Distant Plastic Trees
The Magnetic Fields · 1991
36 min · 11 tracks · indie rock · synth-pop
A lo-fi tapestry of melancholic melodies and quirky lyrics wrapped in a charmingly unconventional production style.
Why this album works
'Distant Plastic Trees' is significant for its early contribution to the lo-fi aesthetic that gained traction in the indie music scene during the early 90s. The album received critical acclaim, establishing Merritt as a unique voice in alternative music and paving the way for future projects that would garner wider recognition.
- Best for
- steady mid-tempo flow throughout quirky storytelling with charm melancholic melodies for reflection
- Context
- Released in 1991, 'Distant Plastic Trees' was The Magnetic Fields' debut album, marking the beginning of Stephin Merritt's distinctive songwriting career. At this time, the band was still exploring their sound, fusing indie rock with elements of synth-pop that would define their later work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Moby· Neil Young· Beck· Green Day· Sonic Youth· Nine Inch Nails· Tori Amos· Linkin Park
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Railroad Boy 3:00
- 2 Smoke Signals 3:26
- 3 You Love to Fail Standout 2:32
- 4 Kings 2:15
- 5 Babies Falling 3:18
- 6 Living in an Abandoned Firehouse With You Standout 3:55
- 7 Tar‐Heel Boy 2:23
- 8 Falling in Love With the Wolfboy 4:09
- 9 Josephine 3:08
- 10 100,000 Fireflies Standout 3:21
- 11 Plant White Roses 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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