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I am delighted to see this music available on CD. This is a lost masterpiece of New Wave--a quirky Japanese band in love with their primitive Roland drum machine, performing hilariously bent pop songs in marginal English that veers from the amazingly ridiculous to occasionally sublime. The record was produced by the same production team that did the first two B-52's albums, and it sounds very slick like those albums, but the Plastics' songs make "Rock Lobster" sound like "Free Bird." Check out the naively obscene lyrics (I don't think they were aware how nasty they were being in English) on the HILARIOUS James Brown parody "Cards"--TOTALLY NUTS! I remember playing a tape of the first side of this record at a party back in the day, and the house (actually a VERY crowded apartment) just ROCKED. If you're looking for some unheard music for a "New Wave" party, then look no further. GET PLASTICIZED!

I bought this on vinyl way back in 1982 or so, during my college days. The band had come to U-MASS I think, and I read how the girl singer used floor wax to make her hair all spikey. The album is pretty good if your tastes are new-wavish. I agree that they have a bit of the B-52s in them, but their sound is really pretty unique. I recently went to the effort to make MPG3s of the vinyl, didn't know that a CD had been released.

Notes: I don't think they spoke English at the time, and all the lyrics are in English. Makes for some curious sounds at times, which just adds to the fun. Also, one of the songs does have some vulgar lyrics, so be warned.

This is a pleasant new discovery for me, as it should be for any fan of new wave or imported oddities. This japanese quintet created some very fun and exciting music that would provide any artsy party with an interesting twist and people asking what's on the stereo. Their sound is most closely related to B-52's when one thinks of an american group (especially due to the quirky vocal performance by front lady Chica), but the delivery of the group is different. They use a drum machine and their approach is much less of a rock format than the B-52's. It is danceable, jerky, electronic groove that bloops and bleeps from synths and drives with bass/guitar rythym. Their male vocalist sounds strangely like Foetus' Jim Thirlwell is he was a very happy japanese man. It's an japanese take on american/british new wave that's alot of fun and even funny to hear the strange yet exhilarating interpretation. See amysamm's list on women in music, she turned me on to this. She's tasteful.

This CD represents parts of two Japanese releases by the Plastics. It's interesting that all previous reviewers mention the B-52s, as the Plastics toured with them. In fact, they were the hit of the show when I saw them in 1980. Boundless energy and the surprise of hearing the group for the first time made it a night not to forget. Unfortunately, neither of the two CDs (Origato Plastico is the other) listed include "Last Train to Clarksville", the Monkees remake, which for me was a highlight of the Plastics first Japanese release. There are several other tracks from the first record that aren't on CD here. It's all good stuff. Just wish it had all the stuff.

I've been looking for records from this band for quite some time; and I couldn't be more excited about this release. Some of these tracks are originals that were reworked in later releases (still looking for those mind you). Anyone interested should check out an arthouse film from 1981 entitled "Downtown 81". It features a lead performance by Jean Michel Basquiat, and includes a live performance by The Plastics. It's available on DVD, oh ... and it's super cool too!

Totally mental synth punk new wave pop japanese fusion kinda thing! You need a sense of humour to appreciate these tunes but there is also musical talent here. Check out the tongue in cheek ranting against consumer culture of "cards" or the mellow pop vibe of "peace". The female lead vocalist has a great voice and there are also tracks featuring a male lead. Give it a go!