Flaming Lips reveal unreleased songs for ‘At War With The Mystics’ 20th anniversary
The Flaming Lips are marking a major milestone with the long-awaited 20th-anniversary reissue of their seminal album, At War With The Mystics. Set to arrive on November 13 via Rhino / Warner Records, this collection isn’t just a nostalgic trip; it’s a deep dive into two decades of sonic exploration, packed with exclusive material that reveals the vibrant, eclectic world the band has consistently built.
This reissue celebrates the album’s enduring influence, which originally garnered a glowing review from NME, noting the band’s remarkable ability to push boundaries while remaining incredibly fun. The original record also achieved significant recognition, securing two Grammy Awards for The Wizard Turns On… and Best Engineered Album.
The 20th-anniversary edition expands far beyond the original tracklist, offering listeners a treasure trove of previously unreleased recordings, rare B-sides, and fascinating material from the broader creative universe surrounding the album. Spanning six CDs, the collection throws the door wide open on the band’s experimental journey.
Discs are dedicated to capturing the breadth of their creative output. One compilation features the remastered original album, offering the classic tracks alongside deeper cuts. Other discs are dedicated entirely to unreleased demos, alternate versions, and raw recordings that give a candid look at the songwriting process.
Fans will find a rich assortment of material, including demos of songs like ‘The Sound Of Failure,’ rare instrumental takes, and unique tracks that existed only on special compilations and soundtrack releases. This material, including various B-sides and alternate versions of hits like ‘The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song’ and ‘The W.A.N.D,’ provides an intimate look at the creative evolution of the band.
The reissue also boasts incredible live documentation. The collection captures electrifying performances from landmark concerts, including the legendary U.F.O.s At The Zoo and Live At The Hollywood Bowl. These live sessions, combined with recordings from special releases and film scores, showcase the band’s unique blend of psychedelia, electronica, and orchestral elements that define their sound.
Whether exploring the psychedelic chaos of their studio work or the raw energy of their live performances, the At War With The Mystics 20th-anniversary package serves as a definitive celebration of The Flaming Lips’ enduring legacy and their refusal to settle for anything less than artistic boundary-pushing.
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