You a Hypnotist?? - 9.3/10 It's Summertime - 9/10 Do You Realize?? - 8.6/10 All We Have Is Now - 8.5/10 Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia) - 8.5/10 Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots - The Flaming Lips - 8.7/10
Cool concept album of this century.
I can’t believe I called myself a Neo-psych fan and never listened to Yoshimi. This is wonderful!
Very good album, didn’t know the artist
Mesmerizingly quirky and engaging.
SO vibey, felt like i was living in a dream
Was interesting. Maybe not always something I'd regularly listen to, but was good. I'd heard part 1, but part 2 was cooler
This was completely new to me and am happy i got to listen to this i really liked it!
My former flatmate was a huge Flaming Lips fan, and this album brings back hazy memories of a magic-mushroom-powered summer of 2003. Of course, two reviews down I said how much I hated music of this era, but this gets a pass for its psychedelic highs and melancholic lows.
I recently saw the Flaming Lips live for the first time and they performed this album in full. Giant pink robots, tons of confetti, and an exuberant performance by the band. The album has a quirkiness to it for sure, but also a poignant timelessness. It has become even more relevant as we move into the world of AI. Will the robots take over? What place does human emotion have in this world? What does it all mean? Put that all over a psychedelic folk electronic pop album, it just sounds right. One of the top 10 albums of the oughties.
Fantastic and fun!
good album, very different, good tracks
Actually played this one for the kids the other day. I feel like this is the quintessential Flaming Lips album. I'm not a huge FL guy tbh, but I always appreciate their music when it is on. This album in particular has a great flow to it and the classics Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robot, Pt 1 and Do You Realize. All around solid stuff. Low 4 in my book.
The pink robots are attacking! Great album. Evelyn shut my door and told me to turn it down during Yoshimi Battles Pt 2. Love fight test and do you realize. Sick seeing these weirdos live as well. I haven't listed to the full album for a while but have jammed to some of these songs recently. 4.5 stars for me
Very cool trippy album which was great to listen to while cutting the grass. I was between a 3 and a 4 the whole time, but the closing song was really good so getting the bump
This album sounds like a sunny walk through the park after a successful first date. Or sitting out by the lake just staring out into the distance with a cold beer sitting next to you. Tremendous stuff!
What a vibe! 4/5
Love the morning of the magicians, do you realize, are you a hypnotist.
Josiah - 4 Elen - 4
The flaming lips. While the album was playing, I read their bio. What a strange band . They released a limited albums on Flash drives in a 7 pound gummy bear, skull and gummy human fetus, fucking weird. These guys are really weird. Anyway, I enjoyed the album I liked, flight test, yoshimi Part1and Do realize . This album is a keeper
almost 5*
I knew part one of the title track, liked it. Part 2 rocks. The loud percussion throughout is good.
Surprisingly good - I was expecting something pretentious and artsy but it's a lot more honest than I expected.
Good accustics. Great background record.
Starts strong and falls off a bit, but really enjoyable soft rock jaunt
Discazo mal. El primer tema no me gusta, pero no es así el álbum.
Pazzissimo, mi è piaciuto molto :)
Good
Solid album - a bit sad but good
I’m giving this 4 stars on the strength of Yoshimi part 1 and Do You Realize. The rest of the album is more like 3 - 3.5 stars.
I really like this - it's a descendent of prog really (which explains why Rolfe doesn't like it!), that blurring of the lines between guitar-driven music and more psychedelic stuff. Have heard the album a few times before (and Do You Realise loads more), but not for a really long time. Definitely adding this to my rotation, a good reminder of an album that I'd mostly forgotten, 4/5.
Another one I slept on
unlike anything that I have listened to thus far. enjoyed the dream pop vibe and their fantastical lyrics. Long instrumental departures were usually fun as well. I can easily see their influence on bands like M83 and Beach House. favorite track was Are You a Hypnotist?? 4/5
Yoshimi battles the pink robots pt. 1 & Do you realize??
Interesting.
interesting but enjoyable too
I have always loved the title track for this album. Surprisingly, this is the first time I've investigated the remainder of the album. Totally enjoyable and I'm likely to be back.
Some lovely songs and a few head scratchers But overall, great album.
One time I saw the flaming lips live and Wayne Coyne had a fake baby. True story
I have some friends who go see The Flaming Lips whenever they’re playing within a drivable distance. I never really understood that devotion, but I have to say, I really enjoyed this album. It had a much more modern feel than I expected from a band that’s been around for so long. Maybe now I’ll try to catch them live too.
Bastante gustoso. Psicodelia y algún sonido electro
**Album Review: Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips** *Introduction:* Released in 2002, "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" is a landmark album by The Flaming Lips, known for its imaginative lyrics, experimental soundscapes, and thematic depth. In this review, I'll delve into various aspects of the album including its lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while highlighting its strengths and weaknesses. *Lyrics:* The lyrics of "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" are a blend of whimsical storytelling and existential contemplation. Wayne Coyne's lyrical style combines vivid imagery with introspective themes, creating a surreal yet relatable narrative. Tracks like "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 1" and "Do You Realize??" explore themes of mortality, love, and the human experience with poignant simplicity. The album's narrative arc, revolving around the titular character Yoshimi and her battle against the metaphorical pink robots, serves as a metaphor for life's struggles and triumphs. However, some may find the lyrics overly abstract or cryptic, detracting from their accessibility. *Music:* Musically, "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" is a sonic journey filled with lush instrumentation and experimental flourishes. The Flaming Lips blend elements of psychedelic rock, electronic, and indie pop to create a distinctive sound that's both nostalgic and futuristic. Songs like "Fight Test" and "Are You A Hypnotist??" showcase the band's knack for catchy melodies and unconventional song structures, while tracks like "Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell" and "It's Summertime" experiment with sonic textures and atmospheric production. The album's use of synthesizers, drum machines, and unconventional instruments adds depth to its sonic palette, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. *Production:* The production on "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" is top-notch, thanks to the collaboration between The Flaming Lips and producer Dave Fridmann. Fridmann's expertise in creating expansive, otherworldly soundscapes complements the band's vision, resulting in an album that's both sonically adventurous and meticulously crafted. From the ethereal ambience of "In the Morning of the Magicians" to the pulsating energy of "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pt. 2," each track is expertly mixed and layered, creating a sense of sonic depth and complexity. *Themes:* Thematically, "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" explores a wide range of topics including love, mortality, identity, and the human condition. The album's central theme of battling inner demons and overcoming adversity is conveyed through the metaphor of Yoshimi's struggle against the pink robots. Songs like "Fight Test" and "One More Robot/Sympathy 3000-21" delve into the complexities of human relationships and the quest for connection in a digital age, while tracks like "Do You Realize??" and "All We Have Is Now" emphasize the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing life's fleeting beauty. Overall, the album's themes are universal yet deeply personal, resonating with listeners on a profound emotional level. *Influence:* "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" has had a significant influence on contemporary music, inspiring countless artists with its innovative approach to songwriting and production. The album's blend of psychedelic rock, electronic, and indie pop has paved the way for a new generation of experimental musicians, while its introspective lyrics and existential themes have resonated with listeners across the globe. Additionally, the album's critical and commercial success helped elevate The Flaming Lips to iconic status within the indie music scene, solidifying their reputation as one of the most inventive and visionary bands of their generation. *Pros:* 1. Imaginative lyrics that blend vivid imagery with existential themes. 2. Inventive musical arrangements that combine psychedelic rock, electronic, and indie pop. 3. Meticulously crafted production that creates a rich and immersive listening experience. 4. Universally resonant themes of love, mortality, and the human condition. 5. Significant influence on contemporary music and indie rock. *Cons:* 1. Some may find the lyrics overly abstract or cryptic, detracting from their accessibility. 2. Experimental nature of the music may not appeal to all listeners. 3. Certain tracks may feel disjointed or meandering due to their unconventional song structures. 4. Limited thematic depth in comparison to other concept albums. 5. High expectations set by the album's iconic status may overshadow its flaws for some listeners. *Conclusion:* In conclusion, "Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots" is a masterful album that transcends genre boundaries and captivates listeners with its imaginative lyrics, innovative music, and profound themes. While it may not be without its flaws, its impact and influence on contemporary music cannot be overstated. Through its exploration of love, mortality, and the human condition, the album invites listeners on a transformative journey that's both deeply personal and universally resonant. As such, it stands as a testament to The Flaming Lips' creative vision and enduring legacy in the world of indie rock.
I am not sure I have ever listened to the Flaming Lips before and TBH they don't sound like what I was expecting. All the sounds effects are interesting. I do like it.
Great album, always between this and soft bulletin what is FLs best album, I really can’t choose, so they both deserve a 4/5.
Really enjoyable indie record definitely the kind of record that takes you to a different place! Lots going on I definitely feel like I need to give it another spin to fully “get it”. Love the cover art too makes reminds me of anime and 50’s b movies. Without researching I definitely feel like there is an overarching concept but would need to listen again to be sure! I love the creativity with lots of crazy delays and synths throughout the album held together by a great drum sound. The vocals might turn some people off but i didn’t mind them they vary from being very intimate/delicate to wide/ethereal. Song wise the back half of the album is where it’s at for me I especially loved the bass synth and drum delay effects in its summertime and the anthemic feel to do you realise?? Some serious songwriting chops on display there! I feel like overall the length is great and no track overstays it’s welcome! Will definitely give this another full listen in the future (in fact I’m already listening to a few tunes off of it while writing this haha) My highlight: Do you realize??
Never heard of this band. Album was interresting, not great but alright.
Loved the vibe - was nice to listen to when cleaning. Loved the guy's voicee and their style.
Opener is a banger. Yes it's a rip off of Cat Stevens, but it sounds great. If you want to write a good song, copy a great song.
While it doesn’t reach the emotional heights of The Soft Bulletin,
Loved this. Feel like I need to sit with this album and listen again to really take it in. But very melodic, beautiful album. Can't believe it's taken this long to check out this band!
Very enjoyable album loved the themes of the robot battles cause lore is cool Yoshimi Battles the Pink robots part 1: Amazing hook and catchy chorus Do You Realize?: Had me at lunch in my car in deep contemplation Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon: Another cool song that I remember saying at the end I liked this one Overall thoroughly enjoyed even tho Ryan equated the robot noises to South Park shit sounds
I don’t love Coyne’s vocals, but every single song on this album is mood inducing to the point that you stop noticing these dudes are really fucking weird.
I liked it - 8/10
8/10 - Great music with a wide array of styles. In the morning of magicians and fight test go extremely hard and Yoshimi battles the pink robots part 1 is great.
I thought it was solid. It was musically interesting but I did get a bit bored when I was listening without doing anything else 7,5/10
This was actually rather good, not perfect, but not half bad at all. I went right off the first track when I realised where the melody was borrowed from, but the rest was pretty decent. Maybe the vocals got a little annoying, but only slightly.
lekker spacey deze vind ik wel leuk
Freaking banger. I’m watching attack on titan as I listen to this, thematically very matching, isn’t it?
Great album that really feels like an album- not just a random collection of songs. The way the electronic elements are mixed in with the acoustic really does give it an other-worldly feeling. I love how they make the bass lines so melodic. I could listen to this 20 times in a row and hear something new each time- and never tire of the title track. A really unique and creative work that, delightfully, doesn’t take itself too seriously. 4.4
Really nice album with creative chaos!!
I appreciate the mixing with orchestra accompaniment and electronic music. They overlapped in a way that was very satisfying. I have heard a lot of individual Flaming Lips songs, and they have a pretty unique sound. I wonder if OK GO would cite them as an inspiration. This album does a good job of exemplifying what an album can be when you consider each song as a part OF an album and the whole becomes better than the sum of its parts. The transition from "All We Have Is Now” to the outro was very dynamic and, although it’s hard to explain why, is the perfect example of what I mean. Each song was a funky little beat on its own though. I also am a sucker for songs that have uncommon themes. Paul McCartney might want to fill the world with silly love songs, but sometimes I just want to hear a ballad about some dude’s waifu who fights evil, man-eating, pink robots.
I dug this album. The instrumentals were gripping and cool; I never felt bored at all while listening. The vocals were fine, although at some parts maybe slightly annoying? A solid 4 stars. I would listen to this album again.
Over 3.5 great album
Super cool soundscape, feels like I’m tripping half the time
Usually SciFi concept albums are done in by contrived plots, bad lyrics and tunes that often sound like amelodic drones. Not so this album. Flaming Lips has come up with a great set of songs that are tuneful and rhythmic. The signature FL sound I first heard on “Vaseline” is still there. An enjoyable listen. Well done.
Traveling some nice spaces
Actually liked this a fair bit. There’s so much playful production and lots of weird fun sounds to occupy the songs, each of which are pretty and whimsical. Maybe it borders on twee or a bit self-important overall. I’m not too sure, and there definitely is something off-putting about the project which drops some points for me. I can’t really place my finger on it though, and after a second listen the songs have grown on me even more, so I can’t justify giving this album a worse score. Three and a half. Fave track: Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Platinia)
An absurd psychedelic, electronic album full of superbly crafted soundscapes and whimsical vocal melodies. Well worth a good listen or 10
Ein wenig experimentell, aber ein schönes Album.
Before listening: I think I know 1 or 2 songs from this album so it'll be nice to hear the rest of it. After listening: That was really good! More dreamy and trippy sounding than I thought it would be for a lot of the songs. And nice to revisit Yoshimi Part 1 and Do You Realize
Years ago, Chuck Klosterman wrote a fantastic essay about bands that are neither overrated nor underrated, but are rated exactly as they should be. The Flaming Lips fit squarely into this category. This album is very good. Virtually everyone regards it as being very good. That's it.
Love every bit of this album
This was fun!
Liked this one, somewhat loose but pretty sunny feeling to it.
It's 2002, I've left school to work and I feel like I am becoming increasingly disconnected with popular music & culture. Everything feels like a glitzy pop-punk, nu metal, butt rock nightmare that I can't wake up from. Being disconnected from people my own age (because I work exclusively with people much older than me) has me retreating into a nostalgia that isn't mine, listening to bands that came before me, and while some of it is enjoyable, I am experiencing a weird sense of guilt about not feeling capable of connecting with new things. A strange, empty feeling. I give my computer several viruses downloading Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots from Limewire because "'She Don't Use Jelly' was a lot of fun, so why not". I am immediately taken in by the glitchy, warbling strangeness of it all when suddenly, a few tracks later, I am crying harder than I've ever cried, listening to "Do You Realize??", thinking about every dog and cat and friend and loved one I've ever had the good fortune to spend time on this sad planet with. And it still happens... Every. Single. Time. Two decades later. That'll do, Lips. That'll do.
das insgeheim vermisste puzzlestück zwischen built to spill und tame impala. enjoyed it very much!
I listened to it couple times I enjoyed this one
Live-album, hat mir sehr gut gefallen
ЗЕ ТЕСТ БЕГИНЗ... НАУ! Во-первых, просто супэр обложка. Сиквел к ультра альбому, потрясная история названия и вообще концепция, вот это вот всё. Очень хороший альбом. Лучшая песня - Fight Test.
<3 Yoshimi 78/100
Yeah! First Flaming Lips LP I heard, and probably my favourite.
Really great vibey album. One of the best I’ve listened to in a long time. I wish it was a bit more experimental but I really can’t complain. It was a perfect match for the day I had yesterday and the whole album is now saved in my library.
Track 1 is good. It has an odd vibe but I enjoy it. Great intro to the album. Track 2 is very mellow and I like it. Ending of track 2 is incredible. Guitar and drums on track 3 opening are very good. Track 3 might be my favorite track so far. Don't like track 4 as much. I understand its thematic role in the album as it is the battle taking place, but there is a loud shrieking noise that takes away from my enjoyment of the track. Track 5 is much better and feels like the fallout of the battle in track 4. "What is love and what is hate?" is a line repeated several times and I like the philosophical questions of this song. Up there as one of my favorites from the album for sure. I like track 6. It sound good. Not much to say about it. The different instruments come together very nicely to make the song very sonically appealing. Track 7 instrumental feels very spacey with the small plucks of the guitar. The ending of track 7 has a massive sonic climax that is very satisfying to listen to. The track feels like a slow burn type track with a gradual build-up to the ending. Track 8 has a very good vibe to it sonically. I really enjoy this track and the strings and bird noises make this sonically pleasing. Track 9 is very good. The instrumental is simple yet engaging. I want to give this track another listen with a focus on lyrics and their meaning because the lyrics are very interesting. The melody and vocal effects in track 10 are very unique and interesting to listen to. As a whole, I like this track. While it is good, I don't see it as a high point of the album. The drums on track 11 are very good and are the high point of the intro to the track. This is a purely instrumental track and it is very good. The horns are very fun to listen to. The change at 2:19 is well done. Great closer to the album. As a whole, this album is fantastic. The instrumentals were incredible. I want to give the album another listen while focusing on the lyrics because the parts I comprehended were extremely interesting.
Really dreamy, flowed nicely as a cohesive album instead of a list of songs if that makes any sense. Do you realize is always pretty
Damn near 5 stars. 2nd best FL album. So good.
S fangt schomol richtig starch ah mit fight test. Gfallt mer bisher s album. Ich han jetzt nid so ganz uf de meta Ebene gschnallt uf was es gaht? If those evil robots win, I know she can beat them? Was söll da bitte heisse...? Probably chame da mega viel dri interpretiere aber für da hani kei ziit welli e Reihe albums muess ufhole. Yoshimi battles pt 2?? What?? Ich frag mich was die graucht hend. Die rein musikalische Lieder gfalle mer irgendwie weniger. Generell gfallt es mer biz meh wie da vom Vortrag wells chlige meh action het aber au nid ganz gnueg damits es 5 bechunt also 4.3/5
han tüfi erwartige gha aber han sehr spass gha am album mengisch chli chinderliedertime, mengisch weirdi synthis oder so und megaa es summerfeeling, so richtig friedlich ICH WETT SUMMER ICH GHÖR IH JEDEM SCHEISSALBUM SUMMERFEELINGS
I had quite a good time.
This album is good. There’s a lot of songs I was somewhat familiar with, but most of it was new. I absolutely love the title track (both parts) and how the overall album flows together to make one ridiculous concept. 4.3/5 Fav: “Fight Test”, “Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots, Pts 1 & 2”, “Are You A Hypnotist??”, “Do You Realize??” Least Fav: “In The Morning of The Magicians”
Late to this one
Really interesting album. I can't quite tell if there is one consistent story on first listen, but it certainly seems that way, and the inclusion of Pink Robots pt1&2 seems to hint at it being one thing. As for sounds, I was never bored throughout the album, all the songs kept me entranced. The genre is interesting and brings me back to a few older bands like Sky or Jean-Michel Jarre
Love it
Quite enjoyed that
Its a warbly album that's reminiscent of bands like Pink Floyd Primus and Neutral Milk Hotel. I was pleasantly surprised about how pleasant this album sounded. I give this album a 7.5/10
Not quite as good as the soft bulletin, but still very good.
4/5. I like the beats
7/10
Best een leuk album, denk dat het ook nog wel beter wordt als je hem vaker luistert. Ik snap ook best waarom ik hem zo vaak in de vinyl sub voorbij zie komen. Voor nu 4 sterren.
Only think I knew about the Flaming Lips before today was "She Don't Use Jelly." Didn't know what to expect but largely enjoyed this album. It's accessible alternative/electronica. I'll keep in in my rotation for sure.
Nice and psychadelicy, but not really a lot of surprises. A good record to smoke doobies to
this was kinda funky and weird, good to listen to while working
Fun album
i love it when yoshimi battles the pink robots!! tough girl!!
Nice, another heater. I've heard this album before, can't recall if I've heard any others from the Flaming Lips, but this one is a banger. It feels very cinematic, the music is rock-based but at times psychedelic, spacey, etc. A good blend of electronic elements with traditional rock sounds. Excellent variety too. "Do You Realize" is something of a hit song, I think. I've heard that one outside of the album context before, not certain where. But yeah, this is a really awesome album. I'm not sure if we'll get any others from the Flaming Lips, but this seems like a perfect place to start. Favorite tracks: Fight Test, One More Robot, Yoshimi Battles the PInk Robot pts 1 and 2, Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, It's Summertime, Do You Realize. Album art: Really cool art, plainly depicts the title, I love that. The little girl in yellow must be Yoshimi, and the big pink robot might be singular, but his legs have arms and legs, so could be a hydra thing. As great as this cover is, I do think the cover for At War With the Mystics is the Flaming Lips' best, and I know that because it's one of my favorites ever. Hope we get that album too! 4.5/5
Pois superchill este disco, a verdade lévase o aprobado e máis tamén
Great psychedelic pop rock. Yoshimi Part 1 is one of the best songs in this century. Do You Realize is also a classic.
Pretty good album.
3.5
Really liked this, gonna check out more
Noch nie was von gehört. Gefällt mir aber.
I am a huge fan of electronic rock so wasn’t hard to get into this album. While not groundbreaking or mind blowing, I throughly enjoyed my listen
Insgesamt ein Hörenswertes Album
Despite its occasionally indulgent moments, this is undoubtedly a special record. I think that the Soft Bulletin may be the Flaming Lips album most deserving of a place on this list, but I welcomed the chance to revisit this album. There are some all-time indie-psych tracks on this one and it's just super fun to listen to when it isn't tearing your heart in two. Favourite songs: Do You Realize??, Fight Test, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt. 1
Enjoyed it. The lyrics felt less important than the music itself. I'd listen again
hard to follow The Soft Bulletin but still great
Pretty good. A few standouts.
Great album, never listened to it all the way through. I think it’s a nice, peaceful album, great for a nap on a sunny day.
Already listened to it :p Quite good I dig it
Add me to the list of people who had heard of the Lips but never heard a song before. I really enjoyed it. A few songs weren’t really it for me, but after track 1, I was excited to see what I was in for.
Good
One recalls finding the premise a bit silly at the time and the live show was a bit too wacky for one's tastes generally, but they were hard not to like anyway, primarily because the songs were so good, especially on the record. Today this plays like prog rock for people with heart and soul, like a lighter-hearted, less self-serious Pink Floyd. It's rich and interesting throughout, with 4-5 top-shelf cuts ("Flight Test," "One More Robot," title cuts [one prefers the first], "Ego Tripping" [which has provided one considerable solace in needy moments down the years]). The last few cuts make for a very strong and emotionally satisfying end, wrapping up the retro-futuristic computer tale in rather warm and humane fashion. Indeed, for a record that emphasize mortality so overtly, it plays almost cozy. One thinks perhaps the production effects are a bit too washed out (or washed over) because they conceal some fine playing and one worries they won't age particularly well. Looking back it was all quite warm and fun and who doesn't appreciate even an echo or resonance of that today.
Hat Spaß gemacht. Rockig, verspielt, bissle Psychedelic
Futuristic chill vibes. Spent the whole time thinking "any one of these songs could be on a Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack" completely forgetting that one of the songs is indeed on a Guardian of the Galaxy soundtrack
Pretty dang good psychedelic rock
Had not listened to this album before; I was missing out.
Really loved this one, cool production ideas and great front to back concept. Kind of need to listen to the whole work for it to make sense.
“Fight Test” was an okay opener and sets a kind of laid back mood and obviously the theme of the album loosely being a fight with robots. One More Robot is smooth and chill but I think the vocals hinder the tracks quality - they just aren't very special. However the latter half of the song is saved by the string section which I guess is "Sympathy 3000-21" its very pretty and I'm a sucker for anything beautiful and profound. YBWTPR pt.1 is weak lyrically and tells a story about Yoshimi's preparation to fight the robots which is almost layed out like the audience is 6 years old. And 5 minutes is too long for such a repetitive song. Part 2 is honestly just quite obnoxious and has an annoying descending bass line - its just not that interesting. In the Morning of the Magicians is one of my favourite songs on this album its very well paced and has a catchy melancholy melody. To be honest the mixing is subpar and it does hinder the listening experience but overall its a 7/10 for me.
1/6/2023 Airy electronica with odd lyrics…but some great nuggets. Perfect for background noise while working.
Likes: The unique use of sounds as instruments and the artists ability to really envoke a feeling through the music. Also like the reoccurring acoustic guitar melody from Yoshimi pt.1. Very high re-listening value. Feels like a modern release even 20+ years later. Dislikes: Chaotic at times, over stimulating and over complicated phrases damages enjoyment at times. Too short.
Indie pop/rock at its finest
Good introduction to an essentially underground band that has been around for a long time.
This is a great album. Was on heavy rotation in 2002, 2002. Hard to believe it has been 20 years!
I'd never heard anything from The Flaming Lips before this album. It's not really my jam. It's very creative, though.
I know this is a formative album of the 00s indie scene. I’ve always wanted to listen to it so I’m glad I’m checking it out. It’s way different than what I thought it was going to be though. I was expecting it to me more acid rock meets Led Zeppelin hehe idk why
Het is wat apart, maar er zitten enkele toffe nummers bij
Saved 3 songs to my playlist. 8.0
It's class. Another one from my iPod back in the day
Very pretty and engaging album. In the Morning of the Magicians and Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, Do you Realize??, sound like they could have heavily influenced Stephen Wilson's Hand.Cannot.Erase. album.
Nice chill album. Takes one back to the early 2000s
How have I never heard this before, what a breath of fresh air. Love the vibe, I might be buying this. Perhaps a little too heavy on the synth. Do you realize was a favorite. Decent 4.
This is album is kind of weird, pretty goofy, honestly, but I have a soft spot for it. I don’t even remember how I originally found it, but in high school, I had this album on Rhapsody and listened to it on my cheap off-brand mp3 player. The only track I really remembered was “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots pt. 1,” which evoked a fond nostalgia. Highlight on this listen: “ Are You a Hypnotist??”
I would say this is kind of what grunge evolved into. This is like an alt rock version of Nirvana. A little grungey, a little poppy, a little bit of techno. Over all it all kind of meshes together well.
cool
First record I've RE-listened to since starting this list. Couldn't tell upon first listen if I liked it - or REALLY liked it. What a cool album. Would have really enjoyed this 15 years ago. It still really resonated with me and I've always heard great things about The Flaming Lips but never dug in. Definitely another case of "Oh wow I've always wanted to listen to this record" and here I am! Great, creative, original musicianship and lyrics. Loved it. Happy to be officially acquainted with The Lips.
Great Album, alot of my favorites on this album
An album that I've seen many times but heard little about. The Flaming Lips' strange brand of pop is one that defies conventional instrumentation. Despite this, their pop sensibilities are strong and true, maintaining a charming allure of synthy hooks and memorable lyrics. A big aesthetical theme running through the album is that of pulpy science fiction, which it excels at communicating with weird blips and bloops and storytelling. I admire the Flaming Lips for having such a cohesive idea that is this well-executed. While I don't absolutely love it on first listen, I believe that future revisits will make me a big fan.
You know when you are looking at something significant, like the Mona Lisa or the Sistine chapel or temples in Kyoto, and you can tell its prolific and important but it's just not really your thing? That's how I feel about this album. I wonder if I would appreciate it more if I was high or listened through headphones. Having said that, I enjoyed - the similarities with Cat Stephens in track 1 - part 1 - how the whole album is cohesive in its repetition of the refrains - do you realise is a masterpiece It's more experimental than I typically like but it's been a great listen
I do like this it’s rather lovely but the standard does lag a bit at times
A genere that's been growing in me and what seems like a sentinel album
Not my style
Weird but enjoyable. Solid background music. Not quite on the nose music.
it's summertime acaba comigo
Intriguing alt rock. Is has guitar/drums/bass, but the vocals are kind of dreamy and there are other musical elements mixed in (electronic, horns at the end)
I loved the mix of childish - They Might be Giants fused with Starboy-meets-Radiohead just waking up in the morning on a Saturday with the sun in your eyes feel of this “not conceptual” album.
Pleasantly surprised
This was good, I'm giving it a light four. I didn't love it, but I quite liked a few of the tracks and I didn't often find myself bored, which I appreciate when many albums on here bore me. This will probably grow on me over time. My favourite song was Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots.
Top notch space pop
While the other Flaming Lips album was just meh this one was great. I don't have the eloquence of some so I can't describe why, I just really enjoyed it.
I like it. Track 3 is of course well known and fun at the surface level, but it blew my mind to learn this came out in 2002—I always assumed it was from 30 years earlier! The entire album has a brightness and vibe that strikes me as an experimental 1970s alternative. It was Track 5, In the Morning of the Magicians, that really sold me on this album. The synth work in that is great, and it's a beautiful track as it flips back and forth between the airy, dreamy, falsetto sequences. I will most definitely return to this album!
love it 8/10
A good album full of interesting melodies, cool sounds and strange lyrical themes. All in all a fun listen from the lips. 4 stars
Fantastic live show 🍄! Wayne has a way of overshadowing the talent of the band with the theatrics. Really enjoyed this revisit!
First time listening all the way through. Great vibe. I would love to see them live.
I come and go with this one since it was new. Some of FL's best work for sure.
Very nice and vibey.
Weird but I liked it
Chill catchy
Never heard of this shit, cool as fuck though, weird stuff, dreamy weird ass electrinic shit, I like it, gonna stick in my regular rotation
It was... diferent. In a good way.
Super nostalgic listen for me. I remember Justin getting this from the library and we drove around after school listening to it. The production is very cool on this album. Lots of little details in the recordings to really draw you into its world.
Iconic, pivotal 2000s psych rock album that broke into the mainstream. So happy this psych rock revival occured to break through all the butt rock of that time period. This album was sort of a gateway to other things for me, I respect it but it's not something I'm listening to on the regular. However, had I been 18 when this came out, it would have been what Lonerism is to me.
Instantly transported me back to 15, discovering slightly weird music, and being transfixed. 4.5/5
Loved it since it came out!
I forgot about this record and probably wouldn’t have revisited it, but really enjoyed listening to it!
Love the sound of this album kind of prog.
Catchy, quaint, fun. 4/5
There are a few brilliant tracks here, but there were also a couple that I couldn't wait for it to be over
Really enjoyed this album. Perfect for a snowy day in Winnipeg.
Love this concept album. Some great individual tracks but I like the listening experience as a whole
I love Fight Test. The rest of the album is decent
Liked it. Sounded like tame impala got influenced by this band
Easy listening "concept album".
This album has ambience. You don't say. I love the mix of electronica with acoustic strumming. It contains some very strong songs, all delivered with rich, understated vocals. There's an innocence about the record. It really is quite sweet, especially given the robot future overtones. An early 2000's masterpiece.
It was a good album. Definitely not my taste in music. But had a chill, hippie vibe to it. I thought they did well. Good background music for me.
very dreamy production style the vocalist has an interesting voice. They're losing me and getting me back with the tracks. Cozy music overall
Good to great shit
This would get 5* if I was experiencing this album live with Coyne in a bubble and dancing fur animals.
Really enjoyed this, just scraped a 4
Listened.
I like this album. The lyrics are silly and the music is chill and all different one to the other. The track that's titled the same as the album is really good. Her name is Yoshimi, she's a black belt in karate. Working for the city she has to discipline her body.. I like the dreamlike vibe this track has. In The Morning of the Magicians. "As the dawn began to break I had to surrender. The universe will have its way. Too powerful to master." this album has been like a magical trip through some fantastic world of theirs. Dream like, ethereal, and visionary. 4 stars!
Best song - Fight Test
Second album by this band I’ve gotten, and this one is better. Solid 4.
Very immersive
This was a pleasant experience, maybe will give it a second listen.
all songs are great. reminds me of the shins.
I like it
Fight test is an awesome groovy vibe of a song. Great intro song. One more robot/sympathy 3000-21 is a slower kinda more ethereal sounding song before the drum comes in, the bass is super groovy. Yoshima battles the pink robots pt. 1 is a very upbeat song with great background music and fun lyrics. Pt. 2 was a louder heavier sound that was very groovy but also feels like a transitional part of the album. In the morning of the magicians has a sweet drum background and a whomp bass i really appreciate. It transitions into a slow acoustic driven beautiful song. The rest was also awesome just didn’t really have time to rate 8.6/10
Feels like i'm in the town adjacent to one where a West Anderson Film is taking place but across the tracks from where a Green Day Song is being crafted.
I really liked this album - such a cool vibe which really brings me back to the early 2000s vibe in indie music. The Yoshimi battles songs are, of course, the star tracks here, but I also really enjoy Are You A Hypnotist for it's Pond-esque bridges. It's Summertime really calls to Beatles style, bright guitars, and I found Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon to be a really great way to close out the album. I caught hints of melancholy underlying the album, but I didn't really engage with it enough to parse apart the lyrics, but from what I read on the side, I think the themes of love in a brutal cold future is a nice idea, but I really didn't personally have a very strong reaction for or against it.
Probably my favorite Flaming Lips album...just so strange. Love it. 4.5/5
Good! Had a few songs I knew of but didn’t know
Almost 5 stars. The title track is amazing.
Still so good. Shocked that it's 21 years old. 4.5
4/5 A concept album of man vs machine that slowly expands with various beats, well thought out lyrics and various types of instruments. It’s a slow build, that explodes with the Beatlesque Do You Realize? A song that ensures in a time of futuristic change/chaos we are all still an important element in this life.
japan
Interesting collection of pieces. This is not an area I'm well versed in.
weird
A corker of an album
wow, i really liked this album! i knew yoshimi battles the pink robots pt 1 and do you realize??, and just somehow never thought to check out the rest of this album. it's solid all the way through and visits some interesting places musically. I'll definitely revisit this one in the future. favorites: fight test, one more robot/sympathy 3000-21, yoshimi pt 1, in the morning of the magicians, ego tripping at the gates of hell, do you realize??, all we have is now
Yes nice
Although I had heard of them I had never listened to The Flaming Lips before this recommendation and I was pleasantly surprised upon hitting play on Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots. The mix of digital effects and synthesizers with traditional instrument work almost sort of kind of distantly reminds me of Radiohead which is write up my ally. This album has a cool vibe that I enjoyed the entire way through. That being said nothing on here really jumped out and got my attention on my first listen and as the album went on I started to feel like maybe it was overstating its welcome. Seeing as how I generally like this kind of music it's worth another listen but for now it's a 3.5-4 stars for me.
this straight fucking slaps. incredible and weird throughout, takes so many unexpected turns. absolutely fantastic production and performances, and I like the songwriting a lot. best tracks: yoshimi battles the pink robots pt 1, all we have is now, fight test
I love this album. Funny how when you separate some of the singles, everything takes on a bit more of a positive light than when you listen to the whole album. They really nailed the concept and emotional output of this one. Reading about the musical was interesting, knowing Aaron Sorkin was briefly attached to it especially. I think it'd be an interesting show, but much like Sorkin, feel that it being sung all of the way through would remove some of its' emotional content.
He's a dickhead but this is pretty great.
The Flaming Lips are definitely at their best when they balance on the tight line between art and kitsch.
Really like the vibes of the whole project. That being said I did feel like the first half was stronger than the second one.
The band’s electronic-infused indie rock makes for a surprising 180 sonically from their previous album, to the point where it sounds like another band made it.
Surprisingly great. Really fun. Cool electronic sounds with the acoustic instruments. Love it. Not quite epic lyrics keeps it from a 5. But really good.
8/10. Good album, I'm starting to quite like the Flaming Lips
Very good listen, might deserve a 9 honestly. I did kind of feel like the album went out with a whimper. 8/10
listened to again still really really great
This album should score a Wes Anderson stop motion animated, lightly trippy film about a curious seahorse voiced by Elijah Wood. Having heard the hits from this album ad nauseum, at first I was kinda meh on this re-listen, but I feel like the fact that this came out in 2002 is critical context. It sounded SO different from anything else that broke through into mainstream appeal in the early aughts (apart from the Shins and even then I would argue this is more audacious and imaginative) and it would take another decade for this bubblegum gritty electric acoustic alt soft rock mélange to hit its mainstream saturation point. I definitely hadn't even heard of The Flaming Lips until high school. I will also admit to being largely unfamiliar with their catalogue outside of this record. And I guess that's what stops it being a 5 for me. For whatever reason, as impressive as it is, it doesn't whet my appetite for more. Which seems odd given just how out-there it is. It may just be because they largely eschew catchy hooks in favor of lushly layered textures and loops, which are really pleasant - but it makes it harder for tracks to stand out as memorable just hours after listening. It gets relegated, rather unfairly in my brain, to background music. Which is to say, a larger reflection of my relationship with a certain kind of modern art. There's a layer of remove I can't get past. On the scale from undeniably raw to deliberately constructed, its so much the latter that I lose the sight of the forest for the trees. I can appreciate what it's doing, but try as I might, I don't connect with it on an emotional level.
I enjoyed the ambitious yet stripped down nature of this. Kind of surprised it came out in ‘02. Seems more modern. Not sure if they were influenced by Grandaddy but I heard a lot of them in this. Do You Realize was my favorite.