It’s an overwhelming amount of music that I have listened to, to be honest. After spending some time counting and looking through my needlessly well-organized music folder, I determined I have listened to, and enjoyed, over 300 different bands. Even with such a varied and eclectic taste in the grand scheme of music, I always find myself coming back to one single band: The Flaming Lips.

Aside from the nonsensical and rather flamboyant name, The Flaming Lips may be one of the most well-known bands I intend to write about. They’ve been around since 1983, performing all sorts of types of songs, from experimental to psychedelic to indie. Regardless, their fans have been loyal followers throughout the years, as they have continued to create and release thirteen separate albums.

My experience with The Flaming Lips has been extensive. They were a large influence in my music taste. Their hits like “Do You Realize??” and “Race for the Prize” are just amazing mood-setters. Songs like “She Don’t Use Jelly” and “Fight Test” are testaments to the band’s clever, funny and sometimes thought-provoking lyrics. In the past five years, the band has released some phenomenal tracks for movies like “Good Luck Chuck,” “Spider-Man 3” and “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie.”

In writing this article, I’ve had a hard time not mentioning “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song (With All Your Power).” In my opinion, this is in my Top Ten for Best Songs of All Time. The reason why comes from seeing them live. They came to Columbus in 2009 and, since their live shows have been rated as “a must see band before you die” by Q Magazine, I had to see their show. Never have I been so blown away from a performance of music. Confetti cannons, laser pointers, smoke, mirrors and a giant, inflatable ball the lead singer, Wayne Coyne, climbed into and used to walk on the crowd – these were all things that actually managed to enhance the music. Somehow, they gave the most perfect visuals to each and every song, and even the songs I didn’t like sounded awesome. During the performance of “Yeah Yeah Yeah,” I couldn’t believe the energy around me. The song has a certain power that draws your entire self into it, feeling unbelievably cathartic. I can’t even begin to explain, however, in writing about it. I really want to go see them live again.

I could go on about the band’s personal philosophy mirroring the 1960s mentality with a new-age feel. I could talk about how the live show proves that every other band in the world doesn’t give back to their fans like these guys do. I could talk to you about how their latest album is an entire album cover of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon,” or their plans to release a brand new song every month this year. I could even talk about the movie they produced, directed and did the soundtrack for. The point I want to end on, however, is just how much this small band has touched music, as well as music performance, in a huge, astonishing way. What I really want to say is this; if you haven’t heard of The Flaming Lips, get up and do yourself a favor.