Shotts once said that the Flaming Lips, “Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots” was a “life saver.”
If you are not a Flaming Lips fan I hope that after you watch the first video of “Do You Realize” that you will become one and then watch Wanyne’s commencement address (parts one and two) at Classen High in Oklahoma City, his home town where he and his family still live.
Great to view these. Of course, I’m curious if the graduation talk got anyone in trouble, what with talk of selling pot, human urine cures, and so forth. I thought it was a terrific message, and one probably more likely to succeed in sinking in than, say, Barb Baker’s valedictory speech. Not exactly a fair comparison, I realize.
Great to see the “Do You Realize??” video also, which I had not seen.
Yes, The Flaming Lips continue to be a lifesaver, and YOSHIMI in particular. I suspect the graduation speech may be saving a few lives as well.
In many way, I think The Flaming Lips have gone on in some similar directions where The Talking Heads left off, both in terms of style and force of originality and integrity of meaning. Really a vital band, and one of the best albums of the last decade, I’d have to say.
Thanks, J.E.