Now Available: The Flaming Lips, SCRATCHING THE DOOR: THE FIRST RECORDINGS OF THE FLAMING LIPS

To many people, The Flaming Lips are one of the most fascinating bands of the past few decades, a musical collective filled with folks who have artistic sensibilities which lean heavily toward the eccentric but haven’t forgotten the value of inserting a catchy pop hook now and then. The end result of melding these things together has been the creation of a back catalog which not only made them Grammy winners, but also – because you knew we were going to make this about us at some point or other, so we might as well get it over with in the first paragraph – has led them to be the subject of Rhino and Warner Bros. Records’ latest reissue program. 

And, hey, what do you know? That reissue program kicks off today!

SCRATCHING THE DOOR: THE FIRST RECORDINGS OF THE FLAMING LIPS is a compilation that offers up music recorded by the band's original lineup, featuring Mark Coyne –yes, Wayne’s brother – on vocals. This includes their first and second cassette demos as well as their first self-released EP, making it the first time that all three of these things have been compiled on a single disc. You’ll likely get a kick out of the band’s cover song choices, which include “Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere” (The Who), “Communication Breakdown” (Led Zeppelin), and the “Batman” theme (Neal Hefti).

Here’s the full track listing: 

SCRATCHING THE DOOR: THE FIRST RECORDINGS OF THE FLAMING LIPS

1. "Bag Full Of Thoughts"
2. "Out For A Walk"
3. "Garden Of Eyes"
4. "Forever Is A Long Time"
5. "Scratchin' The Door"
6. "My Own Planet"
7. "Killer On The Radio"
8. "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere"
9. "Batman Theme"
10. "Handsome Johnny"
11. "Flaming Lips Theme Song 1983"
12. "The Future Is Gone"
13. "Underground Pharmacist"
14. "Real Fast Words"
15. "Groove Room"
16. "Jesus Shootin' Heroin"
17. "Trains, Brains & Rain"
18. "Communication Breakdown"
19. "Summertime Blues"

Oh, and fair warning, Flaming Lips fans: on June 29, Rhino will be releasing a six-CD box set by the band: it’s called SEEING THE UNSEEABLE: THE COMPLETE RECORDINGS OF THE FLAMING LIPS 1986-1990, and it’s gonna be awesome. Keep your eyes open for more info!

And now, let’s go out on the band’s theme song!