ok, this criticism of the flaming lips is a little unfair. . .if anyone saw them before they went down to a trio, they had alot of talent. wayne and ronald jones could really play guitar. it was only after ronald left, that steven began to be the force behind the band. i remember seeing them as the quartet, and they were always very impressive, and fun to see.
however, i will give you that since the soft bulletin, a good portion of the live show is pre-recorded (mainly drums) and steven handles the guitar/noise part of the show. but its the atmosphere and show that they put on that's great now. while i'd love to hear something from before the soft bulletin (turn it on, especially), i can live with that every time i see them, i'll see a great show and be happy for several days afterwards.