Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions received little appreciation until well after his death. Embryonic is a must own for current fans of The Flaming Lips, but for listeners new to the band, instrumentals like “Scorpio Sword” may prove to be too much to grasp. MGMT is no stranger to musical manipulation, but it seems as though they may have struggled to keep up with the futuristic thinking Flaming Lips. The Flaming Lips also team up with the overnight success MGMT for the track “Worm Mountain.” Although MGMT can be heard backing up Wayne Coyne on vocals, it is almost comical listening to the track for any other MGMT influences. Karen O is not the only collaboration on this record. “I Can Be a Frog,” featuring Karen O, is as close as the band comes to a radio friendly hit and while the beautifully simplistic video that accompanies the song will most likely be the most watched Flaming Lips video on the internet, it is unlikely to earn the kind of radio play “Do You Realize” and “She Don’t Use Jelly” continue to receive. Unlike the majority of The Flaming Lips releases, Embryonic lacks a true single. While casual listeners may not hear many differences, it is the true subtleties found in The Flaming Lips’ expansive use of dynamic range that makes this release truly incredible.

It should be noted that this album was designed to be heard in its DVD format which has 256 times the resolution of a standard CD. From their punk inspired debut, Hear It Is, in 1986 to the sonically experimental Transmissions from the Satellite Heart in 1993, to their duo of albums finding harmony in complexity: The Soft Bulletin and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, to their chaotic overture that is Embryonic, The Flaming Lips have constantly manipulated and molded their sound through a series of musical risks no other mainstream artist has attempted. Reviews are out of a five possible stars The Flaming Lips – Embryonic The Flaming Lips have had one of the most dramatic evolutions of any band in history.

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