Virtually a one-man project, the Tennessee-based Self is clearly the more experimental of the two acts, dropping hip-hop/dub beats and varied keyboard voices into classic power-pop tunes. The overall effect of Subliminal Plastic Motives is not as forced as it might seem on paper, as the samples and passages of non-rock production often come wrapped in crunchy guitars, and melody is king throughout. Opening tracks "Borateen" and "Sophomore Jinx" (yes, the second track on this debut) are fine introductions to Matt Mahaffey's skill at both catchy arrangements and self-conscious lyrics like I've been stuck between a rock and a vinyl interior. What follows is pleasantly witty, coming off alternately like a hi-fi version of Beck and a still-worthy Cheap Trick looped on drugs. Fans of clever pop should find a lot to like here. B