90s Hidden Gems: The Soft Bulletin-The Flaming Lips

The Soft Bulletin- (1999)

The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips are an interesting band with quite the expansive history of weird things, such as dancing aliens in Christmas costumes at their concerts, to a shower of balloons coming down on the audiences, to an album that was meant entirely for each track to be played synchronized with each other on many different stereos at once. (Zaireeka)

Formed in 1983 in Oklahoma, the band consists of Wayne Coyne, Steven Drozd, Derek Brown, Matt Kirksey, and Tommy McKenzie. The unique experimental and psychedelic rock sound mixed with science fiction elements made the band famous for albums such as “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” and “At War with the Mystics”, but today, I want to talk about my favorite Lips album, “The Soft Bulletin”.

After having signed with Warner Brothers, The Flaming Lips started with a more raw garage band type of sound reminiscent of a lot of early 90s grunge and rock music of the time. When The Soft Bulletin came around, that was their turning point. They started to tap into a deeper, more meaningful sound, with emotional lyrics to match the mood.

They started to write music with deeper meanings and really explore not only the bright sides of music but deeper themes that really have always spoken to me personally. The lyrics paint a definitive picture of this sad and yet nostalgic feeling that the album gives when you listen to it. This tone is what makes the album so good. A lot of people agree that The Soft Bulletin was their "OK Computer", if that makes sense. (The band Radiohead is often considered to have gained popularity at their turning point with "OK Computer". I feel the same can be said for The Flaming Lips and "The Soft Bulletin"). Songs like "Buggin" and "Sleeping on the Roof" give the album this oddly ethereal summertime vibe almost. I can picture myself chasing fireflies outside, or lying back and looking up at the stars. Great music has the power to evoke this powerful imagery in our heads, and I think The Soft Bulletin does just that.

Some of the most popular songs from the album include “The Gash”, “Race for the Prize”, and “Waitin’ For A Superman”. Hands down, I have to say without a doubt in my mind, that “Waitin’ For A Superman” is my favorite track on the album. The lyrcis of the song speak to me in a way that is unique, and it kind of makes me think about the world. How it always feels like we are waiting for a Superman to come save the world. I think that song in particular is one of the things that makes this album so great. Two of my other favorite tracks on the album include “Sleeping on the Roof”, and the more melancholy track “Feeling Yourself Disintegrate”.

Interestingly enough, I didn't actually listen to this album and fall in love with it until I was in college (around 2010). I remember listening to it and thinking "how had I never listened to this album? It's incredible! It has to be their best work!". I was always a huge fan of At War with the Mystics, personally, because that came out when I was in high school. Hearing The Soft Bulletin totally changed my view; it is their best album, in my opinion. I give this album a 10/10 because it is my favorite Flaming Lips album, and it will always hold a special place with me. 💜💛💜💛

Do you like The Flaming Lips?