Self is a band which combines many different styles of modern music, the thing that ties it all together is Matt Mahaffey's knack for seeding pop hooks within music that typically lives on the indie borderlands.  This album is definitely a slice out of the mid 1990's, and should be looked upon as such.  Think Beck's Odelay, Weezer's Blue Album, God Lives Underwater, etc.  It is, by far, Self's most commercial release, which means it is well-produced but also lacks some of the real experimentation of the later releases.  This has the feeling of short radio friendly hits strung together, and a bit less mature than the later releases.  Breakfast With Girls has the feeling of a more involved masterpiece, it takes more time to grow on you but might be the best introduction to the band overall.  Gizmodgery is my favorite Self album, and one of my favorite albums of all time.  It's hard to find, but if you can grab a copy, do not hesitate.  All that being said, almost all the tracks on Subliminal Plastic Motives are solid, and it is a good place to start with one of my all-time favorite bands.