Is Hear It Is a good place to start with The Flaming Lips?

Yes, Hear It Is is recommended as a starting point for new The Flaming Lips listeners. A chaotic blend of alternative rock and experimental sounds, embodying youthful rebellion and surrealism. Released on January 21, 1986, 'Hear It Is' was The Flaming Lips’ debut album, marking their entrance into the music scene after forming in 1983. At this point, the band was still refining their unique sound but was beginning to attract attention with their eclectic style and DIY ethos.

Who is Hear It Is for?

Hear It Is works well if you're into dynamic journey with peaks, wave-like pacing throughout and youthful rebellion themes explored.

How many songs are on Hear It Is?

Hear It Is has 16 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Hear It Is

The Flaming Lips · 1986

70 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock · space rock

A chaotic blend of alternative rock and experimental sounds, embodying youthful rebellion and surrealism.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with peaks
wave-like pacing throughout
youthful rebellion themes explored
surrealism in lyrical content
for late-night introspection

Maybe skip if you want

seeks instant gratification
prefers structured song formats

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that introduced their chaotic sound and laid groundwork for future success.
Themes: surrealist storytelling· dark humor· DIY ethos
Career context: Released on January 21, 1986, 'Hear It Is' was The Flaming Lips’ debut album, marking their entrance into the music scene after forming in 1983. At this point, the band was still refining their unique sound but was beginning to attract attention with their eclectic style and DIY ethos.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT
If this clicks, go next to: Oh My Gawd!!! — Continues the chaotic energy with more experimental sounds and youthful themes.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: Locust Abortion Technician by Butthole Surfers — Shares chaotic energy and surrealist storytelling, blending punk with experimental sounds.

Evol by Sonic Youth — Explores avant-garde rock with a similar DIY ethos and dark, abstract themes.

Meet The Residents by The Residents — Features surrealism and dark humor in songwriting, wrapped in an experimental sound palette.

New to The Flaming Lips? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "With You".

1 With You Start here 3:39
2 Unplugged 2:14
3 Trains, Brains & Rain 3:39
4 Jesus Shootin’ Heroin 7:21
5 Just Like Before 3:22
6 She Is Death 4:04
7 Charlie Manson Blues 4:22
8 Man From Pakistan 3:59
9 Godzilla Flick 4:05
10 Staring at Sound / With You (reprise) 5:08
11 Summertime Blues 2:29
12 Bag Full of Thoughts 5:39
13 Out for a Walk 3:18
14 Garden of Eyes / Forever Is a Long Time 5:29
15 Scratching the Door 7:11
16 My Own Planet 4:13

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in The Flaming Lips's catalog. Debut album that introduced their chaotic sound and laid groundwork for future success.

Listen next

Oh My Gawd!!!

1987

Continues the chaotic energy with more experimental sounds and youthful themes.

Go back to

The Flaming Lips

Full The Flaming Lips discography Where to start with The Flaming Lips Artists like The Flaming Lips

alternative rock space rock

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