Customer Reviews

Due to High Expectations...The Flaming Lips Are Providing Needles for Your Balloons

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 44-minute EP download is a reissue of a 1994 physical product from the Lips. It starts off with "Bad Days," a carnival romp reminiscent of Wild Honey era Brian Wilson, and from there, gradually disintegrates into the kind of fun-filled, chaotic madness we've come to expect from Coyne Country (or Category). This includes the blissful guitar and fuzzed bass on "Ice Drummer;" plus "Waterbug," a "true story" about Wayne's brother and a grocery store arrest; and a rambling cover of a Bill Callahan/Smog song, "Chosen One." There's a fair amount of Wayne talking on this EP, introducing the songs live or in the studio, which is mildly entertaining. In all, this EP marked a fairly low-key but still enjoyable point on the Flaming Lips' journey through this strange world.

When I was in high school, my friend bought this EP and some other Flaming Lips stuff. I borrowed it for a long time, and since this was in the days before CD burning was in vogue, I made myself a tape of this record. This and Transmissions From The Satellite Heart were the foundation for what has become my songwriting career. I am to this day completely inspired and refreshed when I hear this record. So anyway, after I wore the tape out, I decided I needed to legally (!) purchase the disc. And it has not been an easy find. I began looking a couple of years ago. I got it in the mail last week.

WHY DO GREAT THINGS GO OUT OF PRINT?
I wish I knew. Fans of bands like the Flaming Lips thrive on EP's and unreleased b-sides. And if you are a Flaming Lips fan reading this review, I strongly urge you to do whatever you can to find this record. Your collection MUST include it.

This is a fine ep that kind of is an album. What I mean is, it clocks in at just under 45 minutes, and it contains nothing but unheard material. No, it isn't all major studio work, but where would the Residents be if that is all that matters? A great unknown piece of the flaming lips puzzle. Enjoy....baby.

2 months ago, I didn't realize this EP existed. I was shocked to see it listed for $100+, even $200+ Since then, I got into some bidding wars for it (some lucky bloke got it for $8.50 - brand new!) before I got my hands on it at a price that fit my pockets. Keep this little tale in mind when shopping for it. As to the EP itself - for FLips fans, it is worth $200+!

"Bad Days" sounds just like the "Clouds..." version (but that's okay, that horrible batman movie ruined this song for me anyway -my fault for watching it) and I believe that the same version of "...Waterbug..." is available on the "Turn It On" single, but everything else here is unavailable elsewhere as far as I know and is pure GOLD! "Chosen One" and a slightly harsher version of "Slow-Nerve-Action" (which ends with a short, instrumental hidden track) are worth it alone. Wayne Coyne has a certain sadness in his voice that doesn't depress you, but kinda touches you, especially in the beautifully clumsy version of "Little Drummer Boy".

Bottom-line: Get it, but don't hurt yourself in the process.

I have the original ep, on cd, but the cd isn't in the greatest shape after 16 years. So this is really awesome! I love these songs, and was actually at the recording for the Little Drummer Boy. Great Deal at $1.99!

Why doesn't anyone listen to these guys? They're quite possibly the most innovative, creative, and original (heh, all those mean basiclly the same thing) out there. Very few people are actually listening to them, while they do listen to absolut rehashed crapolla from bands which are falling apart or are only a fad.

This EP is wonderful. I wish it wasn't out of print, because it's a really great CD. The Flaming Lips have never done anything wrong, in my opinion. I'm one who can never "rank" or "rate" an artist/musician(s). The Flaming Lips' music is never disappointing, and always glorious.
All of the songs on "Providing Needles For Your Balloons" are really great. Even the demo of "Chewin' The Apple of Your Eye" is great. That's all I can say, really, is simply it is just a wonderful EP that is out of print. If you happen to run across it in a record store that sells used music, buy it and hold onto it.

songs in the same vein as transmission...excellent stuff here