Zaireeka cover

Zaireeka

The Flaming Lips · 1997

182 min · 32 tracks · alternative rock · space rock

An experimental tapestry of sound that invites listeners to engage with music in an unconventional, immersive way.

Why this album works

'Zaireeka' is notable for its ambitious format, requiring four CDs to be played simultaneously for the full experience, which captured attention in the alternative music scene. It showcased The Flaming Lips' willingness to push boundaries and paved the way for their later success with albums like 'The Soft Bulletin,' earning critical acclaim and influencing countless artists in experimental rock.
Best for
immersive sound exploration experience dynamic journey with peaks headphone detail hunting required
Context
Released on October 28, 1997, 'Zaireeka' was a pivotal moment for The Flaming Lips, arriving after their breakthrough album 'The Soft Bulletin.' This release explored the concept of multi-disc listening experiences, challenging conventional formats and emphasizing the band's artistic experimentation as they transitioned from cult favorites to mainstream innovators.

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Okay I’ll Admit That I Really Don’t Understand 2:51
  • 2 Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) Standout 7:02
  • 3 Thirty‐Five Thousand Feet of Despair Standout 4:58
  • 4 A Machine in India Standout 10:23
  • 5 The Train Runs Over the Camel but Is Derailed by the Gnat 6:13
  • 6 How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos) 2:23
  • 7 March of the Rotten Vegetables 6:27
  • 8 The Big Ol’ Bug Is the New Baby Now 5:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Okay I’ll Admit That I Really Don’t Understand 2:51
  • 2 Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) Standout 7:02
  • 3 Thirty‐Five Thousand Feet of Despair Standout 4:58
  • 4 A Machine in India Standout 10:23
  • 5 The Train Runs Over the Camel but Is Derailed by the Gnat 6:13
  • 6 How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos) 2:23
  • 7 March of the Rotten Vegetables 6:27
  • 8 The Big Ol’ Bug Is the New Baby Now 5:10

Disc 3

  • 1 Okay I’ll Admit That I Really Don’t Understand 2:51
  • 2 Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) Standout 7:02
  • 3 Thirty‐Five Thousand Feet of Despair Standout 4:58
  • 4 A Machine in India Standout 10:23
  • 5 The Train Runs Over the Camel but Is Derailed by the Gnat 6:13
  • 6 How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos) 2:23
  • 7 March of the Rotten Vegetables 6:27
  • 8 The Big Ol’ Bug Is the New Baby Now 5:11

Disc 4

  • 1 Okay I’ll Admit That I Really Don’t Understand 2:51
  • 2 Riding to Work in the Year 2025 (Your Invisible Now) Standout 7:02
  • 3 Thirty‐Five Thousand Feet of Despair Standout 4:58
  • 4 A Machine in India Standout 10:23
  • 5 The Train Runs Over the Camel but Is Derailed by the Gnat 6:13
  • 6 How Will We Know? (Futuristic Crashendos) 2:23
  • 7 March of the Rotten Vegetables 6:27
  • 8 The Big Ol’ Bug Is the New Baby Now 5:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata