The Flaming Lips Announce At War With the Mystics Box Set

The Flaming Lips have prepared a special reissue of archival materials for the 20th anniversary of their album At War With the Mystics. Originally released in 2006, the album came out four years after the group earned a commercial breakthrough with their album Yoshimi. On November 13, the 2006 album will be released in the form of either a six-LP set or a six-CD set. As part of the reissue, The Sound of Failure [2 Demos] has been presented as one of the recordings to hear.

More than 30 previously unreleased rare recordings are included in the new reissue. The contents of the set include demos, B-sides, shelved songs, alternate versions, and various contributions made to film soundtracks. The release also contains two live concert albums from 2006, titled U.F.O.s at the Zoo and Live at the Hollywood Bowl.

The Flaming Lips continued their musical activities this year following the departure of Steve Drozd from the group. Drozd had served as a multi-instrumentalist, co-songwriter, and core member of the band since 1991. Addressing his exit, Drozd attributed his departure to his decision to stop touring.