

The Soft Bulletin is considered by some to be partially responsible for establishing the latter-day identity of the Flaming Lips, and as its following expanded over the years after its release, paving the way to their being among the most well-respected groups of the 2000s. The album is now considered by many to be the Flaming Lips's masterpiece. The Soft Bulletin was lauded by critics and fans alike and topped numerous "Best of 1999" lists.
FLAMING LIPS SOFT BULLETIN 2012 VINYL REISSUE PROFESSIONAL
Reception Professional ratings Aggregate scores The original photograph was featured in a 1966 Life magazine article on LSD. The cover artwork of the album is a modified version of a photograph taken by Lawrence Schiller titled The Acid Test: Neal Cassady, which according to Schiller, depicts Neal Cassady dancing with his own shadow during an Acid Test conducted by the Merry Pranksters. This sound was achieved in part by detuning and layering multiple MIDI keyboards as opposed to recording a live orchestra. Its large, layered, symphonic sound has also earned it a reputation as the Pet Sounds of the 1990s from a few critics. The album was also noted for its fusion of ordinary rock instruments, electronic beats, and synthesizers. The album was considered to mark a change in the course for the band, with more traditional catchy melodies, accessible-sounding music (their previous album Zaireeka was a quadruple album of experimental sounds meant to be played on four separate stereo systems simultaneously), and more serious and thoughtful lyrics.
