PLASTIC PEOPLE

This would really be BIRTH CONTROL's first really progressive album and a huge departure from their previous albums. I wondered if this was even the same band who did an album like "Hoodoo Man". BIRTH CONTROL were certainly a band who liked to rebel against the establishment, heck even their name is mean't to do that. I mean check out some of their album covers. Anyway this is my favourite album cover from them, the idea is that people who go with the flow like the millions of others (see album cover) are "plastic people". Who aren't plastic people ? Well hippies and artistic people of course (haha).

"Plastic People" sounds so good when it kicks into gear.The keyboards and guitar especially. The tempo picks up before 1 1/2 minutes as synths and drums lead the way. The guitar comes and goes. Vocals for the first time 3 minutes in and the organ follows. A calm after 7 minutes and reserved vocals join in before it kicks back in. Hell ya ! Amazing tune ! "Tiny Flashlights" opens with guitar and vocal sounds, then we get a full sound before a minute and vocals join in. This sounds incredible. Just a feel good tune. The first two tracks are among my top three songs on this album. It turns spacey before 4 minutes, sounds like strings. Nice guitar and drumming a minute later then back to the original melody. Sax comes in late. "My Mind" opens with the sound of the wind blowing across an empty field (it's called "My Mind") no connection i'm sure. Processed vocals come in before a minute. Violin after 2 1/2 minutes. An outburst a minute later then the violin makes some noise. The tempo starts to pick up with keys and drums leading the way. Cool song.

"Rockin' Rollin' Roller" is my least favourite although it does get better as it plays out. Some good contrasts in this one too. "Trial Trip" is my other top three tune. It opens with synths and deep spoken words before it kicks in heavily after a minute with vocals. Guitar then organ also join the fray. It turns spacey before 4 minutes then the guitar proceeds to light it up. Incredible sound ! "This Song Is Just For You" has a real BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS flavour with the horn section (sax, trombone & trumpet) and those gruff vocals. Some violin, flute and female backing vocals as well.

Definitely 4 stars for me and the best album i've heard from them. Greg Walker insists that the followup "Backdoor Possibilities" is their best.