The Flaming Lips did it again, managing to reinvent that same peculiar sound redolent of patchouli and poorly oiled robots.
"At War with the Mystics," The Flaming Lips' 11th studio album released on April 4, is somewhat nostalgic considering their previous efforts such as "The Soft Bulletin" and "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots."
Though there is something disingenuous about this album in comparison to their last two releases, the change can probably be attributed to the sneaky influences of pop, similar to what occurred when Weezer went from "Blue" to "Green." The Flaming Lips just didn't take as embarrassing of a course.
Tracks like "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song," "The Wizard Turns On...," and "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung" seem like invitations for remixes. Listeners should allow themselves to imagine the possibilities: DJ 2wat mixing up The Flaming Lips for teenagers with binkies and glowsticks erotically convulsing under strobe lights.
This may be an exaggeration, but it's helpful to know that out of The Flaming Lips' last three albums, this one has a clubfoot. "At War with the Mystics" has an insignificant handicap, as their marketable sound has lost some flavor and innovation.
Don't sweat it though, as "Mystics" guarantees a few infectious tracks like "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" and "The W.A.N.D.," which contribute a feel-good vibe to Wayne Cohen's lyrical critiques.
"Time after time those fanatical minds try to rule all the world/I've got a tricked out magic stick that will make them all fall/We're the enforcers, the sorcerer's orphans, and we know why we fight," sings the politically charged Cohen in "The W.A.N.D."
Despite the slight change in style, "At War with the Mystics" shouldn't be treated any differently than the Lips' other albums, just don't expect it to participate in recess.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
