# Gizmodgery > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Gizmodgery > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Gizmodgery.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizmodgery > Source revision: 1350634009 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|2000 studio album by Self}} {{good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox album | name = Gizmodgery | type = studio | artist = [Self](/source/Self_(band)) | cover = Self Gizmodgery Front.jpg | alt = | released = September 5, 2000
April 25, 2001 (Japan) | recorded = 1998–May 2000 | studio = Bennett House ([Franklin](/source/Franklin%2C_Tennessee))
Matt's Old House ([Murfreesboro](/source/Murfreesboro%2C_Tennessee)) | genre = {{hlist|[Power pop](/source/Power_pop)|[art rock](/source/art_rock)|[new wave](/source/New_wave_music)|[soft grunge](/source/Soft_grunge_music)|[chiptune](/source/chiptune)}} | length = 42:11 | label = [Spongebath](/source/Spongebath_Records) | producer = [Matt Mahaffey](/source/Matt_Mahaffey) | prev_title = [Brunch](/source/Brunch_(EP)) | prev_year = 1999 | next_title = [Selfafornia](/source/Selfafornia) | next_year = 2001 | misc = {{Extra album cover | header = Alternate cover | type = studio | cover = GizmodgeryJapanCover.jpeg | border = | alt = | caption = 2001 Japanese cover art }} {{Singles | name = Gizmodgery | type = studio | single1 = [Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps) | single1date = February 2001 }} }} '''''Gizmodgery''''' is the fourth studio album by the American [pop rock](/source/pop_rock) band [Self](/source/Self_(band)), released on September 5, 2000, by [Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records). Recorded entirely with [toy](/source/toy) [instruments](/source/Musical_instrument), its music was written and composed by lead member [Matt Mahaffey](/source/Matt_Mahaffey), with the band's other members contributing to select songs. The album's sole single, "[Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps)", received a [music video](/source/music_video) and [television commercial](/source/Television_advertisement), whilst the song "[Dead Man](/source/Dead_Man_(Self_song))" became a [sleeper hit](/source/sleeper_hit) in the early 2020s. ''Gizmodgery'' received generally positive reviews upon its release, discussing its unique production and playful energy, with Self's cover of "[What a Fool Believes](/source/What_a_Fool_Believes)" (originally by [Kenny Loggins](/source/Kenny_Loggins) and popularized by [the Doobie Brothers](/source/the_Doobie_Brothers)) receiving consistent praise. Commercially, ''Gizmodgery'' sold over 13,000 copies in its first week and peaked near the top of multiple [CMJ](/source/CMJ) charts. The album was distributed in Japan by [Avex Inc.](/source/Avex_Inc.) in 2001, and on [vinyl](/source/LP_record) through [El Camino Media](/source/El_Camino_Media) in 2015. Various cut songs and [b-sides](/source/b-sides) were later released on their second [compilation album](/source/compilation_album), ''[Selfafornia](/source/Selfafornia)'' (2001). ==Background== In 1995, [Self](/source/Self_(band)) was given the cover page of an issue of [''Virtually Alternative''](/source/Jonathan_L) after the release of the project's debut album ''[Subliminal Plastic Motives](/source/Subliminal_Plastic_Motives)''. Within the magazine, lead member [Matt Mahaffey](/source/Matt_Mahaffey) spoke about wanting to create an album solely with toy instruments,{{cite web |last=Harkey |first=Scott |date=September 11, 2000 |title=Self / Interviews |url=https://silentuproar.com/interviews/3/self/ |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=Silent Uproar |language=en}} a [concept](/source/concept_album) last attempted by [Pianosaurus](/source/Pianosaurus) in their 1987 album ''Groovy Neighborhood''. He was additionally inspired by ''[The Moog Cookbook](/source/The_Moog_Cookbook_(album))'' (1996) and ''[At Home with the Groovebox](/source/At_Home_with_the_Groovebox)'' (1999).{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=Tony |date=December 9, 2000 |title=Self Find Pop Magic in Toy Box |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/5919085/self?pageid=rs.Artistcage&pageregion=triple3 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310125244/https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/5919085/self?pageid=rs.Artistcage&pageregion=triple3 |archive-date=March 10, 2005 |accessdate=January 13, 2025 |website=[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone) |language=en}} Matt's older brother, [Mike Mahaffey](/source/Mike_Mahaffey), later bought musical toys for his children,{{cite magazine |last=Hall |first=Rashaun |date=October 28, 2000 |title=They're Playing My Song |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zxEEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA44 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) |pages=44 |volume=112 |issue=44}} which sparked Matt to purchase more through [eBay](/source/eBay) and begin developing the toy album.{{cite web |last=Labbe |first=Ryan |title=Self “toys” around on latest release. |url=http://www.hartfordinformer.com/media/paper146/news/2000/09/28/Entertainment/Self-toys.Around.On.Latest.Release-4042.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526021804/http://www.hartfordinformer.com:80/media/paper146/news/2000/09/28/Entertainment/Self-toys.Around.On.Latest.Release-4042.shtml |archive-date=May 26, 2005 |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=[The Informer](/source/University_of_Hartford) |language=en}} He chose to do the project independently, feeling less constrained with his label [Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records) compared to prior major label albums, although [DreamWorks Records](/source/DreamWorks_Records) expressed interest in publishing the album.{{cite web |last=Conant |first=Brian |date=July 21, 1999 |title=Self's frontman knows art when he hears it |url=http://www.colleges.com/Umagazine/articles.taf?category=arts&article=F1_self |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020611181718/http://www.colleges.com/Umagazine/articles.taf?category=arts&article=F1_self |archive-date=June 11, 2002 |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=U. Magazine |language=en}} ==Production== thumb|left|upright=0.8|Mahaffey during the recording of Gizmodgery in 1998. Toy instruments such as the one-string [Mattel](/source/Mattel) [star guitar](/source/Star_(guitar)) made chord assembly arduous, requiring each note to be played one at a time. On the back of physical copies, Mahaffey compiled a list of all toys used for ''Gizmodgery'',{{cite web |last=Barna |first=Paul |title=NewNoize.com Gizmodgery Review |url=http://www.newnoize.com/reviews.php?rec_num=32 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010426085330/http://www.newnoize.com/reviews.php?rec_num=32 |archive-date=April 26, 2001 |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=NewNoize |language=en}} including a [Schoenhut](/source/Schoenhut_Piano_Company) [toy piano](/source/toy_piano).{{cite web |author=Smacca|url=http://www.groovystylie.com/sound/cds/issue4cds.htm#self|title=Self - Gizmodgery - Spongebath Records|website=GroovyStylie|language=en|date=September 2000|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010425100342/http://www.groovystylie.com/sound/cds/issue4cds.htm#self|archive-date=April 25, 2001|accessdate=January 6, 2026}} Cheryl Botchick of [CMJ](/source/CMJ) noted of these that the listed six-string electric guitar produced by [Vox](/source/Vox_(company)) "could be construed as a rule bender". Mahaffey recorded the album with a condenser microphone, [equalizing](/source/Equalization_(audio)) the audio with [Pro Tools](/source/Pro_Tools) to fix abundant mid-range frequencies.{{cite web |last=Botchick |first=Cheryl |date=November 8, 2000 |title=SELF: Regression Therapy |url=http://cmj.com/features/self.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211202200/http://cmj.com/features/self.php |archive-date=February 11, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |language=en}} "5 Alive", "Pattycake", and "Hi, My Name's Cindy" additionally used [Logic Pro](/source/Logic_Pro), which required Mahaffey to manually rearrange hundreds of separate [stems](/source/Stem_(audio)) from Pro Tools to mix the songs. The latter's files were lost during this process, resulting in its final version being a rough mix. "[Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps)" and "Ordinaire" required multiple takes due to recording errors involving their [bass guitar](/source/bass_guitar) and drums, respectively. Alongside "I Love to Love Your Love My Love" and "Suzie Q Sailaway", these four songs were written together in one day. Self additionally worked on ''[Breakfast with Girls](/source/Breakfast_with_Girls)'' (1999), an album planned to be released through DreamWorks, while making ''Gizmodgery''.{{cite web |last=Heisel|first=Scott|date=August 27, 2014|title="We never broke up, but we got burned out"—Matt Mahaffey on the return of Self |url=https://www.altpress.com/we_never_broke_up_but_we_got_burned_outmatt_mahaffey_on_the_return_of_self|website=[Alternative Press](/source/Alternative_Press_(magazine))|access-date=March 23, 2021}} Mahaffey wrote and recorded "Suzie Q Sailaway" for inclusion on the latter, but was requested by the label to put it on the former. He re-recorded the song with a full band, wishing to contain toy songs to ''Gizmodgery''.{{cite web |last=Duritz |first=Darius |date=March 10, 2000 |title=The PiG Interview with Matt Mahaffey |url=http://www.pigpublications.com/Archives/selfpart1.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010419103014/http://www.pigpublications.com/Archives/selfpart1.htm |archive-date=April 19, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=PiG Publications |language=en}} This process delayed the release of ''Breakfast with Girls'', which, combined with the track's shift in style, led to a retroactive dissatisfaction. Self was proposed by [Count Bass D](/source/Count_Bass_D) to record a cover of the [Doobie Brothers](/source/Doobie_Brothers)' song "[What a Fool Believes](/source/What_a_Fool_Believes)" during the album's creation, but the collaboration never came to fruition. Mahaffey later recorded the cover independently, drawn to creating large [chords](/source/Chord_(music)) with small instruments. The song was constructed in a non-[C major](/source/C_major) [key](/source/key_(music)) to add variation to the album. ==Music and lyrics== ===Style and influences=== {{Listen | filename = What a Fool Believes Self Chorus.ogg | title = "What a Fool Believes" | description = A 26-second sample of "What a Fool Believes" by Self, in which parts of the first pre-chorus and chorus are heard | pos = right }} ''Gizmodgery'' uses a [power pop](/source/power_pop)/[rock](/source/rock_music) soundscape with elements of [new wave](/source/new_wave_music). In addition to being an early representation of [soft grunge](/source/soft_grunge_music),{{cite web |last=Reiss |first=Randy |year=2001 |title=44.1 KHZ - Music Reviews |url=http://www.neumu.net/fortyfour/2001/2001-00031/2001-00031_fortyfour.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010910072158/http://neumu.net/fortyfour/2001/2001-00031/2001-00031_fortyfour.shtml |archive-date=September 10, 2001 |access-date=November 22, 2025 |website=[Neumu](/source/Neumu) |language=en}} it also takes influence from artists such as [Prince](/source/Prince_(musician)), [Lenny Kravitz](/source/Lenny_Kravitz), and [Queen](/source/Queen_(band)). Lead band member Matt Mahaffey consistently labeled ''Gizmodgery'' as an "exercise in recording", and called the album a "lot of fun" to make.{{Cite web |last=Rogers|first=Nick|url=http://www.illinimedia.com/buzz/fall_2000/20000907/|title=Buzz Interview With Matt Mahaffey|date=September 2000|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060220181955/http://www.selfies.com/articles/?buzzonline|archive-date=February 20, 2006|access-date=November 22, 2025}} The majority of the vocals in ''Gizmodgery'' are performed in a [feminine](/source/Femininity) manner,{{cite web |author=Alex Steininger |date=May 2001 |title=Self - Gizmodgery (Review) |url=https://www.inmusicwetrust.com/articles/37r44.html |accessdate=November 24, 2025 |website=[In Music We Trust](/source/In_Music_We_Trust) |language=en}} characterized by a high level of energy. "5 Alive" consists of an intro featuring a cacophony of background noises, later complemented by aesthetically pleasing vocals, all while incorporating an element of pop music. "Chameleon" is predominantly made up of a repeating drum loop accompanied by distorted sounds. The publication [The O'Colly](/source/The_O'Colly) described "Chameleon" as "surprisingly dark," while Alex Steininger from [In Music We Trust](/source/In_Music_We_Trust) referred to it "as close as anyone will ever get to creating pop-industrial-electronica." "Pattycake" is sung in a [falsetto](/source/falsetto) reminiscent of [soul music](/source/soul_music).{{cite web |last=Washington |first=Natasha |date=October 13, 2000 |title=CD REVIEWS-POP SELF GIZMODGERY |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2000/10/13/cd-reviews/62176097007/ |accessdate=November 24, 2025 |website=[The Oklahoman](/source/The_Oklahoman) |language=en}} "Ordinaire" incorporates unconventional and eccentric rhythms, alongside alarm sounds similar to that of the American [new wave](/source/new_wave_music) band [Devo](/source/Devo). "9 Lives" is presented in the style of a [punk](/source/punk_rock) song and evokes elements of [psychedelic music](/source/psychedelic_music). While "I Love To Love Your Love My Love" is a [parody](/source/parody) of popular [doo-wop](/source/doo-wop) songs, and features a piano ballad. ===Lyrics=== The opening track, "I Am A Little Explosion", begins with a toy doll stating "Let’s play some music!", before the song starts. "Chameleon" is characterized by a recurring vocal verse, which also incorporates a sample of a drunken man speaking nonsensically. "[Dead Man](/source/Dead_Man_(Self_song))", is written from the perspective of a man dealing with mortality issues, [coping](/source/coping) with the stress of everyday life by using [black comedy](/source/black_comedy) as a relief method.{{cite web |last=Dih |first=Gerald |date=November 6, 2025 |title=Dissecting the song that broke Self back into the mainstream decades later |url=https://audiophix.com/dissecting-song-broke-self-back-mainstream-decades-later |access-date=November 22, 2025 |website=[AudioPhix](/source/FanSided) |language=en}} Following, "[Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps)" was written humorously, as the band considered it ironic that a song created solely with toy instruments could contain significant [profanity](/source/profanity).{{Cite web |last=Tilford |first=Bryan |title=Self - Ink 19 Interview |url=http://www.ink19.com/issues/november2000/inkSpots/self.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001218001400/http://www.ink19.com/issues/november2000/inkSpots/self.html |archive-date=December 18, 2000 |access-date=November 22, 2025}} The lyrics repeatedly state, "Got a trunk fulla amps, [motherfucker](/source/motherfucker)", and reference several artists by name, including [Freddie Mercury](/source/Freddie_Mercury) and the [Electric Light Orchestra](/source/Electric_Light_Orchestra). Mahaffey remarked that after writing the first verse of the song: "—the flood gate opened and the 'f' word flew freely." "Pattycake" interpolates the [nursery rhyme](/source/nursery_rhyme) [Miss Lucy had a steamboat](/source/Miss_Lucy_had_a_steamboat), and "Hi, My Name’s Cindy" revolves around a man who ends up on a [blind date](/source/blind_date) with a literal [blind](/source/Visual_impairment) woman.{{Cite web |last=Orendorf |first=Ryan |title=Hear/Say Gizmodgery Review |url=http://www.hearsay.cc/reviews/albums/04-05-01-01/Self.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010221222547/http://www.hearsay.cc/reviews/albums/04-05-01-01/Self.html |archive-date=February 21, 2001 |access-date=November 22, 2025}} The twelfth track, "I Love To Love Your Love My Love" is written in the style of a [Jellyfish](/source/Jellyfish_(band)) song, and narrates a [High school prom](/source/High_school_prom).{{cite journal |last=Fischer |first=Blair |date=January 21, 1999 |title=Toy Soldiers: Self begin a childish exploration |journal=[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone)}} ==Artwork== The cover artwork of ''Gizmodgery'' depicts a boy viewing a [General Electric](/source/General_Electric) [Show'N Tell](/source/Show'N_Tell), featuring a skeletal [ultrasound](/source/ultrasound) [fetus](/source/fetus) whose [umbilical cord](/source/umbilical_cord) is connected to a microphone. The fetus featured on the cover is available on display at the [Museum Vrolik](/source/Museum_Vrolik) in [Amsterdam](/source/Amsterdam).{{cite web |last=Starkweather |first=Simon |date=December 19, 2014 |title=Vrolik Museum Exhibitions |url=http://www.churchofhalloween.com/wp-content/posts/museum-vrolik.png |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219095517/http://www.churchofhalloween.com/wp-content/posts/museum-vrolik.png |archive-date=December 19, 2014 |accessdate=November 29, 2025 |website=Church of Halloween |language=en}} Unlike the majority of Self's previous releases, the artwork for ''Gizmodgery'' was created by [Kii Arens](/source/Kii_Arens).{{cite web |title=Kii Arens | Credits |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/kii-arens-mn0001225153 |access-date=November 30, 2025 |publisher=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)}} New artwork was created for the Japanese release.{{cite web |date=April 28, 2001 |title=Self - Intro |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/self/top/intro.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010509095917/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/self/top/intro.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2001 |accessdate=November 19, 2025 |website=[Avex Inc.](/source/Avex_Inc.) |language=ja}} ''Gizmodgery'' features unique artwork for every song on the album, similar to that of Self's debut ''[Subliminal Plastic Motives](/source/Subliminal_Plastic_Motives)'' (1995). An icon is used to represent each song on the CD and booklet. ==Release== {{redirect|Goes Shopping|the movie|Gone Shopping}} thumb|left|upright=0.7|''Gizmodgery''{{'}}s marketing campaign included television advertisements, a first for Self. ''Gizmodgery'' was released through [Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records) on September 5, 2000, and appeared in [retail](/source/retail) stores by October 31. Issued exclusively on [HDCD](/source/HDCD),{{cite web |author=The Five 10 |date=August 4, 2015 |title=sElf / Matt Mahaffey to Release 15th Anniversary Vinyl of Gizmodgery |url=https://thefive10.com/2015/08/04/self-matt-mahaffey-to-release-15th-anniversary-vinyl-of-gizmodgery/ |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=The Five 10 |language=en}} copies were packaged with a [parental advisory](/source/parental_advisory) sticker on the front due to the song "[Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps)",{{cite web |date=October 12, 2000 |title=Self more than just boys with toys |url=https://www.ocolly.com/self-more-than-just-boys-with-toys/article_78c3bcf0-36b2-55ff-a48d-b16464da31b7.html |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[The O'Colly](/source/The_O'Colly) |language=en}} which repeats the word "[motherfucker](/source/motherfucker)" a total of 18 times.{{cite web |last=M. |first=Mike |date=November 25, 2000 |title=Gizmodgery Review |url=https://minorkeys.tripod.com/reviews.html |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=Minor Keys |language=en}} ''Gizmodgery'' was not available at [Walmart](/source/Walmart), as the company refuses to stock albums featuring parental advisory stickers.{{cite web |last=Watson |first=Matt |date=February 9, 2010 |title=Walmart's music policy inconsistent |url=https://reflector-online.com/18939/uncategorized/walmarts-music-policy-inconsistent/ |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=[The Reflector](/source/The_Reflector_(Mississippi_newspaper)) |language=en}} Few concerts were connected to the album's release, limited by the extensive cost of batteries required to power the toy instruments,{{cite web |last=Gdula |first=Steve |date=November 2, 2000 |title=Self Plays With Toys |url=http://wallofsound.go.com/news/stories/self110200.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126222500/http://wallofsound.go.com/news/stories/self110200.html |archive-date=January 26, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[Wall of Sound](/source/Wall_of_Sound_(website)) |language=en}} only consisting of an album [release party](/source/Art_release) in [Murfreesboro](/source/Murfreesboro), a performance at Sebastian's on September 8, and at [Opry Mills](/source/Opry_Mills)' [Tower Records](/source/Tower_Records) store on September 9.{{cite web |last=Murray |first=Noel |date=September 7, 2000 |title=Self-Amusement |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/arts_culture/self-amusement/article_26dfc84a-af98-5fe5-8f54-f9e6b3dc10fb.html |accessdate=December 3, 2025 |website=[Nashville Scene](/source/Nashville_Scene) |language=en}} Mike Mahaffey created [chiptune](/source/chiptune) remixes of older songs to lead the band on stage during performances, with plans to release it through [DreamWorks Records](/source/DreamWorks_Records). It was instead released on Spongebath's website after Self's tour ended as their second [EP](/source/Extended_play) ''Self Goes Shopping'' (2000).{{cite web |title=Self - Bsides |url=http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/bsides.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010104043100/http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/bsides.html |archive-date=January 4, 2001 |accessdate=November 19, 2025 |website=[Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records) |language=en}} [[File:GizmodgeryJapaneseGoodies.jpeg|thumb|upright=0.7|Extra goodies were included in copies of ''Gizmodgery''{{'}}s Japanese edition.]] In 1999, [Michael Simpson](/source/Michael_Simpson_(producer)) of the [Dust Brothers](/source/Dust_Brothers) remixed the toy recording of "Suzie Q Sailaway", which Mahaffey preferred over the original version. It was released on July 27, 2001, as part of the [compilation album](/source/compilation_album) ''[Selfafornia](/source/Selfafornia)''. It included other cut songs from ''Gizmodgery''{{'}}s recording sessions,{{cite web |title=Self - News |url=http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/news.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010622152045/http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/news.html |archive-date=June 22, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records) |language=en}} with "Resurrect" as its final track.{{cite web |author=Laurent |date=September 15, 2001 |title=Self - Selfafornia |url=https://www.indiepoprock.fr/chroniques/albums/self/selfafornia/ |accessdate=November 19, 2025 |website=Indiepoprock |language=fr}} A music video for "Trunk Fulla Amps" directed by Reed Ridley was released in February 2001. It was intended to be broadcast for [MTV](/source/MTV)'s "Indie Day", but the band did not qualify due to their contract with DreamWorks. Self produced a 30-second advertisement consisting of a comically edited version of the music video,{{cite web |last=Youtube |first=Selfemeris |date=September 3, 2024 |title="Gizmodgery Ad (Commercial, 2001)" |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YnjyveFNDM |access-date=November 19, 2025 |website=[YouTube](/source/YouTube)}} which aired during the [Super Bowl XXXV](/source/Super_Bowl_XXXV) in select areas of the east coast,{{Cite web |last=Mahaffey |first=Matt |date=August 27, 2014 |title=IamA Matt Mahaffey AMA! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2eqv4v/comment/ck24uru/ |access-date=November 19, 2025 |website=[Reddit](/source/Reddit)}} alongside the [2000 MTV Video Music Awards](/source/2000_MTV_Video_Music_Awards).{{Cite web |last=Bass D |first=Count |date=2013 |title=Count Bass D - Ask Me Anything |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/1157vb/comment/c6jh3xp/ |access-date=November 24, 2025 |website=[Reddit](/source/Reddit)}} Both videos were available for download from Spongebath's website.{{Cite web |date=June 2, 2001 |title=Self - Trunk Fulla Amps Video |url=http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010602113322/http://www.spongebathrec.com/self/video/ |archive-date=2 June 2001}} A [Japanese edition](/source/Japanese_edition) of ''Gizmodgery'' was released on April 25, 2001, by [Avex Inc](/source/Avex_Inc.),{{cite web |title=Self - Index |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/avexdb/self/index.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010618125714/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/avexdb/self/index.htm |archive-date=June 18, 2001 |accessdate=November 19, 2025 |website=[Avex Inc.](/source/Avex_Inc.) |language=ja}} with the songs "[Dead Man](/source/Dead_Man_(Self_song))" and "I Love To Love Your Love My Love" being available for [download](/source/Music_download) from their Japanese website.{{cite web |title=Gizmodgery - Listening booth |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/self/top/booth.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010509102404/http://www.avexnet.or.jp/self/top/booth.htm|archive-date=May 9, 2001 |accessdate=November 19, 2025 |website=[Avex Inc.](/source/Avex_Inc.) |language=ja}} It included the bonus track "Resurrect", alongside new artwork created by Fujita Blender of Hyppopotamus Graphics. Mahaffey travelled to Japan to promote the album, partaking in a photo shoot taken by Daisuke Fujisawa and 18 different interviews for various Japanese music outlets, with plans to tour Japan in August 2001. Each purchase included a poster, a sticker, and a ticket to enter a contest in which 50 people received a toy used whilst creating the album.{{cite web |last=Records |first=Avex |date=April 25, 2001 |title=Self - toys contest |url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/self/top/toys.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010525055508/http://www.avexnet.or.jp:80/self/top/toys.htm |archive-date=May 25, 2001 |accessdate=December 11, 2025 |website=[Avex Records](/source/Avex_Records) |language=ja}} Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the album was re-issued through [El Camino Media](/source/El_Camino_Media) on September 11, 2015, available as a [digital download](/source/Music_download) and physically as a blue [vinyl](/source/LP_record). ==Reception== {{Music ratings |rev1=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) |rev1Score={{Rating|4|5}}{{cite web |last=Huey |first=Steve |title=Gizmodgery Review |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/gizmodgery-mw0000619636 |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic)}} |rev2=''[The Daily Nebraskan](/source/The_Daily_Nebraskan)'' |rev2Score={{Rating|4|4}}{{cite web |last=Shaw |first=Andrew |date=October 26, 2000 |title='Hungry, Hungry Harmony': Self uses toys to create music |url=https://www.dailynebraskan.com/hungry-hungry-harmony-self-uses-toys-to-create-music/article_aa662f00-7404-5b3e-9026-dffd4133f28f.html |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=[The Daily Nebraskan](/source/The_Daily_Nebraskan)}} |rev3=Dead On The Web |rev3Score={{Rating|8|10}}{{cite web |last=Rizzo |first=Frank |title=Gizmodgery - Disk Review |url=http://www.deadontheweb.com/new_cdreviews/disk_review.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010124061800/http://www.deadontheweb.com/new_cdreviews/disk_review.htm |archive-date=January 24, 2001 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=Dead On The Web}} |rev4= ''LMNOP'' |rev4Score={{Rating|5|6}}{{cite web |last=Fievet |first=Steven |date=November 2000 |title=babysue: LMNOP Reviews |url=https://lmnop.com/LMNOP-Reviews-Nov-00.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010221113344/http://lmnop.com/LMNOP-Reviews-Nov-00.html |archive-date=February 21, 2001 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=LMNOP}} |rev5= ''[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))'' |rev5Score=6.9/10{{cite web |last=Owen |first=Spencer |date=August 21, 2001 |title=Self: Gizmodgery Album Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/7067-gizmodgery/ |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))}} |rev6= ''RockZone'' |rev6Score=A+{{cite web |last=Barker |first=Samuel |date=November 3, 2000 |title=Reviews: Self -"Gizmodgery" |url=http://rockzone.com/reviews/self.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011228150753/http://rockzone.com/reviews/self.shtml |archive-date=December 28, 2001 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |website=RockZone}} | rev7 = ''[Portland Press Herald](/source/Portland_Press_Herald)'' | rev7Score = A{{cite journal |last=Peters |first=Ryan |date=October 15, 2000 |title=Self's fourth album 'Gizmodgery' is performed entirely on toy instruments and it's one lots of people are going to want |journal=[Portland Press Herald](/source/Portland_Press_Herald) |page=5E}} }} The album received largely positive reviews upon release. Steve Huey of [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) gave the album a rating of 4/5, complimenting its detailed production against cheap toys and Mahaffey's "playful, often kitschy sense of humor". Andrew Shaw of ''[The Daily Nebraskan](/source/The_Daily_Nebraskan)'' rated ''Gizmodgery'' 4 out of 4 stars, hailing the production and complete soundscapes achieved with the toys. Spencer Owen of ''[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))'' criticized the project's stylistics derivations and the noisiness of "5 Alive" and "Chameleon" while lauding the fun energy presented in other tracks, rating it a 6.9/10. The album was reviewed more positively by Samuel Barker of ''RockZone'', calling it a "good mix of old style funk with a dose of new age pop" and giving it an A+ grade. Steven Fievet of ''LMNOP'' followed with a rating of 5 out of 6 stars, classifying the album as "toy pop" and magnifying its mix of lighthearted and serious undertones. Ryan Peters of ''[Portland Press Herald](/source/Portland_Press_Herald)'' graded ''Gizmodgery'' an A, praising its tasteful mix of contrasting pop elements and Mahaffey's ability to avoid relying on a gimmick. Amy Phillips of ''[The Village Voice](/source/The_Village_Voice)'' positively reviewed the album's youthful themes, classing "Pattycake" as its best song.{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Amy |date=March 6, 2001 |title=Boy Toys |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/boy-toys/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224035606/https://www.villagevoice.com/boy-toys/ |archive-date=December 24, 2024 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[The Village Voice](/source/The_Village_Voice) |language=en}} Mark Woodlief of [CMJ](/source/CMJ) shared similar sentiment, admiring Mahaffey's production and comparing his experimental songwriting to [Wayne Coyne](/source/Wayne_Coyne) of [the Flaming Lips](/source/the_Flaming_Lips).{{cite magazine |last=Woodlief |first=Mark |date=January 2001 |title=Best New Music - Gizmodgery |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wikEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA24 |access-date=December 24, 2024 |magazine=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |pages=24, 70 |issue=89}} Scott Hefflon of ''Lollipop Magazine'' likened the song "I Love To Love Your Love My Love" to [the Beatles](/source/the_Beatles) and [Jellyfish](/source/Jellyfish_(band)), commending its harmonies and [doo-wop](/source/doo-wop) composition.{{cite web |last=Hefflon |first=Scott |date=April 1, 2001 |title=Self – Gizmodgery – Review |url=https://lollipopmagazine.com/2001/04/self-gizmodgery-review/ |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=Lollipop Magazine |language=en}} J Noise of ''Hybrid Magazine'' equated Mahaffey's guitar work throughout ''Gizmodgery'' to [Brian May](/source/Brian_May)'s, admiring the diverse combination of genres and stating a resemblance to [Beck](/source/Beck)'s ''[Odelay](/source/Odelay)'' (1996).{{cite web |last=Noise |first=J |title=Reviews {{!}} Self - Gizmodgery |url=http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/1100/self.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010304001814/http://www.hybridmagazine.com/reviews/1100/self.html |archive-date=March 4, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=Hybrid Magazine |language=en}} Carlos Ramirez of ''No Echo'' was pleased by Mahaffey's choice not to emulate the original singing style of "What a Fool Believes", enjoying its synthetic buoyancy.{{cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Carlos |date=March 15, 2014 |title=Self, "What a Fool Believes," from Gizmodgery (Spongebath, 2000) |url=https://www.noecho.net/song-of-the-day/self-what-a-fool-believes-from-gidmodgery-spongbath-2000 |access-date=December 25, 2024 |website=No Echo |language=en}} Jeff Brown of ''[The Pitch](/source/The_Pitch_(newspaper))'' additionally approved "What a Fool Believes" and the varied moods of ''Gizmodgery'', ranking the album as one of the best of 2000.{{cite web |last=Brown |first=Jeff |date=December 14, 2000 |title=Best Albums of 2000: Critics' Picks |url=https://www.thepitchkc.com/best-albums-of-2000-critics-picks/ |access-date=March 23, 2021 |website=[The Pitch](/source/The_Pitch_(newspaper))}} Bill Ribas of ''NY Rock'' held a similar ranking for the year, favoring "Trunk Fulla Amps" for its similarities to [David Bowie](/source/David_Bowie)'s ''[Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)](/source/Scary_Monsters_(and_Super_Creeps))'' (1980).{{cite web |last=Ribas |first=Bill |date=November 18, 2000 |title=Street Beat: Reviews of Unsigned, Newly Signed or Independent Label Bands |url=http://www.nyrock.com/streetbeat/1100.asp#six |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010820193438/http://www.nyrock.com/streetbeat/1100.asp#six |archive-date=August 20, 2001 |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=NY Rock |language=en}} Ron Rollins of ''[Dayton Daily News](/source/Dayton_Daily_News)'' praised the album's energy and quirk,{{cite journal |last=Rollins |first=Ron |date=January 2, 2001 |title=Seen & Overheard - Rock Toys |journal=[Dayton Daily News](/source/Dayton_Daily_News)}} while Ben Wener of ''[The Orange County Register](/source/The_Orange_County_Register)'' complimented its craftiness and use of childhood imagery.{{cite journal |last=Wener |first=Ben |date=December 15, 2000 |title=Boy, can this guy play music |journal=[The Orange County Register](/source/The_Orange_County_Register)}} ==Legacy== thumb|200px|Self, pictured in 2014, received consistent music work after the release of Gizmodgery. Shortly after completing the album in May 2000, both Mahaffey and keyboardist [Chris James](/source/Chris_James_(engineer)) moved to [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles) in order to be closer to the bands' major label, [DreamWorks Records](/source/DreamWorks_Records), followed by bassist [Mac Burrus](/source/The_Plain_(band)) moving to [San Diego](/source/San_Diego) in September, with plans to release their fifth studio album ''[Ornament & Crime](/source/Ornament_%26_Crime)'' (2017) by Summer 2001.{{cite web |last=Mailman |first=Craig |date=March 10, 2001 |title=Self announces new album, web site |url=http://solublesound.com/news/view_article.php?articleID=44 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010410035841/http://solublesound.com/news/view_article.php?articleID=44 |archive-date=April 10, 2001 |accessdate=December 11, 2025 |website=Soluble Sound |language=en}} Mahaffey said he planned to return to [alternative rock](/source/alternative_rock), and did not see a return to Self's previous sound. Their home label, [Spongebath Records](/source/Spongebath_Records), collapsed shortly after the band left.{{cite web |last=Graves |first=Seth |date=July 14, 2011 |title=A decade after the demise of Murfreesboro-based Spongebath Records, members of the Spongebath family talk about what went right, and what went wrong |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/a-decade-after-the-demise-of-murfreesboro-based-spongebath-records-members-of-the-spongebath-family/article_2301700b-05f0-5e71-be65-ba7705673efe.html |accessdate=December 11, 2025 |website=[Nashville Scene](/source/Nashville_Scene) |language=en}} Mahaffey has remained positive about the album, telling ''[Vice](/source/Vice_(magazine))'' in 2014 that he still received praise for the album, remarking "I’d never do it again, but it was a good exercise." J.P. Grant of ''[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club)'' compared the "[toy](/source/toy)" gimmick of the 2011 [video game](/source/video_game) ''[Toy Soldiers: Cold War](/source/Toy_Soldiers%3A_Cold_War)'' to that of ''Gizmodgery''’s, praising both for "transcending its gimmick with its solid fundamentals."{{cite web |last=Grant |first=John-Peter |date=August 23, 2011 |title=Toy Soldiers: Cold War (XBLA) Review |url=https://www.avclub.com/toy-soldiers-cold-war-review-xbla |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=[The A.V. Club](/source/The_A.V._Club) |language=en}} In the early 2020s, "Dead Man" and "What a Fool Believes" became [sleeper hit](/source/sleeper_hit)s, rising in popularity on [Spotify](/source/Spotify) long after their release.{{cite web |last=Besecker |first=Gabe |date=December 11, 2023 |title=sElf-Indulgent: A Retrospective on the Band That Started Matt Mahaffey's Career |url=https://woof-mag.com/2023/12/11/self-indulgent-a-retrospective-on-the-band-that-started-matt-mahaffeys-career/ |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=Woof Magazine |language=en}} "What a Fool Believes" was used in the first episode of the [Netflix](/source/Netflix) series [FUBAR](/source/FUBAR_(TV_series)) in 2023.{{cite web |date=May 25, 2023 |title="FUBAR" Take Your Daughter to Work Day (TV Episode 2023) - Soundtracks |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13130216/soundtrack/?ref_=tt_trv_snd |accessdate=December 24, 2024 |website=[IMDb](/source/IMDb) |language=en}} "Dead Man" gained larger popularity after Spotify's [AI](/source/artificial_intelligence) [algorithm](/source/algorithm) began to promote it alongside songs by [indie rock](/source/indie_rock) artists [Lemon Demon](/source/Lemon_Demon) and [Tally Hall](/source/Tally_Hall),{{cite web |last=Hughey |first=Noah |date=July 10, 2025 |title=Self-Made Genius: Tracing the Musical Legacy of Matt Mahaffey |url=https://www.mixedaltmag.com/news-25/self-made-genius%3A-tracing-the-musical-legacy-of-matt-mahaffey |access-date=December 2, 2025 |website=Mixed Alt Mag |language=en}} additionally being used in an episode of Tally Hall's internet show in 2011,{{cite web |author=Tally Hall |date=December 22, 2012 |title=South By Southwest 2007 |url=https://vimeo.com/56176404 |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=[Vimeo](/source/Vimeo) |language=en |time=1:45}} with fans of the band confusing it for a new Tally Hall song. The song "Trunk Fulla Amps" was featured in the [final season](/source/Weeds_season_8) of ''[Weeds](/source/Weeds_(TV_series))'',{{cite web |last=Olmstead |first=Todd |date=July 24, 2014 |title=Self, a.k.a. the Dude Who Made the Expedia Dot Com Jingle, Is Back |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/self-interview-premiere-super-fake-nice/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208074254/https://www.vice.com/en/article/rqywxr/self-interview-premiere-super-fake-nice |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |website=[Vice](/source/Vice_(magazine)) |language=en}} additionally becoming a regular staple of Self's live performances.{{cite web |last=Cross |first=Steve |date=January 13, 2014 |title=Self w/Glossary and Montessori Dads at Exit/In, 1/12/14 |url=https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/self-w-glossary-and-montessori-dads-at-exit-in-1-12-14/article_7b63b5d9-0220-5b43-b43b-9e353aa0cb03.html |accessdate=December 2, 2025 |website=[Nashville Scene](/source/Nashville_Scene) |language=en}} ==Commercial performance== ''Gizmodgery'' was commercially successful for Self, with 5,000 units being sold via [pre-order](/source/pre-order). In its first week, the band sold 5,000 more units through Spongebath, with an additional 3,000 distributed through retail stores. It debuted at number 198 on the [CMJ](/source/CMJ) Radio 200 chart on October 2, 2000. It received 87 radio adds for the week, ranking number 3 in Radio 200 adds and number 5 in [adult alternative](/source/Adult_album_alternative) adds.{{cite magazine |date=October 2, 2000 |title=CMJ New Music Report |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/CMJ/2000/CMJ-2000-10-02.pdf |access-date=November 25, 2025 |magazine=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |pages=16, 20, 32 |language=en |issue=685}} It jumped 183 positions the following week,{{cite magazine |date=October 9, 2000 |title=CMJ New Music Report |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/CMJ/2000/CMJ-2000-10-09.pdf |access-date=November 25, 2025 |magazine=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |pages=12, 18 |language=en |issue=686}} and reached number 8 on November 13.{{cite magazine |date=November 20, 2000 |title=CMJ New Music Report |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/CMJ/2000/CMJ-2000-11-20.pdf |access-date=November 25, 2025 |magazine=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |pages=34 |language=en |issue=692}} It additionally peaked at number 12 on CMJ's Internet Broadcast chart, number 10 on CMJ's Core Radio chart,{{cite magazine |date=November 6, 2000 |title=CMJ New Music Report |url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/CMJ/2000/CMJ-2000-11-06.pdf |access-date=November 25, 2025 |magazine=[CMJ](/source/CMJ) |pages=32, 42 |language=en |issue=690}} number 9 on CMJ's Alternative Radio Airplay chart, and number 4 on the CMJ Top 200. On January 26, 2020, the track "What a Fool Believes" peaked at number 69 on the Radio Top 100 Alternative Songs chart in Japan.{{cite web |date=January 26, 2020 |title=Japan Radio Top 100 Alternative Songs Chart |url=https://www.top-charts.com/songs/alternative/japan/radio/2020-W04 |access-date=December 25, 2024 |website=Top Charts |language=en}} ==Track listing== {{track listing | all_writing = [Matt Mahaffey](/source/Matt_Mahaffey), except where noted | title1 = I Am a Little Explosion | length1 = 3:35 | title2 = 5 Alive | length2 = 3:09 | title3 = Chameleon | length3 = 2:53 | title4 = [Dead Man](/source/Dead_Man_(Self_song)) | length4 = 3:03 | title5 = [Trunk Fulla Amps](/source/Trunk_Fulla_Amps) | writer5 = {{hlist|Matt Mahaffey|[Mike Mahaffey](/source/Mike_Mahaffey)|Jason Rawlings|[Mac Burrus](/source/The_Plain_(band))|[Chris James](/source/Chris_James_(engineer))}} | length5 = 3:24 | title6 = Pattycake | writer6 = {{hlist|Matt Mahaffey|Rawlings|Burrus}} | length6 = 4:05 | title7 = Ordinaire | writer7 = {{hlist|Mahaffey|Mahaffey|Rawlings|Burrus|James}} | length7 = 3:22 | title8 = Miracle Worker | length8 = 2:02 | title9 = Hi, My Name's Cindy | length9 = 2:29 | title10 = [What a Fool Believes](/source/What_a_Fool_Believes) | writer10 = {{hlist|[Michael McDonald](/source/Michael_McDonald_(musician))|[Kenny Loggins](/source/Kenny_Loggins)}} | length10 = 3:42 | title11 = 9 Lives | length11 = 2:33 | title12 = I Love To Love Your Love My Love | writer12 = {{hlist|Mahaffey|Mahaffey|Rawlings|Burrus|James}} | length12 = 4:23 | title13 = Trunk Fulla Amps | note13 = [radio edit](/source/radio_edit) | writer13 = {{hlist|Mahaffey|Mahaffey|Rawlings|Burrus|James}} | length13 = 3:26 | total_length = 42:11 }} {{track listing | headline = Japanese edition | total_length = 45:33 | title14 = Resurrect | note14 = [bonus track](/source/bonus_track) | writer14 = | length14 = 3:22 }} '''Notes''' * On physical releases, "Miracle Worker" is stylized as "Miracleworker" and "I Love To Love Your Love My Love" as "ilovetoloveyourlovemylove". ==Personnel== Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.{{cite AV media notes |title=Gizmodgery (Japanese)|year=2001|others=Self|publisher=Avex, Spongebath}} '''Musicians''' {{div col}} *[Matt Mahaffey](/source/Matt_Mahaffey) – lead vocals, instruments *[Mike Mahaffey](/source/Mike_Mahaffey) – guitar (10), instruments (5, 7, 12, 13) *Mac Burrus – instruments (5, 7, 12, 13) *[Chris James](/source/Chris_James_(engineer)) – instruments (5, 7, 12, 13) *Jason Rawlings – instruments (5, 7, 12, 13) {{div col end}} '''Technical''' {{div col}} *Chris James – [mixing engineer](/source/Audio_mixing_(recorded_music)) *Tom Baker – [mastering engineer](/source/Mastering_(audio)) *Matt Mahaffey – [engineer](/source/Audio_engineer) (1–4, 6, 8–11, 14) *Shawn McLean – engineer (5, 7, 12, 13) *[Kii Arens](/source/Kii_Arens) – package design *Fuzita Blender – Japanese package design *Daisuke Fujisawa – Japanese photography *Kozaburo Sakamoto – Japanese photography {{div col end}} ==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ Weekly chart performance for ''Gizmodgery'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2000–2001) ! scope="col"| Peak
position |- !scope="row"|Alternative Radio Airplay ([CMJ](/source/CMJ)) |9 |- !scope="row"| [CMJ Radio 200](/source/CMJ) |8 |- !scope="row"| [CMJ Top 200](/source/CMJ) |4 |- !scope="row"|Core Radio ([CMJ](/source/CMJ)) |10 |- !scope="row"|Internet Broadcast ([CMJ](/source/CMJ)) |12 |} ==References== {{Reflist}} {{Self (band)}} {{Authority control}} Category:2000 albums Category:2000s concept albums Category:Self (band) albums Category:El Camino Media albums Category:Pop rock albums by American artists Category:LGBTQ-related albums Category:Transgender-related music Category:Fiction about medicine and health Category:Music based on video games --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Gizmodgery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizmodgery) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gizmodgery?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.