Scratching the Door: The First Recordings of the Flaming Lips cover

Scratching the Door: The First Recordings of the Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips · 2018

73 min · 19 tracks · alternative rock · space rock

A raw glimpse into the Flaming Lips' embryonic sound, blending lo-fi experimentation with nascent psychedelic influences.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration with peaks
  • lo-fi experimentation enthusiasts
  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • quirky tracks for casual listening
  • nostalgic vibes of early work

Maybe skip if you want

  • seek polished production quality
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Showcases early work but less recognized than their mainstream successes.
Themes
lo-fi experimentation· provocative storytelling
Career context
Released in 2018, 'Scratching the Door: The First Recordings of the Flaming Lips' showcases the band's early work from the late 1980s. At this point in their career, the Flaming Lips had transitioned from a cult underground act to a more mainstream presence following their acclaimed album 'The Soft Bulletin' (1999). This compilation serves as both a historical artifact and a reflection of their evolution into innovative sonic explorers.
Stylistic neighbors
Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT
If this clicks, go next to
King's Mouth — It expands on early experimental sounds with richer production and thematic depth.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Confusion Is Sex by Sonic Youth — Shares a raw, experimental edge and lo-fi production that echoes early psychedelic influences.
Take It from the Man! by The Brian Jonestown Massacre — Features lo-fi aesthetics and provocative storytelling with a nod to psychedelia and rock experimentation.
Innerspeaker by Tame Impala — Combines psychedelic elements with a modern lo-fi texture that resonates with early experimental sounds.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Bag Full of Thoughts".

  • 1 Bag Full of Thoughts Start here 5:36
  • 2 Out for a Walk 3:14
  • 3 Garden of Eyes 1:56
  • 4 Forever Is a Long Time 3:19
  • 5 Scratching the Door 7:09
  • 6 My Own Planet 4:11
  • 7 Killer on the Radio 2:58
  • 8 Batman Theme 1:47
  • 9 Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere 2:32
  • 10 Handsome Johnny 2:56
  • 11 Flaming Lips Theme Song 3:53
  • 12 The Future Is Gone 3:22
  • 13 Underground Pharmacist 4:48
  • 14 Real Fast Words 3:15
  • 15 Groove Room 6:07
  • 16 Jesus Shootin’ Heroin 7:05
  • 17 Trains, Brains & Rain 3:25
  • 18 Communication Breakdown 3:44
  • 19 Summertime Blues 2:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata