At War With The Mystics
by The Flaming Lips
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 123 out of 156
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 156
  3. Negative: 10 out of 156

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Jcelsius
    Feb 7, 2013
    10
    This album is an overlooked masterpiece. It has the sort of kookiness the Flaming Lips can boast about while mixing in deeper, more melodic songs. "Mr. Ambulance driver" is a fantastically emotional song while "W.A.N.D." is an electric anthem of empowerment. The opening track is odd, but completely wonderful. There's a lot of atmosphere on this album and some people might find the lullsThis album is an overlooked masterpiece. It has the sort of kookiness the Flaming Lips can boast about while mixing in deeper, more melodic songs. "Mr. Ambulance driver" is a fantastically emotional song while "W.A.N.D." is an electric anthem of empowerment. The opening track is odd, but completely wonderful. There's a lot of atmosphere on this album and some people might find the lulls unpleasant, but when looked at as a whole and not just a collection of songs it's hard not to reflect on the beauty of it all.… Expand
  2. bolisj
    Oct 3, 2006
    7
    A bad Lips album is still OK by many other standards, but just as Yoshimi was a step down from The Soft Bulletin, this is a further drop in standards... and yet it could have been much better... the basics are there alright, but those annoying, innane, occasionally even embarrassing, little chirps and yeahs etc really started to get on my nerves after a few listens. I have pretty much A bad Lips album is still OK by many other standards, but just as Yoshimi was a step down from The Soft Bulletin, this is a further drop in standards... and yet it could have been much better... the basics are there alright, but those annoying, innane, occasionally even embarrassing, little chirps and yeahs etc really started to get on my nerves after a few listens. I have pretty much everything they've ever done, so I can appreciate and applaud the fact that they're not standing still musically (compare Hit To Death.. with this for example!), but this makes me wonder if it's time to start thinking about hangin' up them old guitars.… Expand
  3. AliMcQ
    Apr 5, 2006
    7
    Odd one. Musically very different to Yoshimi and Soft bulletin. The melodies and song progression, the scale, the emotion just aren't there, replaced with a lot of kooky falsetto stuff, highly producted feel. Reminded me of Scissor Sisters a bit. You can't really compare it to anything else easily tho - there is a huge variety of sounds and styles, none of them very much like Odd one. Musically very different to Yoshimi and Soft bulletin. The melodies and song progression, the scale, the emotion just aren't there, replaced with a lot of kooky falsetto stuff, highly producted feel. Reminded me of Scissor Sisters a bit. You can't really compare it to anything else easily tho - there is a huge variety of sounds and styles, none of them very much like their previous 2 records... Still its not too bad taking it for what it is... I've only had it 2 days. First listen I was dissappointed, but after a few listens it's growing on me.… Expand
  4. matsl
    Apr 10, 2006
    10
    i think this album is fantastic! they mix the cool 70's rock sound with more modern electronica. the lyrics are also great, playful but serious.
  5. RH
    Apr 5, 2006
    10
    Only The Soft Bulletin is a stronger album than this collection, which is a nice group of songs that manage to gel together well, despite not having anything in common. It's one of those albums that displays everything an artist does best.
  6. DanB.
    Apr 7, 2006
    7
    I dunno man, I can see why some long time fans might be less than thrilled with this, but I have not heard much of their old stuff and I really like this. I realize some of the tracks aren't the strongest songs, like if you played them acoustic there'd be very little there. But. I still really did it. Like I looooooove the track Pompeii am Gotterwhatever. The lyrics and the I dunno man, I can see why some long time fans might be less than thrilled with this, but I have not heard much of their old stuff and I really like this. I realize some of the tracks aren't the strongest songs, like if you played them acoustic there'd be very little there. But. I still really did it. Like I looooooove the track Pompeii am Gotterwhatever. The lyrics and the music. And Yeah Yeah Yeah song, I don't think it's shallow. I think it's too catchy for its own good--like I binge listened to it 100 times and now I'm slightly sick of it. Anyway, it's a cool album, even if it's not super capital G Great.… Expand
  7. RickW
    May 10, 2006
    8
    A fantastic album. I only bought after hearing it the last 8 times i went to my record shop (I dont think they've stopped playing it since it came out!) and it kept growing on me. 'Havent got a clue' is a fantastic tune.
  8. BenW
    Jun 8, 2006
    9
    Incredible album......beyond the 70's throwbacks is the psychedelic trip that we have come to know and love from this band. I am actually enjoying this album more than Yoshimi. First listen maybe a 7/10, then the depth and quality of each track just keeps on growing to form what ultimately develops into the perfect album - the natural progresssion they just had to write.
  9. DamonT
    Apr 23, 2007
    8
    Mostly, a very enjoyable album.
  10. GlennD
    Apr 11, 2006
    8
    Future releases of this CD, may boast of "omitted material" rather than "bonus material". Leave off the trite "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah Song" and this is 10/10 material.
  11. lewist
    Apr 10, 2006
    10
    I don't know what some people here are talking about "self indulgent". IMO, the Flaming Lips have managed to equal up to their expected, after Yoshimi. Some upbeats and some slower songs give the Album more character and make it more interesting - and they have still maintained their 'nice' conventions - even if this album is slightly more aggresive.
  12. JoeH
    Apr 17, 2006
    8
    Certainly better the more times you listen to it - also better with close listening. Surprising how simple they sound with all the bells and whistles. Still, there are a couple of songs I'll probably be skipping through after awhile.
  13. BradP
    Apr 24, 2006
    8
    Not "Soft Bulletin", but what is? After my first listen, it was a 5. Then after another, it made it up to 6, and now stands at about 8. It covers a familiar arc, not unlike Yoshimi - morality, simple facts of life/death, selflessness - these topics are handled in usual Lips' fashion, with a racousness that belies the underlying sweetness. Yes, these are guys you would want to hang Not "Soft Bulletin", but what is? After my first listen, it was a 5. Then after another, it made it up to 6, and now stands at about 8. It covers a familiar arc, not unlike Yoshimi - morality, simple facts of life/death, selflessness - these topics are handled in usual Lips' fashion, with a racousness that belies the underlying sweetness. Yes, these are guys you would want to hang out with and have over for dinner. They would treat you nicely and play with your kids. And there would be stories to tell... The upshot of my review is: give it a few spins. It gets better and may ultimately rate up there with Yoshimi. The Lips are an endlessly creative bunch.… Expand
  14. coy
    Apr 3, 2006
    10
    Best Flamin Lips record, defnitely! Even bether than Soft Bulletin.
  15. CasperM
    Apr 3, 2006
    9
    8.5, through and through. Tis is vintage Lips!
  16. BobS
    Apr 3, 2006
    9
    `tis a groovy album, ci senor?
  17. JoshC
    Apr 4, 2006
    8
    I love WAYNE....This album is completely different then there last two...It took a couple of listens to really fall in love with this album, but she keeps growing on me...I don't know by next week I might say this album is a TEN!!! Again I love WAYNE!!
  18. matta
    Apr 4, 2006
    8
    Now, even a mediocre lips album is pretty great, but people like coy and other giving a 10 are just kidding themselves. Yoshimi could afford filler because it had six or seven of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard on it, but this album doesn't have that luxury, so throwaway tracks like "wizard" and "pompeii" just seem like a waste. Still, we do have some serious lips classics Now, even a mediocre lips album is pretty great, but people like coy and other giving a 10 are just kidding themselves. Yoshimi could afford filler because it had six or seven of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard on it, but this album doesn't have that luxury, so throwaway tracks like "wizard" and "pompeii" just seem like a waste. Still, we do have some serious lips classics here (Free Radicals, The Sound of Failure, Mr. Ambulance Driver, Haven't Got A Clue, and Goin On), and these moments salvage the album, in fact, they make it worth your money.… Expand
  19. JonR
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    Though it's not absolutely perfect this album lacks any real weak points, just a few rather uninteresting ones mainly thanks to their fantastic company. It's nice to hear that they've ditched the drum samples that plagued Yoshimi though, Steve really is too great a drummer (one of my favorites) to do that for a whole album... But that's a whole different issue. At War Though it's not absolutely perfect this album lacks any real weak points, just a few rather uninteresting ones mainly thanks to their fantastic company. It's nice to hear that they've ditched the drum samples that plagued Yoshimi though, Steve really is too great a drummer (one of my favorites) to do that for a whole album... But that's a whole different issue. At War With the Mystics has turned me from being vaguely interested in the Lips to a true fan. A fantastic album to be sure, instant classic even and like the Soft Bulletin one I'll be listening to for years to come. I'd give a 93/100 or so which rounds to "9" so there you have it.… Expand
  20. KellyM
    Apr 4, 2006
    9
    The next step in the evolution of The Lips. Recognizing the past while taking a step towards the future. Did I happen to mention it sounds incredible? I can't wait to see "Pompeii AM Gotterdammerung" performed live.
  21. SpencerM
    Apr 4, 2006
    7
    A strong effort by the band. Reminiscent of Yoshimi and the Soft Bulletin, while not quite achiving the grandioseness of either, the Flaming Lips have changed their sound here in a positive matter-- less keys, more riffs and vocal manipulations. If they'd stuck to the same formula, the result would've been terrible. I also appreciate the politics of this band, so I'm going A strong effort by the band. Reminiscent of Yoshimi and the Soft Bulletin, while not quite achiving the grandioseness of either, the Flaming Lips have changed their sound here in a positive matter-- less keys, more riffs and vocal manipulations. If they'd stuck to the same formula, the result would've been terrible. I also appreciate the politics of this band, so I'm going to support this album through and through.… Expand
  22. ChrisC
    Apr 5, 2006
    8
    This album has a lot of great tracks on it. But nothing as great as the best from their two previous albums, and it has little or no musical focus.
  23. ChrisJ
    Apr 5, 2006
    7
    "The Wand" had me salivating at the thought of a Transmissions era sounding album. Unfortunately, this album seems a little slight in the center. I'd have liked to hear the album start off strong with "The Wand", "Pompeii..." and "Goin' On" and continue on the tangent that the last three songs started. I still can't fault Wayne and co. on a lackluster attempt, they've "The Wand" had me salivating at the thought of a Transmissions era sounding album. Unfortunately, this album seems a little slight in the center. I'd have liked to hear the album start off strong with "The Wand", "Pompeii..." and "Goin' On" and continue on the tangent that the last three songs started. I still can't fault Wayne and co. on a lackluster attempt, they've given us a few of the greatest albums of the last ten years.… Expand
  24. AliM
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    Awesome, mind-blowing. This album goes from pure pop in the Yeah Yeah Yeah Song to deranged funk in Free Radicals and It Overtakes Me to electro-prog in The W.A.N.D. and Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung. It's not for everyone, but I've got the feeling that this album will own my summer.
  25. MichaelJ
    Apr 6, 2006
    9
    got a feeling this album will prove itself over time to be a bit of a classic
  26. Mr.FrankOK
    Apr 7, 2006
    10
    This is exactly how the Flaming Lips should sound during this stage of their career, mature but experimental. This album now shares a permanent spot in my happy brain. Yummers, just complete Yummers. If "The Sound of Failure" doesn't move you, then you aren't me. I'm slightly better.
  27. db
    Apr 8, 2006
    8
    Do you realize what a wonderful world, my cosmic autumn rebellion is? OK I'll admit that I don't really understand. Buggin' a machine in India over the rainbow claims your bad days will end. But evil will prevail and lucifer's rising. Be my head Mr. Ambulance driver. I know a spoonful weighs a ton but don't be ego tripping at the gates of hell. Well it's Do you realize what a wonderful world, my cosmic autumn rebellion is? OK I'll admit that I don't really understand. Buggin' a machine in India over the rainbow claims your bad days will end. But evil will prevail and lucifer's rising. Be my head Mr. Ambulance driver. I know a spoonful weighs a ton but don't be ego tripping at the gates of hell. Well it's summertime in the morning of magicians. How will we know? When lightning strikes the postman and the switch that turns off the universe caused the gash & the spark that bled. So shine on sweet Jesus as we are waitin' for a superman. Superhumans up above the daily hum with thirty-five thousand feet of despair, the wizard turns on. She don't use jelly but prefers the WAND. How will we know that suddenly everything has changed? You'll be feeling yourself disintegrate while slow nerve action will make a spoonful weigh a ton. When yer twenty two you've got to hold on. You see, we can't predict the future but the sound of failure has caused the assassination of the sun. So this is your fight test. Yeah, yeah, yeah! So race for the prize, the big ol' bug is the new baby now.… Expand
  28. gman
    Apr 8, 2006
    9
    I was unsure about this at first but I really should've known better. It takes a few listens to make sense (but the best music does). Whether it's as great as Soft Bulletin or Yoshimi is open to debate but ultimately irrelevant. As is stands it's a great album in it's own right and yet another stunning example of the Lips' genius. This is probably the sort of I was unsure about this at first but I really should've known better. It takes a few listens to make sense (but the best music does). Whether it's as great as Soft Bulletin or Yoshimi is open to debate but ultimately irrelevant. As is stands it's a great album in it's own right and yet another stunning example of the Lips' genius. This is probably the sort of thing Gram Parsons was hoping for when he talked about 'Cosmic American Music'.… Expand
  29. Brendan
    Jun 8, 2006
    9
    While this is definitely not the best of the Lips' work, I don't have a clue how people can be so unimpressed by tracks like "My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion," which is a glorious cacophany in the vein of "Riding to Work in the Year 2025." Any Pink Floyd fans out there should be taken by "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung" and the second half of "It Overtakes Me," both of which are lifted While this is definitely not the best of the Lips' work, I don't have a clue how people can be so unimpressed by tracks like "My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion," which is a glorious cacophany in the vein of "Riding to Work in the Year 2025." Any Pink Floyd fans out there should be taken by "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung" and the second half of "It Overtakes Me," both of which are lifted almost directly from the Floyd's "Meddle" record. "Mystics" also combines the 3-D effect of "Zaireeka" with the sheen production of the last two records AND the heavy, guitar-driven edge of the early, punkier Lips (think "Oh My Gawd"-era). Excepting the rather tuneless "Haven't Got a Clue," the album is genius.… Expand
  30. Landon__
    Jan 7, 2007
    10
    Masterpiece with political undertones. Their best albumt o date
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

24
#24 Most Discussed Album of 2006
78
#78 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 37
  3. Negative: 1 out of 37
  1. Amazon.com
    90
    Coyne is a shrewd observer of human nature, and an even shrewder songwriter and this album stands as his greatest and most varied work yet.
    Read full review
  2. Filter
    92
    Each consecutive [song] is stranger than the last. [#19, p.88]
  3. Los Angeles Times
    88
    The weird part is how well this stuff holds together, a delirious jumble of android psychedelia and Coyne's elliptical wordplay that goes down as easily as warm milk (spiked with acid). [26 Mar 2006]
See all critic reviews »