Mort Garson: “Mother Earth’s Plantasia” (Album Review)

Genres: Space Age Pop, Progressive Electronic, Moogsploitation

        Mort Garson’s Mother Earth’s Plantasia markets itself as “warm music for plants…and the people that love them”. I can’t speak for any of my plant friends, but as a person that loves them, this album feels so warm and cozy. There’s a sense of wonder and fantasy that becomes gripping. The album’s cover of two nondescript, yet content, figures embracing between a potted plant, all under an array of sound waves. This beautiful image is a great summary of Plantasia’s listening experience.

        Chock-full of twinkling synths and grand orchestral arrangements, Mother Earth’s Plantasia is an album that refuses to be limited. As silly sounding as it can get, the sense of playfulness never clashes with the record’s surprising ambitious streak. There’s confidence in its own atmosphere, allowing for lush sounds of relaxation, comfort, and joy. These feelings are made manifest because of how extreme the efforts of the album are. While the opening track, “Plantasia”, starts off small with a simple melody, until more and more sounds are brought in, creating delightful harmonies. It’s a beautiful song that’s genuinely uplifting. 

        In some ways, Mother Earth’s Plantasia is a novelty album, but there’s something truly special about the way it expands beyond its gimmicks. Instead of feeling one-note, the record has an incredibly dynamic sound, creatively using synths to create a variety of emotional moments. Although there are definitely simpler and basic melodies, they become fun and absorbing as they are expanded on. Mother Earth’s Plantasia is the type of work that draws people in through its quirkiness and unique style, but where it really shines is in its excellence of emotional expression through sound.

Favorite Tracks: Concerto for Philodendron & Pothos, Plantasia, Swingin’ Spathiphyllums, You Don’t Have to Walk a Begonia, Baby’s Tears Blue

Least Favorites: Ode to an African Violet 

Enjoyment: Mid 8

Critically: Mid 8

Arbitrary Number: 8.5/10