PLASTICSOUL: Pictures From The Long Ago

Plasticsoul

Pictures From The Long Ago

© 2005 Wilsongs (687474128128)

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Beautiful, well-crafted, harmony infused pop/rock music that fans of The Beatles, XTC and Aimee Mann will love.

notes

Plasticsoul is the ironic moniker under which one finds singer/songwriter/producer Steven Wilson, his guitar and his book of clever pop tunes. Ironic, because Wilson's music and thoughtful lyrics are anything but plastic. Over the past decade, Wilson, has been performing various roles in numerous bands while compiling a large catalog of original, dynamic pop songs. A guitarist and songwriter since his early teens, Wilson has put his inspiration and stylings to work with veteran musicians such as Josie Cotton, The Cages and members of the indie-pop sensation Goldenboy. Many artists have shown the ultimate appreciation for the music of Plasticsoul by performing it live and on record. International audiences have recently proven that Wilson's music crosses international and cultural boundaries by pushing his "Sunblessed Cleopatra" EP into the college radio Top 20 in Germany, Canada and Brazil. Through songs that provoke thoughts and inspires memories, Wilson has created a local following that expects music to speak to the intelligent part of their soul while lifting their spirits with melodic blends of different musical styles. Yet each song is stamped with Wilson's recognizable beats, chord structures and sonorous and livid vocalizations, making his entire catalog easy to attribute to this act known as Plasticsoul.

reviews

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  • "densely-produced, meticulously crafted pop"
    author: Absolute Powerpop Blog

    Since there's been a recent paucity of power pop discs that have caught my ear, I'm going to (temporarily at least) feature some overlooked discs from the last couple of years that warrant mentioning. For those of you who yearn for Jon Brion's return to the studio for a proper followup to his only solo disc, 2000's Meaningless, I can't help you, but I can point your way to the next best thing: Pictures From The Long Ago, the debut release from Plasticsoul, a/k/a Steven Wilson. Pictures came out about a year ago, but kind of slipped under the radar at the time (translation: I didn't have this blog last year). It's a wonderful disc full of densely-produced, meticulously crafted pop that isn't afraid to go for baroque. Aside from the Brion influence, other prominent touchstones include the solo (and mid-period Beatle) work of John Lennon, whom Wilson bears the eeriest vocal resemblance to this side of Cotton Mather's Robert Harrison. If you think I exaggerate, check out his live-in-the-radio-studio cover of "I'm Only Sleeping" available for download from his myspace page; it's a dead ringer for the "unplugged" version found on the Beatles Anthology. Also, there's a definite Michael Penn influence at play, which comes as no surprise since Wilson is an active member of the Michael Penn mailing list, to which I also subscribe. The song-to-song quality on this disc is outstanding, making it almost something of a seamless work, but there are some that are more equal than others. "Broken Bones", the leadoff track, sets you up perfectly for what's to follow with its Lennonesque vibe. The loping melody of "You Choose Me" has the vintage Brion sound, and "Over and Over" is perhaps the most rocking track on the disc and would have fit well on a Cotton Mather album. And while I prefer my songs 3-4 minutes long, and usually consider a track pushing 7 minutes to be in self-indulgent territory, I can't make that complaint about the album closer "Sleep Baby Sleep" which clocks in at 6:59 and serves as a perfect summation of the disc. You can stream "Broken Bones" and "Heartbeats and Baby's Breath" at the myspace link above, and sample the rest at CD Baby. This may have not been in my top 20 for last year (although if I re-did it today, who knows?), but if you missed it the first time around, you're in for a real treat today.

  • welcome addition to any AAA station playlist
    author: Andrea Weiss - Tone & Groove

    Plasticsoul is Steven Eric Wilson, so this is a one man band. His album is adult rock with a capital A. It's very nice, pleasant, mature musically, and would be a welcome addition to any AAA station playlist. Very well played guitar, nice and loud, and it's the guitars that give the music a good and ragged edge. The singing is somewhat reminiscent of Michael Penn. Lyrically these are sad love songs, but also sharp. Wilson is very aware of his pain, but he's not whining about it. In short, good for its type, and for late night listening.

  • This CD showcases extraordinary talent
    author: Not Lame

    From the first few bars of the first song, "Broken Bones", I knew this was going to be a wonderful record because of its uplifting, but haunting melodic glide that reminded me of the best songs off of Grant Lee Buffalo`s "Fuzzy" album. Indeed, that spirit continues on "Pictures From The Long Ago". Other important, striking influences dash in and out of focus creating a just as strong as impact as this first song: Jon Brion, Aimee Mann, Micheal Penn, The Eels and Kevin Tihista. This CD showcases extraordinary talent and something that has been missing from music at large - depth of content surrounded by irresistible sounds, it`s beautiful, rich and warm. Filled with expression and sweet sounding melodies all over the place, Plasticsoul is anything *but* plastic. "Lead singer Steven Wilson has a purity in his voice that soars above mere mortal composers of fine pop music, his songs harken Jon Brion and Peter Case in their finest moments." - Hatcher Pass. An album richly rewarding and one that will see repeated listens by Not Lamers galore. Extremely Highly Recommended!

  • One of the best CDs of 2005
    author: Joshua Schramm

    Pictures from the Long Ago is full of catchy, thoughful tunes and interesting sounds. Songs like 'Borrowed and Gone' and 'You Choose Me' will stick in your head for days causing you to listen to the CD incessantly :) and love it.

  • honest emotional intensity and an ear for the studio
    author: Pete Dow

    Plasticsoul “Pictures From The Long Ago” (Hatcher Pass 2005) Review by Pete Gow 7 out of 10 Self- deprecating moniker belies a writer with an honest emotional intensity and an ear for the studio. Steven Wilson, for it is he who is the writer, multi- instrumentalist & producer behind the Plasticsoul project, delivers his debut album ‘Pictures From The Long Ago’ – for our money we get ten tight, concise and sonically dynamic pop songs with not so much a country sensibility, but certainly utilises such instruments as are generally attributed to the genre. In places we are in a lazy power pop mode, like opener ‘Broken Bones, which lulls along, urged forward by over- driven guitar arpeggios until we get to the ‘I just want to be their when you fall’ chorus, which will never be truly fulfilled until sung to a sea of cigarette lighters in a football stadium somewhere. Thankfully Wilson has no such corporate aspirations, this song, as many other points on this collection, is grounded by instrumental touches that highlight a man as at home behind the desk as he is behind a mic; on this track the listener is immediately drawn to the Richie Sambora- esque (please God, don’t let this be a real word) guitar work, but has to work harder to decipher a tastefull string arrangement that works the tracks undertow lending a smoothness that would otherwise be absent. Such attentiveness pays dividends throughout this record, on ‘Over & Over’ a strange reverb has been added to the piano which conjures up the sound of an empty school assembly hall – gives the track an Elliott Smith circa Figure 8 feel to it, while the sampled percussion tracks on ‘Roof Above Your Wheels’ are tactfully done, providing a solid, yet interesting rhythm to the slow tempo, without ever interrupting the flow of the track. Equally subliminal, but vital, are touches like the chime bells on ‘Borrowed & Gone’, another guitar pop song, the type of which pepper some acoustic material on this record affording a nice balance. ‘Pictures From The Long Ago’ delivers a continuity that is sometimes lacking from debut releases. It is often the way with first records that they are culled from a disparate collection of the bands live set, but there is a definite feeling that these tracks were written for this project and Wilson’s glaring interest in the studio leads me to the irony of his name. Let me make this clear, Stephen Wilson is no Brian…. well, yet. That said if his progress continues on the trajectory set by this record then I do not think I will be the last journo who will trade off of his name – so, it may be wildly premature, but I just wanted to be the first. www.plasticsoulmusic.com

  • Plasticsoul's music makes you feel just right
    author: Doug Thomas

    Album Review Album: “Pictures from the Long Ago” Artist: Plasticsoul Reviewed by Doug Thomas The music of Plasticsoul, the music of Steve Wilson, like that of any deeply talented artist, is a highly personal endeavor: Whether he wants to or not, he can’t remove “himself” from the end result. This album is him. Pieces of him he may not even have been aware of have come through. As with a book written by a soulful, thinking writer, it’s impossible to separate the man from his art, and those who know the man will see him in the work. It’s a phenomenal first album, an elegant start to what will be an opportunity for Steve to not only entertain people but encourage them actually think – about the music, yes, but also about themselves, which is the accomplishment of all great music. I listened to this album with an eye to more than the “feel” and “sound”; I paid attention to the mechanics, the construction, the nuances that go beyond the result of the production. I tried to get into the mind of the songwriter and figure out what he was thinking as he built each song from scratch, looking at the music from a musician/songwriter’s standpoint, not just from a listener’s angle. It was definitely a learning experience for me. I like the whole album, but several songs stand out. “Heartbeats and Baby’s Breath” is one of the deeper songs on the album and probably my second favorite. It’s catchy and imaginative with vocals that embody the full scope of Steve’s abilities to speak through his lyrics. I really enjoyed the guitar solo, which reminds me of some of the stuff Brian May did with Queen. This song makes me happy. It takes me to another place and time. I’m not sure where it is or when, but I don’t care. “Saintly” brings back to my mind early Elton John, from the Honkey Château-era. I’m almost hearing “Burn Down the Mission” here, in terms of pacing and some of the chords, which Steve has chosen well. This song is a perfect example of a singer absolutely feeling the music. With “You Choose Me,” Steve takes you down a path into yourself. There’s a brooding quality that some might interpret as depressed, others as thoughtful. But however it’s interpreted, this is the type of song you listen to and, when it’s over, come away thinking, Man, I just went somewhere. A definite connection with listeners is created here. “Roof Above Your Wheels” is a really easygoing song with a highly accomplished structure that reminds me a lot of something Stevie Nicks would do as a solo project. I think this is one of Steve’s best lyrics, and there’s some very cool banjo licks that fill out the tune. It makes me feel like I’m traveling “Borrowed and Gone” is my favorite song on the album. It’s a pure song with no embellishments to get in the way of the message. Poppy background vocals keep it moving, and Steve’s ability to get the most out of a standard chord progression – G-D-Em-C – gives the song a highly personalized flavor. Here is perfect pacing and perfect lyrical construction; it will remind some listeners of Fleetwood Mac or the band America. Then you’ve got a lovely harmonica solo. When that first gentle note was squeezed out, I was thinking how absolutely appropriate; it’s exactly what I was waiting for but didn’t know it until I heard it. Overall, the whole album is damn good. “Borrowed and Gone” should be on radios worldwide – this is the “single.” What I’m hearing here is the initial push of a songwriter who, like all creators, is finding his way. Nothing here is commercialized; it’s all pure, all totally from the heart and soul, and that means a lot in today’s world of creating music for the sake of creating music. Listening to this album is like taking a trip with Steve and wherever it is his mind chooses to go. You really can’t escape it. You really don’t want to. Steve has a knack of seducing the listener to come along and provides plenty of reasons to stay for the duration. Each song ends with a pleasant expectation of what’s next. The last song ends with the disappointment that there’s no more. # # #

  • Phenomenally Ambitious
    author: Pat Fish - The Jazz Butcher

    Pictures From The Long Ago is a phenomenally ambitious piece of work, reminiscent of - and standing up to comparisons with - John Lennon and Neil Young

  • My new favorite CD!
    author: Jenn

    The problem with most music that I hear on the radio today is a lack of melody. Plasticsoul is certainly not lacking in that department! If you are into great songs with powerful melodies, great vocal harmonies, clever production, etc. you will love this CD. It hasn't left my CD player since I bought it.

  • author: Silke Hartung

    The world had to wait for quite a while to hear the sounds of this album and omg it was so worth it! Skipping through it for a first impression I checked imaginary boxes for "totally playable on the radio" and there wasn't much that I didn't check left after giving it the first proper listen. It is a lovely poppy summer album with many a classic influence, suitable for long car drives and sitting on a lovely beach, sipping a Mojito. It's one of these timeless albums that you can listen to over and over again and you just can't get tired of it - I know what I'm talking about here! Not only flawless songwriting, just read the credits, here we've got people who used to work with Elliott Smith, Wilco, Neil ****, the Eels... I should stop talking, just get it, it is a treat for your CD player.

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