This juxtaposition of larger-than-life enormity and intimate emotion perfectly captures the song’s story of scientists confronting the immensity of the world’s problems. When the orchestra drops out, Coyne’s singing becomes more cozy and personal against a minimal groove. The songs don’t feel any less weird, but the improved sonic quality makes it feel like your ears have popped or you’ve just emerged from the birth canal. Rock bands sometimes hold back when they play with a symphony-Metallica, I’m glancing in your general direction-but this isn’t a problem here. The orchestra adds to the song’s immensity without altering its feel. This album obviously cost a lot to make.Īfter some crowd noise and a slow orchestral build, the warped string melody of “Race for the Prize” fills the soundscape. This release of The Soft Bulletin reverberates with the power of this new technology as well as attesting to The Flaming Lips’ stature in the music industry. Twenty years is a long time in terms of musical technology. The Soft Bulletin marked a turning point in the Oklahoma City rockers’ career, from lo-fi garage rock freaks blowing out people’s ears in small clubs to mainstream musicians transforming arena shows into psychedelic multimedia extravaganzas.
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The live release feels like the original album, only more vibrant. The band is now releasing the recording of the show to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the original album. The Soft Bulletin: Live at Red Rocks With the Colorado Symphony The Flaming Lips