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At War with the Mystics

(2006, Indie rock, by The Flaming Lips, Label: Warner Brothers)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Alt rock group talks trash about state of affairs.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Plenty of commentary on the Bush administration without mentioning names.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    References blowing up the world ("If you could blow up the world with the flick of a switch/Would you do it?") but doesn't condone it.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    A single "motherf--ker."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About At War with the Mystics

Parents need to know that the Flaming Lips seem crazier and more of a potentially bad influence than they really are. The band is famous for its live shows that feature an array of costumes, props, and blood-like paint, but in reality they're an eccentric but smart indie rock group that's been around for more than two decades and know what they're doing. The album touches on serious topics such as politics, terrorism, and superficiality.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the playful approach the Flaming Lips take to their performances, whether it's frontman Wayne Coyne's penchant for surfing the crowd in a giant transparent beach ball or the furry costumes of their stage dancers. Families can also talk about the band's more serious side, as they take on subjects like the Bush Administration, the war on terrorism, and a celebrity-obsessed culture. The "Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" also talks about what you can do if you had power: "If you could watch everyone work while you just lay on your back/Would you do it?" What would you want your special power to be?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Absolutely incredible!

    The melodic and varied sounds of the Flaming Lips may sound strange to some, but for those such as myself, it's beautiful music to the ears. They send nothing but positive messages about being unselfish, taking power over negative influences, and being amazed by the wonders of life. I'd recommend this to anyone with an open mind and time to listen and reflect on a gorgeous piece of work.

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