Look, I like a good parody as much as the next person. And heck, satire makes me smile. And finally, I really feel like you have to be open to new sounds.
That said, the Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is just bad. The lead screamer is kind of whining most of the time. The instruments are used so simplistically that a kindergartener playing with one of those plastic-stringed banjos from the toy store sounds better and demonstrates superior skill.
Now my friend protests that the lyrics are deep and that the sound is an acquired taste, but with so much else out there to listen to, why bother? Of course, you could buy their albums and they have a site with psychedelic art, etc., but I'd advise against wasting any more time on the Flaming Lips.
Article comments
1 - zr
How insightful. Do you call that a review? Come on, you can do better than that!
2 - Tom Johnson
I agree with ZR. How about instead of trying to come up with a funny way to insult something you don't get, you actually invest some time in understanding why you don't like it? This is the kind of review that gives critics a bad name - you just declare something bad and then proceed to insult the music from there on out.
Your review is just a disservice to readers - you don't give them any ground by which they can judge whether your views can be trusted. Instead of taking a little time to expand on your ideas, you're so caught up in finding "funny" (I use that loosely) ways of insulting something you don't understand.
You don't have to like everything you hear, but you should have enough respect for music in general and respect for readers that you take some time and make an attempt at a thoughtful, thought-provoking examination of the music.
3 - Craig Lyndall
I would also add that playing instruments simplistically doesn't make something bad. I used to think that a minimum level of technical proficiency was necessary to play good music. Turns out, I was wrong. It has nothing to do with songcraft. So that is an empty insult in my book anyway.
4 - Mark Saleski
i yakked about this issue back a while ago
nasty 'reviews' are just too easy, no fun and pointless.
5 - Eric Olsen
While I completely disagree with the verdict of the review, I think (OB) does explain why he (I assume) doesn't like it, and there is no rule that says you have to only write positive reviews. As far as tone goes, it's snide but not cruel. You know, just because someone doesn't like the Flaming Lips doesn't necessarily mean they are inbred, cretinous or even a pedophile. But I kid.
6 - Mark Saleski
oh yea, we certainly dont' have to have positive reviews (that's just me).
what i read was: the singer's whiny and they don't know how to play their instruments.
i guess i coulda used a little more.
7 - adam.b
But why review it now? ... especially without any new take? There are people who love this album and there are people who hate this album. Why not just add a comment to a fuller more developed review falling on either side of the fence rather than just say (very simplistically) that you don't care for it?
8 - Tom Johnson
I've never said all reviews have to be positive. Mark notes in his post about nasty reviews that he seems to be overwhelmingly positive. I don't think that's the case. I think what it is is that he's fair, and because this isn't a career, no one is forcing us to write these reviews and so Mark tends to write about the things he actually likes. I do the same thing - why waste my time with something that's just plain out of my interest? Move on, let it go. I am mature enough to admit that there are things I just don't get, and there's no need to disparage the music and the fans with a scatching review. If I absolutely have to write a review of something I don't get, it should be at least a respectful display of my reasons why. This was not - the "child banging pots together" type of analogy used here long ago wore itself out as a clever way to put down something you don't like.
What a review must be, in order for readers to trust what the critic wrote, is honest, earnest, and thoughtful. This was not. I don't care if he likes the Flaming Lips. I love two and am intrigued by one of their albums (Yoshimi, Soft Bulletin, and Zaireeka intrigues me a whole lot, but I don't have 4 stereos with which to experience it so I have to leave it as "intrigue.") The rest, their earlier albums, lack the charm and sophistication they've cultivated with their last few, and have too much of a ragged feel and jokey nature about them for me to get into. See? I was able to have a negative review in just a few words without resulting to negativity to do so. This Lips review, however, is a short example of Mark's post about the infamous "nasty review." This was an example of someone hearing this album, disliking it, and letting the power and exposure bestowed upon all of us BCers by Eric and this site go to his head. It's a smug and superior attitude and is disrespectful to readers who come here to see intelligent writing. OnBackground, your readers deserve some respect.
9 - PLB
The range of criticism by "OnBackground" is almost too overwhelming to respond to. The album is "just bad" ... what a substantial argument. Your review is "just bad" and it makes me think that you didn't even listen to the entire album.
The range of sound in each song is incredible and I will not concede that their methods are simplistic. The album as a work of art, and evaluated in totality, demonstrates the degree to which they are able to manipulate sound and vocals.
The history of music produced by the Flaming Lips demonstrates their talent and ability to produce a variety of different sounds of music, which in my mind sets them apart from other bands. This album is no different. The lyrics convey a different meaning each time they are heard and in each instance make a profound statement about love, emotion, and interactions between living things.
I challenge you to break out your "plastic-stringed banjo" and produce something that comes close to the quality of music from this album.
10 - Eric Olsen
I will not dispute anything written in the comments - I didn't say it was a great review, just trying to be fair.
I would say the intensity and specificity of the comments speak for themselves - perhaps the review was a clever ploy to draw out many and various comments??
11 - BRICKLAYER
Love the Lips, but for me, nothing will probably ever top "Hit to Death in the Future Head". Some friggin' great stuff right thurrrrr.
12 - OnBackground
This was one of my first online comments outside of politics and policy, and it appears that I've touched a nerve. I’d like to thank those who read my entry, and especially those who gave constructive comments and suggestions.
It’s interesting how much more of a response this got than my first post on Blogcritics reviewing a book just a week ago. I wonder if you read that?
I agree that reviews that draw insight from a deep reservoir of knowledge and personal experience are invaluable and applaud those who share those types of analyses with us.
I also appreciate the comments of those who suggest that I should give the Flaming Lips more of a chance, more of a hearing. Let’s put aside whether I or you like the particular album we’re discussing, and agree to disagree.
Let’s also agree to disagree about the merits of complex versus simple playing of instruments, and other specific points raised about the value of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. Blogs, including our contributions to Blogcritics, are facts mixed with our opinions. Period. I wrote what I thought of the Flaming Lips album. If you don’t like what I wrote, that’s your opinion and you are welcome to write it, but I wrote how I felt after listening to it.
If Blogcritics.org wants to set up standards or guidelines for posting then please do so. I suggest that, in addition to resources on this site, A Blogger’s Disclaimer http://midge.bloggage.com/readme/ and A Blogger’s Code http://www.cyberjournalist.net/news/000215.php have some good thoughts and, whether you agree with them or not, give us a way to start the discussion. Until then, let’s agree that the blogosphere and postings on Blogcritics.org are amazingly varied in their content, tone, and style. And, it is noted in the Official Comment Policy that people here seem to agree with that variety.
If you like the Flaming Lips, fine. I maintain the right to dislike music without necessarily searching deep in my soul (although I often do), consulting with any of you, or being a musician myself. And, as a critic, I maintain the right to express my opinion as I see fit.
I look forward to an ongoing conversation with you.
13 - The Theory
I, for one, also hate the album.
14 - carissa
the first time i was introduced to Flamming Lips was at a music festival last summer, they played real late night, and it was crazy these guys are real weirdos and know how to put on a great show. they are also coming out with a really interesting movie... i really dig these dudes their music is somethng really different, and refreshing!! rock on brothers
15 - Josh
What kinda of a pathetic review was that!? Whether they play their instuments "simplistically" or not does not matter at all in how they sound! Anyway stop insulting something that you don't know anything about! Maybe you should just stop writing reviews until you actually understand music and different styles of making it.
16 - todd
Simple is good.
You can play most of the really good songs, like "Yoshimi" and teh first 3-4 songs, on your acoustic and it sounds fine.
I did just that and got my brother, unaccountably devoted to Micheal Jackson and George Micheal, hooked on the 'Lips.
look at dylan's tabs/chords sometime and see how many chords he uses for all those hits he wrote.
17 - Al Barger
Chuck Berry played very simple guitar lines. I would assume that the author does not waste his time on such crap as "Johnny B Goode" or "Sweet Little Sixteen."
18 - zibblu hotels
perhaps the most ignorant & moronic music review i've ever read, and that's saying a lot. what people should not waste their time on is reading anymore of your reviews. jesus h christ. fucking sad.
19 - Scott Butki
I wish the review was more fleshed out. You mention the lyrics but don't explore whether your friend was right.
I say give them more of a try and let us know what you conclude.
20 - joro
Hey I dig the lips, but will probaly not buy another album of their's. do you realize is used on a land rover commercial. Just the beginning instrumental. How ironic yes "some day eveyone you know will die" so the song goes. Land rover contributes to the 40,000 deaths caused by automobile accidents. Is there another way for the lips to promote themselves?