The Flaming Lips with Prefuse 73 cover

The Flaming Lips with Prefuse 73

The Flaming Lips · 2011

17 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A surreal blend of space rock and electronic experimentation, merging whimsical melodies with abstract soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Supermoon Made Me Want to Pee — This opening track sets the tone with its playful yet introspective lyrics, blending humor and existential musings over a rich tapestry of sound.
  • →
    Heavy Star Movin’ — This song exemplifies the collaboration's unique fusion of lush instrumentation and electronic elements, creating an immersive listening experience that reflects both artists' styles.
  • →
    Guillermo’s Bolero — The track features intricate layers of sound that evolve throughout, showcasing the band's knack for creating complex auditory landscapes while maintaining melodic coherence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases a blend of experimental sounds and structured tracks, reflecting the band's evolution while maintaining a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow, ambient introduction that gradually layers in electronic elements, creating a dense soundscape.
  • Each subsequent track features a distinct sonic palette, with 'Heavy Star Movin’' incorporating more traditional rock instrumentation alongside electronic beats.
  • The EP concludes with 'Guillermo’s Bolero', which shifts to a more rhythmic and structured format, contrasting the earlier abstract compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift towards new sonic territories and genre blending.
Themes
experimental soundscapes· whimsical abstraction· avant-garde collaboration
Career context
By 2011, The Flaming Lips were already established as pioneers in alternative rock, following their critically acclaimed album 'Embryonic' in 2009. This collaboration with Prefuse 73 showcases their willingness to explore new sonic territories, emphasizing their role as boundary-pushers in the music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Animal Collective· Tame Impala· MGMT

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Supermoon Made Me Want to Pee 3:24
  • 2 Heavy Star Movin’ 5:51
  • 3 Be Like That That That 4:31
  • 4 Guillermo’s Bolero 4:11

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata