Subliminal Plastic Motives is the debut studio album by American pop rock band Self,[4] released on October 24, 1995,[5] through Zoo Entertainment and Spongebath Records. Its songs were written and recorded by brothers Mike and Matt Mahaffey, the band's sole members. The album was promoted through the singles "Cannon" and "So Low", each receiving airplay and accompanied by music videos that contributed to the album's success.
Critical reception was largely positive, with reviewers commending its eclectic production, sharp lyricism, and innovative approach to alternative rock, drawing comparisons to Beck, Matthew Sweet, and Ben Folds. Subliminal Plastic Motives debuted at number 64 on CMJ's Alternative Radio Airplay chart and had achieved sales exceeding 40,000 units by 1997. In 2014, Self issued the album's first vinyl release through Fat Possum Records.
Background
Since age four, American musician Matt Mahaffey has written and performed music,[6] expressing interest in becoming a drummer. His parents gifted him a toy drum kit each year until he was nine when he received a real drum kit and began performing with other kids.[7] In 1991, Mahaffey moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee[8] to attend Middle Tennessee State University with a major in music. Enrolled in the Recording Industry Management program,[9] he performed as a drummer with multiple local bands ranging between pop, R&B, rock, and punk. Mahaffey additionally produced music for various rappers, selling songs out of his dormitory room for $40 ($87.00 in 2023).[7] Discovering that he received more experience outside of class, he dropped out in his second year. Alongside the decision, he formed the band Ella Minopy with fellow dropout and musician Seth Timbs.[9]
Writing and production
In 1993, talent manager Richard Williams encountered Ella Minopy at a hip-hop club. Finding the two to clash creatively, Williams suggested that they split into two separate acts managed by himself. The three subsequently founded Spongebath Records, with Timbs forming Fluid Ounces and Mahaffey forming Self.[9] Mahaffey's brother, Mike, was chosen as a guitarist for Self.[7] The two performed at Nashville Entertainment Association's annual Extravaganza in February 1995, attracting media attention and interest from multiple major labels. They accepted a recording contract from Zoo Entertainment,[10] additionally acquiring a year-long partnership between Spongebath, Zoo Entertainment, and distributor BMG.[9] By the time of the Self's signing, the band had completed five satisfactory songs and was given two months to finish the rest of the album.[10]
To prevent monotony, Mahaffey aimed to make the project as diverse as possible by incorporating all of his influences, such as Beastie Boys, Pavement, and Prince. He also prioritized live playability, minimizing the usage of tight synthetic sequences.[10] The album was solely recorded analog.[8] Mahaffey's overwhelmed feelings with the record deal translated into the song "Sophomore Jinx", discussing the fear of being used and staying relevant.[10] In an interview with PiG Publications, he pinpointed its inspiration from a speech by a lawyer about his music. Its lyrics attempt to predict a future he feared, wanting to keep his current life.[11] Another song, "Big Important Nothing", was written after Mahaffey watched an interview about Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley on ABC.[10]
Other material
"Dog You Are" was played by Self in concerts surrounding Subliminal Plastic Motives, instrumentally aligning with other songs from the album and lyrically addressing a critic who reviewed it negatively. It was released on Self's first compilation album, Feels Like Breakin' Shit (1997).[12] The song "Shelf Life" was rumored to have been recorded during the sessions for the album, having been cut. It appeared on the compilation Selfafornia (2001).[citation needed]
Release
Self performing in support of the album at the El Rey Theatre in 2014.
Subliminal Plastic Motives was announced in September as the first Zoo–Spongebath partnership album to release on October 24, 1995.[13] A release party was held the day before in Nashville, Tennessee.[14] To prepare for the show and future concerts, Self was tasked by Zoo Entertainment to assemble a full live band. They recruited keyboardist Chris James, drummer Jason Rawlings, and bassist Tim Nobles, adopting the former two as main members after the tour.[8][12] Alongside the album on October 24, the band released their debut single, "Cannon".[14] This was followed by the single "So Low" in early 1996.[15]
In celebration of Subliminal Plastic Motives' twentieth anniversary, the band performed the entire album at the Gramercy Theatre in New York City on January 10, 2014,[17] and the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on August 1.[18] The album was issued on vinyl for the first time through Fat Possum Records the same year.[19] On July 30, Self made their TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! by performing "Runaway" and "Lucid Anne".[20] The latter was not broadcast, available exclusively online.[21]
The album received positive reviews upon release. Andy Hinds of AllMusic lauded its fusion of post-grunge guitars, inventive sampling, and pop-driven vocals.[1] Ryan Schreiber of Pitchfork gave a similar rating with an 8/10, likening it to Matthew Sweet's melodic sensibilities with the energy of hip-hop beats and a unique take on power pop.[3] Tom Breihan of Stereogum classed Subliminal Plastic Motives with Beck's style, commend its chopped, eclectic take on rock music.[21] Laurent of Indiepoprock celebrated the album's prevalent energy, hip-hop influences, and jazz elements, declaring it a compelling must-hear record.[22] Michael McCall of Nashville Scene complimented it as expertly crafted, containing rich harmonies with a confident, modern edge.[10]
Nik Rainey of Lollipop Magazine described it as a blend of Nine Inch Nails and ELO, creating dynamic alternative rock with infectious hooks.[23] Gabe Besecker of Woof Magazine praised its ironic, clever lyrics that balance parody and playfulness, matching its sound with Ween and They Might Be Giants.[6] Eric Brace of The Washington Post noted the album as a striking debut, showcasing Mahaffey's versatile songwriting and production with sharp lyrics and rhythms reminiscent of Nirvana and Ben Folds while pushing modern rock into new territory.[2] J Noise of Hybrid Magazine additionally made a comparison to Ben Folds and highlighted the album's artwork, but stated that it lacked the standout moments needed to elevate it above its contemporaries.[24]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Matt Mahaffey, except where noted
