Jefferson Airplane — Plastic Fantastic Lover (live)
Album: Bless Its Pointed Little HeadAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1864
Length: 3:45
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Her neon mouth with the blinkers-off smile
Nothing but an electric sign
You could say she has an individual style
She's part of a colorful time
Secrecy of lady-chrome-covered clothes
You wear cause you have no other
But I suppose no one knows
You're my plastic fantastic lover
Her rattlin' cough never shuts off
Is nothin' but a used machine
Her aluminum finish, slightly diminished
Is the best I ever have seen
Cosmetic baby plugged into me
I'd never ever find another
I realize no one's wise
To my plastic fantastic lover
The electrical dust is starting to rust
Her trapezoid thermometer taste
All the red tape is mechanical rape
Of the TV program waste
Data control and IBM
Science is mankind's brother
But all I see is drainin' me
On my plastic fantastic lover
Nothing but an electric sign
You could say she has an individual style
She's part of a colorful time
Secrecy of lady-chrome-covered clothes
You wear cause you have no other
But I suppose no one knows
You're my plastic fantastic lover
Her rattlin' cough never shuts off
Is nothin' but a used machine
Her aluminum finish, slightly diminished
Is the best I ever have seen
Cosmetic baby plugged into me
I'd never ever find another
I realize no one's wise
To my plastic fantastic lover
The electrical dust is starting to rust
Her trapezoid thermometer taste
All the red tape is mechanical rape
Of the TV program waste
Data control and IBM
Science is mankind's brother
But all I see is drainin' me
On my plastic fantastic lover
Comments (122)add comment
thanks bill for a deep cut of jefferson airplane
joejennings wrote:
I Agree completely!
half the band left?
I Agree completely!
half the band left?
Every time I hear this, I think, Now, there was a band that held nothing back, ever, and weren't afraid to confide and take us along for the wild psychedelic ride they orchestrated and held onto for such a long while!
freddyfender wrote:
I Agree completely!
I know it was a different era, but how they went from this bad-ass jam to "We Built this City on Rock and Roll" is beyond me.
I Agree completely!
I know it was a different era, but how they went from this bad-ass jam to "We Built this City on Rock and Roll" is beyond me.
Could you play, "We Built this City on Rock and Roll", that song is so groovy!
joejennings wrote:
cool.
now, what's a steely dan?
This song was written by Marty Balin, as an ode to his new stereo system! It is NOT about sex toys! LOL! 
cool.
now, what's a steely dan?
Hey BillG…
I think Chicago's "Morning Blues Again" from III would be a great follow up to this.
"Just reach underneath your bed
And turn on your electric friend, yeah
Woah, and turn your thoughts to me"
I think Chicago's "Morning Blues Again" from III would be a great follow up to this.
"Just reach underneath your bed
And turn on your electric friend, yeah
Woah, and turn your thoughts to me"
idiot_wind wrote:
What does the word "freedom" mean to you?
always has been
always will be
its about energy and freedom
What does the word "freedom" mean to you?
pdibby wrote:
Cool! LOL! Whatever works for you! Keep smiling!
Okay, I never comment on music that's not my bag, but I found myself thinking this sounds like the rock band on The Muppet Show -- I'm picturing Animal banging away on the drum set ~ which made me smile.
Cool! LOL! Whatever works for you! Keep smiling!
always has been
always will be
its about energy and freedom
always will be
its about energy and freedom
Okay, I never comment on music that's not my bag, but I found myself thinking this sounds like the rock band on The Muppet Show -- I'm picturing Animal banging away on the drum set ~ which made me smile.
LizK wrote:
The price of the seats was$3.50.
I saw them summer of '68 for free in Central Park with Buddy Guy and Ten Years After. Those were the days, Upper balcony tickets to Fillmore East were $3.
The price of the seats was$3.50.
I saw them summer of '68 for free in Central Park with Buddy Guy and Ten Years After. Those were the days, Upper balcony tickets to Fillmore East were $3.
This song was written by Marty Balin, as an ode to his new stereo system! It is NOT about sex toys! LOL!
joejennings wrote:
Me too! Same age, born in '55!
Best model year
Me too! Same age, born in '55!
Best model year
wow
these guys could rnr back in the day
these guys could rnr back in the day
Jack Casady really rips it out on his Guild Starfire hollow body bass guitar!!!
LizK wrote:
The price of the seats was$3.50.
Earl Warren showgrounds? That's where I saw them.
The price of the seats was$3.50.
Earl Warren showgrounds? That's where I saw them.
jberko wrote:
Me too! Same age, born in '55!
I was 14 when this came out and all of us wanted to bang Grace Slick.
Me too! Same age, born in '55!
Interesting how the more formulaic material ages badly while the more pioneering work never does. White Rabbit, Today, Embryonic Journey etc remain timeless while stuff like this.... not so much.
This is what all the cool kids in my pre-school were listening to...
In the age of full on AI...? Well; yes!
The entire album is great. Fat Angel and Bear Melt stand out.
Thanks Bill!
Thanks Bill!
It's like the Airplane were sitting around in some altered state and thought of the words 'plastic' and 'fantastic' and then decided to do something with them in a song. No one seems to agree what it's about.
Had the volume cranked up for the last tune, and just gonna leave it cranked!
Simply awful. And on so many levels.
One of the wildest, rockin'est numbers by one of the most fearless and audaciously jamming bands this country has ever produced!
Nice 👍 intro - punch attitude sync push purpose squelches tension sexual-ability focus ability
crafted for purpose targeted pointed attitudinal juvenile seeking recognition
This song sounds to me like it has nonsense words similar to Prisencolinensinainciusol by Adriano Celentano. Look that up if not familiar with it.
lizardking wrote:
Show off! ;-) Damn if I would have loved to been around then, although I've said it before, don't know if I'd be here now if I was....so there's that....
Long Live RP!!
I saw them at the Matrix. and at a small club in Mill Valley. Grace Slick informed us that it was hard to play guitar and give good head at the same time. I'm still here and ca even remember that.
Show off! ;-) Damn if I would have loved to been around then, although I've said it before, don't know if I'd be here now if I was....so there's that....
Long Live RP!!
I saw them at the Matrix. and at a small club in Mill Valley. Grace Slick informed us that it was hard to play guitar and give good head at the same time. I'm still here and ca even remember that.
I was 14 when this came out and all of us wanted to bang Grace Slick.
Damn! This gem of a song is as old as I am and I love it!!!! More, please!From one of the best live rock albums ever.
That bass line though...
Listening in from Trelew, Patagonia, Argentina. Great selection! Cheers!
Great album! I love Surrearalistic Pillow, too - it's what I lay my head on every night in these times.
Great version, but I'm partial to the one on "Surrealistic Pillow." I still remember the excitement of buying "SP." It was the first LP I ever bought, with allowance money from my mom, from a record store in Sacramento, long gone. I was 8 years old. About six years ago I saw the Jefferson Airplane at the now-defunct Razz Room in San Francisco. Paul Kantor was in top form, as was David Freiberg. Everyone else was a relative newbie. The band played every song from "Surrealistic Pillow" that night. It was like a dream come true.
jonahboo wrote:
holy shit i agree 100%
dude, you are spot on!
holy shit i agree 100%
dude, you are spot on!
fraserji wrote:
It could be that the dislikers have gotten the message of "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all" - either way I'm a fan of this (live) track and rate it an 8....LLRP!!
Nothing but positive reviews but it only rates 6.7? What's up with that?
It could be that the dislikers have gotten the message of "if you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything at all" - either way I'm a fan of this (live) track and rate it an 8....LLRP!!
Nothing but positive reviews but it only rates 6.7? What's up with that?
ger-man wrote:
Da wird es einem doch so richtig nostalgisch warm ums Herz..
auch nach 50 Jahren! richtig cool
Da wird es einem doch so richtig nostalgisch warm ums Herz..
Literally Electric Light Fantastic
auch nach 50 Jahren! richtig cool
garyalex wrote:
Jack Casady. Damn.
After seeing them live I always called Jack "eyebrow man". His eyebrows never stopped moving while he was playing. jonahboo wrote:
holy shit i agree 100%
all hail television!
fuck! love this one!
waaaay better than studio!!!!
fuck! love this one!
waaaay better than studio!!!!
holy shit i agree 100%
TURN IT UP 
Lyndont wrote:
Show off! ;-) Damn if I would have loved to been around then, although I've said it before, don't know if I'd be here now if I was....so there's that....
Long Live RP!!
This could be the best live album ever!! Saw them with the Doors in ’68. wish I could relive some of those concerts now!
Show off! ;-) Damn if I would have loved to been around then, although I've said it before, don't know if I'd be here now if I was....so there's that....
Long Live RP!!
Jack Casady. Damn.
drictor wrote:
And I feel the same way today. Wrapped up the week and getting ready for some family/holiday time!
9 ==> 10. Perfect tune for the mood I'm in!
And I feel the same way today. Wrapped up the week and getting ready for some family/holiday time!
Not the best cut from Bless Its Pointed Little Head. Check out "The Other Side of This Life". It's an amazing display of the Airplane at its best. RIP, Marty and Paul.
Yeah Rock On!
Ugh! Ugh! Sing it!!! all hail television!
fuck! love this one!
waaaay better than studio!!!!
fuck! love this one!
waaaay better than studio!!!!
Lyndont wrote:
The price of the seats was$3.50.
This could be the best live album ever!! Saw them with the Doors in ’68. wish I could relive some of those concerts now!
The price of the seats was$3.50.
Jack Casady - wow.
"Science is mankind's brother
But all I see is drainin' me......."
Indeed!
But all I see is drainin' me......."
Indeed!
This could be the best live album ever!! Saw them with the Doors in ’68. wish I could relive some of those concerts now!
fraserji wrote:
I saw them several times between '68 and '71, awesome live band. Grace was sexy as hell on stage!
Oh yes! So wish I'd seen them live. What a psyche-out band.
I saw them several times between '68 and '71, awesome live band. Grace was sexy as hell on stage!
Gotta admit that was a good groove. Yeah man. And Marty rappin' it out. Whew!
Oh yes! So wish I'd seen them live. What a psyche-out band.
Gotta love that churning bass!
jhorton wrote:
perscription only now with ObamaCare, just tell your doctor you have an Airplane rash
Makes me want to drop acid.
Do they even sell acid anymore?
Do they even sell acid anymore?
perscription only now with ObamaCare, just tell your doctor you have an Airplane rash
Makes me want to drop acid.
Do they even sell acid anymore?
Do they even sell acid anymore?
Jorma and Jack can do no wrong. Turn down the lights or we'll send Owsley to get ya.
hayduke2 wrote:
I think I am going to have an epileptic episode from this crazy artwork.
I think I am going to have an epileptic episode from this crazy artwork.
One the great ones of the era!!
wooooo-hooooo man I wanna be shaking my ass off with Charlize Theron Furiosa and this blasting us off to Heaven!!!
wgsu_1978 wrote:
I gotta disagree, the more control Balin lost the worse JA got
Great band, but Marty Balin ... 
I gotta disagree, the more control Balin lost the worse JA got
hayduke2 wrote:
Yeah, that's how I remember it, too.
This is a great album, when they were tight they were the best
Didn't know this one.
Makes my day!
Makes my day!
Authentic vibe of it's time then, a bit like time-tripping now… not a bad thing.
Hell yes!
I guess you had to be there.
Great band, but Marty Balin ...
of historic interest only
Oh Nice ! Alright now
Is hate too strong of a word.....?
10+
9 ==> 10. Perfect tune for the mood I'm in!
thats it i had to log in.
first dylan and now this low rating.
guess justin beiber wasnt on rp today!
first dylan and now this low rating.
guess justin beiber wasnt on rp today!
Thank you for playing this olde from the golde years of rock.
Great stuff !
Great energy....sounds so good! I'm an artist (painter)...and this song makes things happen...great!!
coloradojohn wrote:
I always thought this one was about a TV, although your inflatable company comment gave me a chuckle.
There was at least one other version I had of this one — LOVE this freaky ode to inflatable company and wish it'd been used as soundtrack for the weird "party" scene where Steve Martin and Charles Grodin share a kinky secret in The Lonely Guy — where the vocals were sharper and better, but whoah the bass and everything else rocks pretty solid in a live-jam way on this one...too bad we can't cut and paste with tune-tracks here! But hey, thanks for playing this most excellent stretch of music that has kept me pinned down here for the longest time in recent memory!
I always thought this one was about a TV, although your inflatable company comment gave me a chuckle.
Damn hippies.
Man, so heavy...
There was at least one other version I had of this one — LOVE this freaky ode to inflatable company and wish it'd been used as soundtrack for the weird "party" scene where Steve Martin and Charles Grodin share a kinky secret in The Lonely Guy — where the vocals were sharper and better, but whoah the bass and everything else rocks pretty solid in a live-jam way on this one...too bad we can't cut and paste with tune-tracks here! But hey, thanks for playing this most excellent stretch of music that has kept me pinned down here for the longest time in recent memory!
drews wrote:
These drugged up and luvved up hippies certainly knew how to rock out when they felt like it
I like this comment. True, dat. IMO, this is one off the Airplane's best tracks on the album and, in general, one of their best live tracks. Very tight. As for Balin's vocals, well...
Nice groove......love it!
i bet Air is coming up....
GREAT BAND and the only West-Coast Band
we could do something with, in Europe (I think).
Then came Jefferson Starship....
we could do something with, in Europe (I think).
Then came Jefferson Starship....
Jorma Kaukonen!
kurtster wrote:
That and surrealistic pillow . Same energy that cream had.
Damn - that is good stuff.
Wow, only a six... guess you had to be there.
Nice segue !
Wore out several copies of this album.
Wore out several copies of this album.
That and surrealistic pillow . Same energy that cream had.
Damn - that is good stuff.
Wow, only a six... guess you had to be there.
Of course, following Donovan's "Fly Jefferson Airplane, gets you there on time"
Nice segue !
Wore out several copies of this album.
Wore out several copies of this album.
I prefer their studio version. And, I still think their best album was Surrealistic Pillow. Takes Off was good too. It had their original lead female singer, Signe Toly Anderson. She left after giving birth.
As for their name, I found this at Wiki:
The origin of the group's name is often disputed. "Jefferson airplane" is slang for a used paper match split to hold a marijuana joint that has been smoked too short to hold without burning the fingers - an improvised roach clip.<7> An urban legend claims this was the origin of the band's name, but according to band member Jorma Kaukonen, the name was invented by his friend Steve Talbot as a parody of blues names such as Blind Lemon Jefferson.<8> A 2007 press release quoted Kaukonen as saying:
As for their name, I found this at Wiki:
The origin of the group's name is often disputed. "Jefferson airplane" is slang for a used paper match split to hold a marijuana joint that has been smoked too short to hold without burning the fingers - an improvised roach clip.<7> An urban legend claims this was the origin of the band's name, but according to band member Jorma Kaukonen, the name was invented by his friend Steve Talbot as a parody of blues names such as Blind Lemon Jefferson.<8> A 2007 press release quoted Kaukonen as saying:
I had this friend
These drugged up and luvved up hippies certainly knew how to rock out when they felt like it
ThePoose wrote:
Cool. We reserve the 0s for you. Bless your blunted little head.
Beautiful! You have a way with words - funny AND succinct. Thank you for that. I get tired of people who feel the need to bash. There are plenty of things I don't like, either, but that doesn't mean that the artists responsible intrinsically suck. And the Airplane could crank as this song shows well. For me this is a '10' as is much of this album.
Cool. We reserve the 0s for you. Bless your blunted little head.
Beautiful! You have a way with words - funny AND succinct. Thank you for that. I get tired of people who feel the need to bash. There are plenty of things I don't like, either, but that doesn't mean that the artists responsible intrinsically suck. And the Airplane could crank as this song shows well. For me this is a '10' as is much of this album.
This hasn't been played here since 2006..!?
Love it!
Love it!
Enrique wrote:
Grace could've sung the phone book and it would have been good.
Ha! ROTFLMAO. The fact that Grace Slick isn't singing is this song's redeeming feature :)
Grace could've sung the phone book and it would have been good.
KevinM wrote:
Cool. We reserve the 0s for you. Bless your blunted little head.
I'd give it a 1 but I reserve the 1's for Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan, so this one gets a 2
Cool. We reserve the 0s for you. Bless your blunted little head.
lily33 wrote:
what exactly IS a plastic fantastic lover? 
:D
Bill Burroughs called it a "steely dan". I don't believe they were made of plastic then...
:DThis is cool...and the ratings distribution is interesting to look at as well. Clearly a polarizing song.
Enrique wrote:
Ha! ROTFLMAO. The fact that Grace Slick isn't singing is this song's redeeming feature :)
Oh, and Marty Balin is an improvement? Feh! Still a great song. Inflatable to say the least...
how come this is played so sparingly?
Nothing like a good psychedelic Casady bass line.
Originally Posted by Enrique:
Ha! ROTFLMAO. The fact that Grace Slick isn't singing is this song's redeeming feature :)
OMG! An almost positive comment by Enrique. Mark your calendars everyone. 
Originally Posted by LAfadeaway:
Had to give it a "10" just to bring the rating up.
Had to give it a 1 to counter your 10.
ah yes, good stuff. I was actually listening to this today.
Originally Posted by rmurray248:
"Hey, man (exhaling bong hit), 'plastic' rhymes with 'fantastic!' Quick, grab the instruments; let's get this down on vinyl before I forget. What's that, Grace isn't around? That's alright, inspiration like this can't wait!"
Ha! ROTFLMAO. The fact that Grace Slick isn't singing is this song's redeeming feature :)
\"Hey, man (exhaling bong hit), \'plastic\' rhymes with \'fantastic!\' Quick, grab the instruments; let\'s get this down on vinyl before I forget. What\'s that, Grace isn\'t around? That\'s alright, inspiration like this can\'t wait!\"
I like JA, but this song hasn\'t aged as well as a lot of their other stuff, IMO. :roll:
agree with LAfadeaway.
I\'d give it a 1 but I reserve the 1\'s for Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan, so this one gets a 2
half the band left?
Yep. Jorma is still rocking out at his Fur Peace Ranch in Meigs County Ohio!