Music is all about good ideas, and Wayne Coyne is full of 'em. It's his execution that needs some work.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, the latest outing from Coyne's quirky psychedelic act, The Flaming Lips, presents itself as a grand, anime-inspired concept album, a dazzling masterpiece of creativity and depth. And, with meditations on mortality and a sunny, synthetic sound that is best described as Radiohead performing the soundtrack to Super Mario Brothers, Coyne and his Flaming cohorts certainly have a lot going for them.
Unfortunately, the magnificent sci-fi opera is cut short after only three songs. After "One More Robot" and "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" parts one and two, the courageous ninjas and menacing androids disappear from the album altogether. It's fun while it lasts, but Yoshimi's bravery and skill end up being a bit underwhelming.
That pothole doesn't ruin the Lips' journey into psychedelia, though, because Coyne's sense of melody never fails to miss the mark. Maddeningly contagious songs like the quirky title song and the infectious hit "Do You Realize??" are as unforgettable as a Beatles song, and are best taken in small doses, followed by a tranquilizer; otherwise, getting any sleep is out of the question.
Speaking of sleep, the band's biggest misstep is on the snoozer "In the Morning of Magicians," which, despite achieving a delicate balance of synthesizers and acoustic guitars, ends up being a bit lackluster. Other than that, though, Yoshimi is warm, charming ear candy, guaranteed to add some color to a gray day (or a drab music collection).
The Flaming Lips' pleasant aural soundscapes are painted mostly in pastel colors, in slight contrast to the sometimes-dark nature of the lyrics. Though the album has a clear optimistic bent, it's optimism in the face of struggle. "It's Summertime," for example, offers encouragement to someone mourning the death of a loved one. "Do You Realize??" asks the listener to live in the moment rather than worry about the future, but also reminds us that "everyone you know someday will die." Coyne's poetry is amateurish, at best, but his life-affirming lyrics are somewhat uplifting, nonetheless.
It would have been nice to hear more from Yoshimi and her robotic opponents. And, while we're dreaming, more complex, challenging lyrics would have been nice, too. But, as it is, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots is smartly crafted, psychedelic cotton candy, and should help tide music fans over until the glorious moments when we are treated to new material from U2 and Radiohead.
Review Summary:
1. What does the album sound like?
Warm, sunny psychedelia, comprised of synthetic sounds and acoustic guitars.
2. Is the album well made?
Somewhat. The melodies are as catchy as any you'll find in pop music, but Wayne Coyne's lyrics lack the poetry of some of his peers.
3. Will you like the album?
You might, if you're in the mood for something a little different. If a catchy tune is all it takes to float your boat, then Yoshimi is not to be missed. Fans of stellar electric guitar solos or poetic lyrics should look elsewhere.
4. Final Score: 3.5 out of 5
3.5/5
Similar sounding releases
1996HooverphonicA New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular
2001Ian BrownMusic of the Spheres
2004KasabianKasabian
2005Blind DivineDevouring the Beautiful
1999Color FilterSleep in a Synchotron
2000MobyPlay: The B-Sides
