Birth Control - Plastic People (1975)

Birth Control - Plastic People (1975)

Tracklist front / back album covers

Birth Control – Plastic People (1975)

Tracklist:

1. Stop Little Lady (Revisited)

2. Plastic People

3. Nothing to Lose

4. Life in a Cage

5. Try Me

6. When the Ship Comes In

7. Time to Say Goodbye

Review:
Plastic People (1975) sees Birth Control embracing a more melodic yet still hard-hitting direction, blending their signature heavy riffs and Hammond organ textures with a touch of commercial accessibility. While the album carries the energy of their early 70s work, there’s a noticeable focus on songcraft and tighter arrangements, showing the band’s evolution as seasoned performers and songwriters.

The title track “Plastic People” stands out as a critique of superficiality and societal conformity, with Bernd Noske’s gritty vocals adding emotional weight. Tracks like “Nothing to Lose” and “Life in a Cage” demonstrate the band’s ability to combine progressive rock structures with hard rock power, while “Try Me” introduces bluesy undertones that diversify the album’s sound. The closing track, “Time to Say Goodbye,” provides a reflective, almost melancholic counterpoint to the heavier tracks, showing the band’s dynamic range.

While not as aggressive as Hoodoo Man or Operation, Plastic People still delivers intense guitar riffs, driving rhythm sections, and expressive Hammond organ work, proving that Birth Control could adapt their sound without losing their identity. This album appeals to both longtime fans of early German hard rock and those exploring a slightly more polished, melodic Krautrock sound.

---

Fun Facts & Trivia:

• Plastic People was one of the first Birth Control albums to experiment with more socially reflective lyrics, foreshadowing the thematic depth of their later work.

• The band’s lineup remained stable from Rebirth, allowing for tight, cohesive performances throughout the album.

• Some tracks feature subtle studio effects to enhance the psychedelic atmosphere, a departure from their rawer live recordings.

---

Did You Know?

• The album title reflects the band’s critique of conformity and consumer culture in mid-70s Europe.

• “Life in a Cage” includes one of Bernd Noske’s most expressive vocal performances, often praised by fans as a live highlight.

• Though less heavy than earlier albums, Plastic People influenced later German hard rock and early metal acts, showing a bridge between 70s Krautrock and melodic heavy rock.

---

Selling / Collector’s Info:

Original 1975 CBS German pressings of Plastic People are sought after but generally more affordable than the band’s earlier works. Mint copies typically range from €60–€120, with vinyl condition and sleeve preservation affecting value. Reissues are widely available, but for collectors, the original pressing remains a key part of any Birth Control discography.

Keywords: Birth Control Plastic People review, German hard rock 1975, Krautrock melodic heavy rock, Birth Control vinyl collector, 70s progressive rock albums