Sealed 1971 2nd Issue Record Club Gatefold (We Believe These Were Pressed By Capitol). "This Was As Close As The MJQ Ever Got To Making A Pop Album, And The Production Work Of Arif Mardin Reflects That Idea. The Opener, "Walkin' Stomp," Reasserts This Concept In A Big Way; It Is As Far Into Playing Pure Funk That The MJQ Ever Got, With Percy Heath Laying Down A Solid Groove And Milt Jackson Contributing A Brilliant, Blazing Solo. While There Is Nothing Else In The MJQ's Book Like "Trav'lin," Martin Williams Stated That It Was "Another One Reminiscent Of Their Early Pieces." The Title Track, "Plastic Dreams," Is A Reflective And Relaxed Tune That Benefits From Lewis' Employment Of The Harpsichord Over The Piano. The Version Of "Piazza Navona" Here Utilizes Five Horns And Is Like An Entirely Different Composition From The One That Appeared On The Comedy And Lewis' Album The Golden Striker In 1960. It Has An Irresistibly Catchy, Entirely New Introductory Figure That Winds Its Way Through The Piece, And Once You Hear It On Plastic Dreams, You'll Miss It When You Listen To The Older Versions. Despite The Lukewarm Criticism That Has Attended To It, Plastic Dreams Is One Of The MJQ's Most Exploratory Efforts, Though In The Opposite Direction From Albums Like Third Stream Music. As Such, Plastic Dreams Deserves Pride Of Place As One Of The Late, And Last, High-Water Marks To Be Found Among Their Studio Work During Their Regular Period Of Activity, And It Remains One Of The Most Hip Sounding And Easily Enjoyed Of The MJQ's Albums More Than Thirty Years On." Uncle Dave Lewis, AMG.