The Plot Against Common Sense
Future of the Left · 2012
49 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock
A jagged blend of punk energy and sardonic wit, propelled by sharp guitar riffs and confrontational lyrics.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Sheena Is a T‐Shirt Salesman — This track stands out as an energetic opener, combining catchy hooks with biting lyrics about commercialism and identity in contemporary culture.
-
→
Sorry Dad, I Was Late for the Riots — A standout track that captures the band's signature sardonic wit, examining themes of rebellion and disillusionment through clever wordplay and a driving rhythm.
-
→
Robocop 4 – Fuck Off Robocop — This track exemplifies the band's punk ethos and absurdist humor, using pop culture references to critique authority while delivering an infectious musical punch.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines sharp wit and punk energy, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a confrontational tone, maintaining a fast tempo through the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt shifts in dynamics, such as 'Robocop 4 – Fuck Off Robocop,' which transitions from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
- The lyrics often employ irony and dark humor, with recurring themes of societal critique woven throughout the songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sharp wit for quick listens
- frantic bursts of energy
- cathartic moments of rebellion
- late-night discussions with friends
- varied pacing keeps attention
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of smooth transitions
- prefer longer, drawn-out tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 12, 2012, The Plot Against Common Sense is Future of the Left's third album, following their 2009 release Travels with Myself and Another. This album marked a period of artistic consolidation for the band, showcasing their ability to blend diverse influences while retaining their signature irreverent tone. It also solidified their position within the UK alternative rock scene, building upon the momentum from previous releases.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Sheena Is a T‐Shirt Salesman 2:08
- 2 Failed Olympic Bid 3:14
- 3 Beneath the Waves an Ocean 3:47
- 4 Cosmo’s Ladder 2:34
- 5 City of Exploded Children 4:10
- 6 Goals in Slow Motion 3:11
- 7 Camp Cappuccino 2:48
- 8 Polymers Are Forever 4:07
- 9 Robocop 4 – Fuck Off Robocop 2:53
- 10 Sorry Dad, I Was Late for the Riots 3:08
- 11 I Am the Least of Your Problems 2:33
- 12 A Guide to Men 3:54
- 13 Anchor 3:12
- 14 Rubber Animals 1:54
- 15 Notes on Achieving Orbit / [untitled] 6:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.