In July 2002, the Flaming Lips released their ambitious eleventh album entitled ''Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots' that merged elements of orchestral pop, electronic dance music and old-fashioned psychedelic rock with lyrical themes that were simultaneously poignant, philosophical and supremely silly. The album sold a million copies worldwide, introduced the Flaming Lips to a mass audience, and made them one of the best-known cult bands in recent rock history. ''Staring at Sound' is the tale of the Flaming Lips's fascinating, long career (which began in 1983) and the many colourful personalities in its orbit, particularly Wayne Coyne, the charismatic and visionary founder. Written with the complete cooperation of the band, it follows the Lips through the thriving indie-rock underground of the 1980s and the alternative rock movement of the early 90s, during which they found fans in such rock legends as Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Robert Plant, Devo, and respected peers in such acts as the White Stripes, Radiohead, and Beck. ''Staring at Sound' is an illuminating, well-researched, fast-moving and very human portrait of one of the most distinctive rock music acts of our time. The official biography of the Grammy Award-winning band Full coverage of the multiple personnel changes Exclusives on the band's musical heroes, phobias and love of sci-fi New Flaming Lips album ''At War With The Mystics' out this summer.