Flaming Lips At War 20th Anniversary
The Flaming Lips are ready to launch another sonic expedition, taking their celebrated 2006 masterpiece, at-war-with-the-mystics, back into the fray. The Oklahoma-based band is preparing a deluxe 20th anniversary edition of the album, a treasure trove designed to expand the psychedelic landscape they built.
Arriving November 13 via Rhino/Warner Records, this six-disc set promises a deep dive into the era that followed the electrifying success of the-soft-bulletin and yoshimi-battles-the-pink-robots. The original album was a masterclass in blending electronic textures, orchestral flourishes, and studio experimentation into huge, melodic songs that explored the complex terrain of politics, mortality, and the strangeness of existence.
The deluxe collection goes far beyond the original recording. Fans can now explore 19 previously unreleased demos, rarities, alternate versions, B-sides, soundtrack material, radio sessions, live recordings, covers, and other fascinating musical artifacts from the time.
Central to this expanded journey are 14 previously unreleased studio recordings and 42 additional non-album tracks. The package also includes two recorded concerts from the era: , offering a peek behind the curtain of their creative process.
The original 2006 review noted that the album created a strange, intricate sonic world, emphasizing the bizarre and the abstract. It highlighted tracks like the-yeah-yeah-yeah-song as a perfect example of the band’s unique ability to capture cosmic introspection in pop music.
Despite some changes in the lineup, the creative energy remains high. While the band continues to tour, Wayne Coyne remains the lone original member, demonstrating the enduring power of their collective vision.
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