On June 22, 1999 the Flaming Lips unleashed The Soft Bulletin, and for me, music was never the same. I remember listening to it for the first time and thinking it sounded like the Lips, but at the same time it didn’t.  I  thought it was weird that these weirdo rockers that gave us Transmissions From the Satellite Heart and Clouds Taste Metallic could create such beautiful songs that were  full of pain yet so hopeful at the same time. Although if you listen to the albums leading up to The Soft Bulletin in order you can see the incremental steps they were taking towards their masterpiece.  And if you were able to actually listen to Zaireeka then The Soft Bulletin probably didn’t come as a surprise at all.

The Soft Bulletin was the first album that really had an emotional impact on me.  OK Computer did too, but to a lesser extent which has a lot to do with my age when it came out.  As for the Soft Bulletin it’s tough to get through the album without actually questioning whether or not Wayne may have tailored the album just for me.  I am sure I’m not the only one who feels this way when I listen, and I think this is why the album is so great.  I know that I can put it on when I’m happy and in a great mood, but I can also put it on when I’ve had a horrible day.

The Soft Bulletin is without a doubt my favorite album of all time and it’s hard for me to believe it’s really been in existence for ten years.  Every time I listen it still sounds brand new and touches me in a different way.  I guess that’s really what make this album so amazing.

MP3: The Flaming Lips – Race for the Prize