Plastic Box cover

Plastic Box

Public Image Ltd. · 1999

303 min · 64 tracks · alternative rock · post-punk

A sprawling collection blending abrasive post-punk energy with experimental soundscapes and introspective lyricism.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • introspective moments of reflection
  • abrasive energy for late nights
  • satisfying exploration of soundscapes
  • engaging two-halves listening experience

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
When 'Plastic Box' was released in 1999, Public Image Ltd. was navigating a complex phase following their initial breakup in 1992. This album marked their return after a seven-year hiatus, showcasing a blend of previously unreleased tracks and remixes from their extensive catalog, as they attempted to re-establish their presence in the alternative rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Wire· The Pop Group· Gang of Four

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Public Image 2:58
  • 2 The Cowboy Song 2:16
  • 3 Theme 9:08
  • 4 Religion I 1:25
  • 5 Religion II 5:48
  • 6 Annalisa 6:02
  • 7 Low Life 3:38
  • 8 Attack 2:56
  • 9 Poptones (BBC session) 4:32
  • 10 Careering (BBC session) 7:32
  • 11 Chant (BBC session) 5:14
  • 12 Death Disco (12″ remix) 6:42
  • 13 1/2 Mix Megamix 6:51
  • 14 No Birds Do Sing 4:42
  • 15 Memories 5:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Another 3:51
  • 2 Albatross 10:37
  • 3 Socialist 3:11
  • 4 The Suit 3:31
  • 5 Bad Baby 4:31
  • 6 Radio 4 4:23
  • 7 Pied Piper 1:51
  • 8 Flowers of Romance 2:51
  • 9 Four Enclosed Walls 4:44
  • 10 Phenagen 2:40
  • 11 Track 8 3:15
  • 12 Hymie’s Him 3:18
  • 13 Under the House 4:33
  • 14 Banging the Door 4:49
  • 15 Go Back 3:46
  • 16 Francis Massacre 3:31
  • 17 Home Is Where the Heart Is 7:34

Disc 3

  • 1 This Is Not a Love Song (12″ remix) 4:10
  • 2 Blue Water 3:44
  • 3 Bad Life 3:51
  • 4 Question Mark 4:09
  • 5 Solitaire 3:59
  • 6 Tie Me to the Length of That 5:18
  • 7 Where Are You? 4:18
  • 8 The Pardon 5:18
  • 9 1981 3:17
  • 10 The Order of Death 4:50
  • 11 F.F.F. 5:31
  • 12 Rise 6:06
  • 13 Fishing 5:19
  • 14 Round 4:26
  • 15 Home 5:50
  • 16 Ease 8:10

Disc 4

  • 1 Seattle 3:40
  • 2 Angry 4:13
  • 3 The Body (US 12″ mix) 3:41
  • 4 Selfish Rubbish 3:34
  • 5 Disappointed 5:34
  • 6 Happy 3:58
  • 7 Warrior (12″ extended mix) 6:45
  • 8 USLS 1 5:37
  • 9 Don’t Ask Me 3:43
  • 10 Criminal 4:29
  • 11 Luck’s Up 4:07
  • 12 God 5:34
  • 13 Cruel (BBC session) 5:25
  • 14 Acid Drops (BBC session) 6:48
  • 15 Love Hope (BBC session) 4:02
  • 16 Think Tank (BBC session) 5:25

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata