Hear It Is

Hear It Is- Album Overview

"Hear It Is" is the debut studio album by the American rock band The Flaming Lips, released in 1986. The album marked the beginning of the band's journey into the alternative rock scene, showcasing their early sound that combined elements of psychedelic rock and punk. Released under the label Restless Records, "Hear It Is" was recorded at the band's self-built studio in Oklahoma City, allowing them creative freedom that would shape their future work. The production was helmed by the band members themselves, presenting a raw and unpolished aesthetic that captured the spirit of the mid-1980s underground music scene.

The album consists of 10 tracks, including notable songs like "One Million Billionth of a Millisecond on a Sunday Morning" and "With You." These tracks reflect the band's experimental nature and often whimsical lyrics, a precursor to their more intricate concepts in later albums. The Flaming Lips, led by Wayne Coyne, were joined by band members Michael Ivins and Richard English, who contributed to the unique sound that characterized this initial offering.

Though "Hear It Is" did not achieve significant commercial success upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is appreciated for its innovative approach to music and lyrical content. The album set the stage for The Flaming Lips to explore more ambitious themes and sonic landscapes in subsequent albums, solidifying their place in the alternative music canon.

Review

The sound of "Hear It Is" is distinctly lo-fi, reflecting the band's early days and their commitment to an experimental ethos. The production quality is raw, which adds a certain charm to the album, allowing the listener to experience the unrefined energy of The Flaming Lips. Lyrically, the songs often delve into surreal and abstract themes, showcasing Wayne Coyne's penchant for imaginative storytelling. This artistic vision hints at the grander, more orchestral soundscapes that The Flaming Lips would later embrace in albums like "The Soft Bulletin" and "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots."