How Mother Earth's Plantasia came to be one of our perennial best-sellers here at Kop's Records is a mystery for the ages, but this little slab of synthesizer strangeness has become an enduring object of fascination for several generations' worth of record buyers since its almost nonexistent release in 1976.

To say this Moog-mad collection of alternately soothing and sprightly electronic compositions intended for the enjoyment of houseplants had a "limited release" back in the day is an understatement. To procure Mother Earth's Plantasia in 1976, you either had to purchase an actual plant from a shop called Mother Earth on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles or -- wait for it -- a Simmons mattress from a Sears outlet. So presumably "Symphony For A Spider Plant," "Concerto for Philodendron & Pothos" and "You Don't Have To Walk A Begonia" sound as good to a boxspring double as they do to an African violet.

In any case, this beguiling electro-curio -- inspired by Garson's wife's love of greenery -- has gone on to live a far longer life than anyone might have dared dream 50 years ago. And it's appeal clearly extends beyond plants 'cause plants don't tend to do a lot of record shopping.

TRACKLISTING

1. Plantasia

2. Symphony for a Spider Plant

3. Baby's Tears Blues

4. Ode to an African Violet

5. Concerto for Philodendron and Pothos

6. Rhapsody in Green

7. Swingin' Spathiphyllums

8. You Don't Have to Walk a Begonia

9. A Mellow Mood for Maidenhair

10. Music to Soothe the Savage Snake Plant