Subliminal Plastic Motives

(Redirected from So Low (Self song))

Subliminal Plastic Motives is the debut studio album from rock band Self, and is perhaps their most well-known release.

Subliminal Plastic Motives
Studio album by
ReleasedOctober 1995
Recorded1993-1995
GenreAlternative rock
Length43:01
LabelZoo/Spongebath
ProducerMatt Mahaffey
Self chronology
Subliminal Plastic Motives
(1995)
The Half-Baked Serenade
(1997)
Singles from Subliminal Plastic Motives
  1. "Cannon"
    Released: 1995
  2. "So Low"
    Released: 1996
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Pitchfork Media8/10[2]

The album was recorded entirely by Matt and his brother, Mike. The album found some modest success with MTV and flagship radio stations like KROQ-FM. Once the band was solidified, videos were made for "So Low" and "Cannon".

The album was released by Spongebath Records and was immediately picked up by Zoo Entertainment (now Volcano Entertainment). Critical reception was very positive, with Mahaffey receiving praise for his cut-and-paste, eclectic take on rock music, and garnering comparisons to artists such as Beck and Beastie Boys. Many of Self's fans hold the album in high regard and most of the songs are now fan favorites. While the album featured a hearty dose of what could best be described as "modern rock" songs, elements such as hip-hop beats, jazzy piano, dense, complex arrangements, and triggers/samples were dispersed throughout, hinting at Mahaffey's versatility as a composer and Self's future musical directions.

Track listing edit

All tracks are written by Self

No.TitleLength
1."Borateen"3:09
2."Sophomore Jinx"5:14
3."Stewardess"3:40
4."So Low"3:53
5."Marathon Shirt"4:19
6."Lucid Anne"3:06
7."Cannon"4:05
8."Missed the Friction"3:04
9."Superstar"2:35
10."Mother Nature's Fault"3:39
11."Big Important Nothing" (Co-written with Seth Timbs)2:47
12."Lost My Senses"3:30
Total length:43:01

Personnel edit

  • Vocals - Matt Mahaffey
  • Bass (Additional) - Don Kerce (tracks: 4,5,9,11,12)
  • Performer - Matt Mahaffey, Mike Mahaffey
  • Photography (Cover) - Brian Bottcher
  • Photography (Inlay) - Jim Harrington
  • Electric Piano (Outro) - Chris James (tracks: 4)
  • Saxophone (Alto) - Sam Baker (tracks: 5)
  • Trumpet - Brian Rogers (tracks: 5)
  • Other (Handclaps) - Seth Timbs (tracks: 6)

Production edit

  • Producer - Self
  • Mastering - Bob Ludwig
  • Mixing - Jim Faraci, Self
  • Engineer - Jim Faraci
  • Engineer (Assistant) - Pete Martinez, Sean McLean
  • Sampler - Matt Mahaffey
  • Sampler (Texturing) - Brian Rogers (tracks: 2)

References edit

  1. ^ "Subliminal Plastic Motives - Self | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic.
  2. ^ "SELFies: Press". September 2, 2004. Archived from the original on September 2, 2004.