The Flaming Lips

The Flaming Lips are an alternative/experimental rock band from Oklahoma City. They started up in the 80s, their earlier stuff is influenced by like Sonic Youth and The Pixies, Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, Led Zeppelin, and others. The original/founding members still in the band are Wayne Coyne (Guitars--early--now vocals) and Michael Ivins (bass, only live now). Steven Drozd joined up later during the beginnings of their poppier style, he does drums (in the studio) as well as bass, keyboards and backup vocals. Kliph Scurlock is their touring drummer.

I recommend for you guys....

In A Priest Driven Ambulance
Transmissions From The Satellite Heart
Telepathic Surgery

If you don't mind poppier sounds, their critically acclaimed albums are as follows...

The Soft Bulletin
Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots
Clouds Taste Metallic
At War With The Mystics

And then there are some other albums I didn't mention, like Zaireeka and Hear It Is which aren't really all that essential.