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.

Why this album works

This album is significant as it features some of the earliest recordings of the Flaming Lips, highlighting their formative years before achieving widespread acclaim. It was well-received by critics who praised its insights into the band's creative beginnings, contributing to renewed interest in their extensive back catalog and influencing new listeners to explore their origins.
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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Bag Full of Thoughts Standout 5:36
  • 2 Out for a Walk 3:14
  • 3 Garden of Eyes 1:56
  • 4 Forever Is a Long Time Standout 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 Standout 7:05
  • 17 Trains, Brains & Rain 3:25
  • 18 Communication Breakdown 3:44
  • 19 Summertime Blues 2:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata