What does Hear It Is sound like?

A blend of lo-fi production and surreal lyricism creates an otherworldly alternative rock experience. Rooted in alternative rock and space rock. Start with "With You".

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 blend of lo-fi production and surreal lyricism creates an otherworldly alternative rock experience. Released in 1986, 'Hear It Is' marked The Flaming Lips' debut album, establishing them within the burgeoning alternative rock scene. At this point, the band was still exploring their sound and identity, having formed just a few years prior in 1983. The album laid the groundwork for their later success and experimentation with more complex themes and sounds.

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

A blend of lo-fi production and surreal lyricism creates an otherworldly alternative rock experience.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
With You Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Jesus Shootin’ Heroin — This track illustrates the band's penchant for dark, surreal imagery while also showcasing their early experimentation with extended song structures.
→
Charlie Manson Blues — This song encapsulates the band's blend of social commentary and absurdity, reflecting both their lyrical depth and willingness to explore controversial subjects.
→
She Is Death — With its haunting melody and evocative lyrics, this track captures the ethereal quality that became a hallmark of The Flaming Lips' later works.

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

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 in 1986, 'Hear It Is' marked The Flaming Lips' debut album, establishing them within the burgeoning alternative rock scene. At this point, the band was still exploring their sound and identity, having formed just a few years prior in 1983. The album laid the groundwork for their later success and experimentation with more complex themes and sounds.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT