Science fiction themes and motifs have a tendency to be plagued by general skepticism and served as a large slice of cultural cheese. Using futuristic themes and actually arriving at a deeply human and emotional place is something not attempted often, and even less often, successfully realized. The Flaming Lips' latest album, "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots," does just this. Playing off an android theme, the Flaming lips explore the nature of emotion, mortality and acceptance. And all of this accomplished through mixtures of otherworldly sounds and earthy, acoustic tones.

Overall, the exploration of the dichotomy of human vs. android is mimicked even in the form of the songs themselves: electronic reverberations and warm, emotional undulations. "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" is indeed a journey, leaving the listener in a warm pool of reflection, easy to return to again and again for the warm, fuzzy feeling.

For mind expansion and exploration of bizarre Mars soundscapes, take a dip in the following tracks: "Do You Realize", "All We Have Is Now", "Are You A Hypnotist" and "Ego Tripping At The Gates Of Hell."

Warner Brothers, 2002.