Is LateNightTales a good place to start with The Flaming Lips?

Yes, LateNightTales is recommended as a starting point for new The Flaming Lips listeners. A kaleidoscopic blend of dreamy soundscapes and eclectic covers that redefine the boundaries of alternative rock. By the time 'LateNightTales' was released in 2005, The Flaming Lips had already established themselves as pioneers in experimental music with their critically acclaimed album 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' two years prior. This collection of covers showcases the band's willingness to explore new sonic territory while maintaining their signature surrealist aesthetic, following a trajectory marked by both commercial success and artistic innovation.

Who is LateNightTales for?

LateNightTales works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, psychedelic textures for late-night introspection and eclectic covers that surprise continuously.

How many songs are on LateNightTales?

LateNightTales has 20 tracks, running approximately 75 minutes.

LateNightTales

The Flaming Lips · 2005

75 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of dreamy soundscapes and eclectic covers that redefine the boundaries of alternative rock.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Unravel Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Seven Nation Army (Harry Potter and George Bush’s Severed Head Army mix) — This track exemplifies the band’s playful reinterpretation of popular music, blending familiar elements with their own psychedelic flair, creating a standout moment on the album.
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People — The cover transforms a classic song into a lush soundscape filled with atmospheric textures, showcasing the band’s ability to breathe new life into well-known pieces.
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Pyramid Song — This rendition captures the haunting beauty of Radiohead's original while infusing it with The Flaming Lips' characteristic ethereal sound, making it a memorable highlight.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
psychedelic textures for late-night introspection
eclectic covers that surprise continuously
wave-like pacing encourages reflection
immersive experience for headphone listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, fast-paced tracks
seek instant gratification from music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Innovative cover album that showcases eclectic influences, appealing to devoted fans.
Themes: psychedelic covers· whimsical reinterpretations· ethereal soundscapes
Career context: By the time 'LateNightTales' was released in 2005, The Flaming Lips had already established themselves as pioneers in experimental music with their critically acclaimed album 'Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' two years prior. This collection of covers showcases the band's willingness to explore new sonic territory while maintaining their signature surrealist aesthetic, following a trajectory marked by both commercial success and artistic innovation.
Stylistic neighbors: Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT

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Tracklist

1 Unravel Start here 3:13
2 My Ship 4:23
3 Speed of Sound 5:09
4 It’s a Bit of a Pain 3:06
5 2HB 4:10
6 People 4:10
7 Flim 2:53
8 Galileo (edit) 1:56
9 Up the Down Escalator 3:55
10 Seven Nation Army (Harry Potter and George Bush’s Severed Head Army mix) 2:51
11 Playground for a Wedgeless Firm 2:21
12 Saudade 4:55
13 Monochrome 4:58
14 Sleep Comes Down 3:40
15 River Man 4:15
16 On Fire 3:34
17 Pyramid Song 4:45
18 I’m Not in Love 5:56
19 Another Green World 2:17
20 The Jist 3:03