Solid State Warrior is the debut solo record by American musician Roger Joseph Manning, Jr., released on March 5, 2005 through the (now defunct) Weedshare music distribution service. In 2006, the album was rereleased internationally under the title The Land of Pure Imagination, with three different tracks.
Background and release.
Before beginning his solo career, Manning was best known for his work with Jellyfish, Imperial Drag and the Moog Cookbook. He also did session work with acts including Blink-182, Fiona Apple, Jamiroquai, and Beck.
Some of the material on the album was written several years earlier. "Wish It Would Rain" was written for the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson. In the early 1990s, Manning presented the song to Wilson, who came up with a bridge section. Manning rewrote Wilson's contribution as he felt it was "just a bit average, even for him".
The album was originally released on the now defunct peer-to-peer service Weedshare instead of receiving a traditional retail release. Neither the album or service were commercially successful. A year later, the record was released exclusively in Japan by Pony Canyon.
Later in 2006, the album was re-released internationally under the title "The Land of Pure Imagination" on Cordless Recordings with three different tracks. "What You Don't Know About The Girl", "Sleep Children" and "'Til We Meet Again" were replaced with "Pray for the Many", "In the Name of Romance" and "Appleby".
Critical reception.
In his review for AllMusic, Joseph McCombs called "Solid State Warrior" a "solid" sunshine pop album. While he describes the songs "Sleep Children" and "'Til We Meet Again" as "forgettable lullaby ditties", he says the song "What You Don't Know About the Girl" a "bona fide candy-coated delight". To summarize he notes that the album "continues in the sunny power pop mold; it doesn't tip over into exceedingly twee or baroque territory, but rather emphasizes bright melodies and playful arrangements."
"Power of Pop" gave "The Land of Pure Imagination" an A+, saying it "deserves to be in the collection of every fan of great pop music..." and suggests that it should "be spoken of in the same hushed tones as that Jellyfish masterpiece, "Spilt Milk"".
Track listing.
All songs written and composed by Roger Joseph Manning, Jr.
Solid State Warrior
The Land of Pure Imagination
Personnel.
Musicians
Production
References.
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