Conference marvin::uk_music

    I'd never heard of them (him?) until I stumbled across the full-length
    video of "Infected" on Channel 4 one night a couple of years ago.
     
    I bought "Infected" then, and more recently bought "Soul Mining".
    Without doubt they are two of the best albums I've bought in years: I
    can't say which I prefer. The musical style is distinctive, the lyrical
    content is interesting (very rare in pop, that). The whole feel is of
    informed cynicism and bitterness about the brutalities of modern life.
    Not like Rick Astley at all, really. 
    
    I just wish he was more prolific. I didn't know there was any other
    material available, so if you find a place to get those 12"s, please
    tell us here.
    
    Rod

    
    I think I have the track you're after on a compilation album 
    'If You Can't Please Yourself Please Your Soul'. I'll check it out
    tonight.
    
    Marc.

    The The...
    
    One of the most creative bands around. Great lyrics, great tunes...
    would love to see them live.
    
					Gru�
    						Mark     

    
    `Perfect' is on the CD version of Sould Mining if that's any good
    to anyone.  Not sure if it's the 12' version but it's good none
    the less.
    
    There is a bootleg album lurking around which contains different
    versions of some of the Soul Mining songs, and also some REAL rare
    material, including a couple of brilliant numbers called `Pornography
    of Despair' and `Black and White (controversial subject)'.  But,
    as I say, real rare.  Kensington Market may have it, at a price,
    but I don't suppose that's much use to you douggie, sorry.
    
    A more commonly available album is `Burning Blue Soul' which is
    credited just to Matt Johnson.  It's more brash, and a bit
    `experimental', but worth searching out.
    
    	Lee.
    

    Lee, I meant to mention 'Burning Blue Soul' in my base note - a mate
    of mine loaned it to me about a year ago, and whilst I enjoyed the
    lyrics immensely, I did indeed find the music to be rather alternative
    (yeah, experimental).  I didn't rush out to buy it at the time,
    but I intend to add it to my collection at some point in the
    not-too-distant future.  Am I right in saying that the version in
    the shops these days is a re-issue? - I'm sure I read somewhere quite
    recently that the original, with a different cover, is worth a good
    few quid in collectors circles.  And, is this also available on
    CD?
    
    Along the same lines, I've also read much about the rarity value
    of their early singles - '(Un?)controversial Subject' and 'Cold
    Spell Ahead' - plus a flexi disc given away with some magazine or
    other a few years back.  From what I've heard though, these tracks
    are in a rather different mould to the later sounds of 'Soul Mining'
    and 'Infected'.
    
    Re. -2 and the mention of the 'Infected' video - this has been shown
    twice on C4, in slightly altered states.  The first showing included
    some short interview clips of Matt Johnson chatting away about the
    album whilst sitting on some steps with a decidedly poseur-ish fedora
    on.  The second showing omitted these clips, but I feel sure that
    one or two of the videos are slightly different.  Has anyone bought
    the commercially-available video, and is it the same as the first
    TV version?
    
    Also, has anyone got the 'Infected' book of lyrics, poems and drawings
    (by Andy Dogg)?  I've been desperately trying to obtain a copy since
    I saw it reviewed in 'Record Collector' last summer - a shop called
    'On The Beat' in London advertised it for sale (�7.99) last December,
    and I eagerly sent away for it.  However, my cheque was returned
    to me a couple of months later with the news that it was 'out of
    print'.  Strange for a book which was only published about six months
    beforehand!
    
    Ah well, the search(es) will continue - I just *love* this 'band'!
    
    Dougie Robb, Ayr, Scotland
  

    RE-2 
    
    I've searched out the cassette, it's 'If You Can't Please Yourself, 
    You Can't Please Your Soul' a complication album of artists on the 
    'Some Bizzare' label (1985).
    
    By far the best track on it is 'Flesh and Bones' by 'The The'. I'm not
    sure if this is available elsewhere. Typical in style for Matt Johnson 
    but with a much harder edge.
    
    Other artists include 'Marc Almond', and 'Yello'. I would only recommend
    it for 'The The' track, the rest is a bit 'bizzare'.
    
    Marc.  

    Well, after all the talk at the end of last week, I just *had* to
    give The The a blast when I got home on Friday night - I chose 'Soul
    Mining' and I have to say that it put me in an excellent frame of
    mind for the forthcoming Friday night frenzy.
    
    As it turned out, the (stag) night wasn't really up to much, but
    I ended up back at a mate's for 'a night cap', and he slipped 'Burning
    Blue Soul' on.  First time I'd heard it in ages, and it would appear
    that my appreciation of this album has grown, as I didn't find it
    nearly as difficult to listen to as before - I dare say that having
    had a few drinks undoubtedly helped, but it was *great* to hear
    this again.
    
    Marc, thanks for the info. about 'Flesh And Bones' - another The
    The track that I've read much about, but I've never heard.  Needless
    to say, I'm sure the compilation album is long-deleted.
    
    No info. from anyone yet about the 'Infected' video (i.e. different
    versions) or availability of the book??  Also, does no one own,
    or have access to the 12" singles I mentioned in .0??
    
    Dougie_who's_increasingly_desperate_to_hear_some_more_The_The_stuff!!
   

    Re. my previous note about early The The tracks - I've just remembered
    that the flexi disc (given away with Melody Maker incidentally)
    was titled 'Dumb As Death's Head'.  
    
    Has no one heard any of this early stuff?  Did no one else catch
    both showings of the 'Infected' video?  Has no one ever spotted
    the 'Infected' book on a corner shelf of their local bookshop?
    
    Indeed, are there any other The The *collectors* in this note, or
    are most of you just happy enough with the two albums?
    
    Dougie_who's_just_wanting_someone_to_talk_to [ 8-( ]

    		-< A new album, PLEASE!!!! >-
    
    I have the two truely consumate THE THE albums, and am desperately
    awaiting a THIRD!
    
    Does anyone have news of Matt Johnson's latest activities?
    
    Jonathan

    I too am a great fan of THE THE. I am extremely happy with the two
    albums, generally preferring "Soul Mining". One of the best lines:
    
    "You smile and think how much you've changed"
    
    ... or ...
    
    "As the Pound in your pocket turns into a dollar"
    
    ... or ...
    
    "He's stuck his missiles in your garden"
    
    ... or ...
    
    I could go on forever.
    
    Yes, I am very interested in any info. I keep wanting to buy "Burning
    Blue Soul", but then I chicken out. If he brings out another record,
    I'm pretty sure, I'll snap it up.
    
    Cheers.
    
    Mark.

    
    Dougie ,
    
    	Don't talk about the 'Infected' video (channel 4) it was a 
    	cherished and much played possession until (sob!) 
    
    	some idiot taped over it ! 
    
    	and yes I share your enthusiasm .
    
    	Stuart .
    
    	ps - any chance of a copy Doug ? 
    

    Re. .10 - there was an article about Matt Johnson in the NME not
    too long ago, which basically said that he was currently 'off writing
    new material for the next album'.  Fine, but unfortunately that
    could mean waiting another couple of years to see the finished product.
    Definately not the most prolific guy in the music biz!
    
    Also, I seem to recall a smaller NME article reviewing a rare, impromptu
    live appearance of his at some benefit concert or other in London.
    From memory, I think he performed only three or four songs on his
    own - no band.  Hmm, that *must've* been interesting!
    
    Re. .11  Sorry to hear about your mishap with the vid, Stuart -
    I'll try to remember bring in my copy for you tomorrow and you can
    add it back into your collection over the week-end.  8-)
    
    Dougie_now_almost_resigned_to_the_fact_that_no_one_has_the_12"_singles!
    
    

    Used to have the 12" version of Uncertain Smile when I was
    at college.  In a fit of madness gave it away - for reasons
    I can't understand now  ;-)
    
    It was definitely a lot better than the album version although
    the album version is not to be sniffed at.
    
    Love The The - reminds me of college.
    
    josie

    You gave it away!?!?!?  Hell's teeth, you definately must've been
    a couple of sandwiches short of the full picnic at the time to have
    done something so rash.
    
    I don't suppose you keep in touch with your old college buddies?
    
    8-)
    
    Dougie_growing_more_desperate_by_the_day_to_hear_the_12"_of_U.Smile

    I read that his girlfriend had left him, and he was pretty cut up
    about this. He seemed to indicate that this would bring about the
    release of another lp sooner than hoped.
    
    Mike
    
    ps, I read that the original 'torture' sleeve for infected was to
    be limited issue, but I seem to see it more often than the other
    version! Wasn't one of his 12" rereleased in s different sleeve
    because of some controversy over the sleever? (something about a
    drawing of the devil doing something naughty)

    Re. -1, Mike you're right about the break-up with the girlfriend.
    I think it was mentioned in the same NME article that I spoke about
    earlier (wish I'd kept a hold of that for reference).
    
    Re. your comments about the 'Infected' album sleeve - the original
    sleeve (commonly known as the 'torture' sleeve) is a still from
    the 'Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire)' video, and is not nearly as
    'rare' as some collectors would have you believe, i.e. as you say,
    if you look around, you can still find it in some of the bigger
    stores.  The second sleeve is a typically colourful Andy Dogg effort,
    and the copy I have was pressed in Greece!
    
    The 'banned' sleeve for the 'Infected' 12" that you mentioned is
    pretty hard to get hold of - I believe it was another famous Andy
    Dogg sketch of the devil m*sturb*ting.  Heh, heh.  
    
    Incidentally, there may be some light on the horizon with regards
    to my efforts to obtain the 12" 'Perfect'.  In this month's edition
    of the 'Record Collector' magazine, some shop in England is advertising
    a 'Heartland'/'Perfect' 12" double-pack for a mere �5.  I already
    have the former, but I think it will be well worth a fiver to get
    the latter!                                                
    
     The great 'Uncertain Smile' chase will continute unabated!

I have a 12" of The The that has the album version of "This Is The Day"
on the A-side, and an extended remix of "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow
(All of My Life)" on the B-side. The A-side is 5:22 minutes, while the
B-side is 7:36 minutes.

Is this something that people in the UK have, or is this hard to find?
I don't really want to part with it, but am more than willing to make
a copy for someone if they really want it.

Alan S.
_a_HM_fan_who_also_likes_The_The_  8^)

    Alan, this 12" sounds *very* interesting - by 'domestic release'
    I assume you mean U.S., 'cos I'm not aware of this coupling having
    been issued in the U.K.  Could you please explain the difference
    between the album and 12" versions of "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow"?
    Also, is the 12" version of "This Is The Day" *exactly* the same
    as the album one (I only ask, 'cos someone recently told me that
    it was extended with some additional instrumentation - but this
    may only be on the U.K. 12" release)?
    
    Your offer of a t*pe is very kind - I'll get back to you once I
    hear what the difference(s) in the version(s) is/are.
    
    Anyone else in the U.S. got some The The twelve-inchers, especially
    promos (c'mon all you guys from STORMY::DJ - someone must have 'em!
    
    Dougie (disappointed_that_no_one's_even_SEEN_the_'Infected'_book)
    

    
Dougie,

  I'll check tonight if the version are exactly the same. I know the 
versioon of "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow" was NOT released here
in the U.S. - the copy I have is a radio-promo-only copy. (It's left
over from my days at CBS Reocrds - in fact, I did a lot of work with
Matt Johnson, and spent quite some time with him. Very nice guy!)

  Anyways - I'll let you know!

Alan S.

re:  various 220.0 - .20

220.0 <AYOV28::DROBB> Dougie Robb
>    It's only in the last two years or so that I've discovered the music
>    of Matt Johnson/The The, and I rate both 'Soul Mining' and 'Infected'
>    *very* highly.  I probably prefer the latter, due to the fact that
>    I can associate the incredible lyrical content with the fascinating
>    videos, but some of 'Soul Mining' is equally as good, if not better
>    (i.e. 'Uncertain Smile', 'This is The Day' etc.).

I personally have found that SOUL MINING has worn on me much better
than INFECTED, i.e. I never tire of hearing the whole album, whereas
INFECTED sometimes has me pulling the cassette out of the car deck
because "that's not what I feel like hearing now, after all".


>    all is not going too smoothly at present - only this morning, I
>    had a cheque returned to me by a guy who'd advertised the 'Perfect'
>    12" for sale in the 'Record Collector' magazine - someone beat me

Didn't know a single was available.  I'd pay lotsa dough to have that one.

>    albums.  I understand that it is included on the U.S. version of
>    the 'Soul Mining' LP, but I doubt if it's the full-length 12" mix.

It is indeed on the U.S. release.  The collector in me has been tempted
to buy the U.K. version of SOUL MINING occasionally, but other, newer
albums by unknown (to me) bands usually win out.

>    Something that I haven't actually had the pleasure of hearing, but
>    that I've heard a *lot* about, is the 12" version of 'Uncertain
>    Smile'.  This stupendous piece of music is indisputably my absolute
>    favourite The The track, but I've been told frequently that the
>    12" is totally awesome.  Obviously I'd *love* to hear this version,

Also my favorite The The tune, and yes, at ten minutes long, the 12 incher
is awesome.  The only thing that I regret about it is that it doesn't
have that fantastic, jazzy piano break by Jools Holland.  More comments
about this one follow.

>    Then of course, there are the 'Infected' leftovers which feature
>    on the various 12"/cassingle releases of the tracks lifted from
>    the album as singles - e.g. 'Harbour Lights', 'Disturbed', 'Themes
>    From The Nightwatchman'.  I've heard most of these, and I think
>    they're best described as throwaway experimental pieces of ambience.
>    Harmless, but hardly essential.

Depends on your desire (need?) to hear and have any and all material by The The.
I like HARBOUR LIGHTS a lot, the others are ok.  I've got them on a CD single,
as well as B-sides of EPs.

220.4 <DITHER::COTTON> Lee
>    There is a bootleg album lurking around which contains different
>    versions of some of the Soul Mining songs, and also some REAL rare
>    material, including a couple of brilliant numbers called `Pornography
>    of Despair' and `Black and White (controversial subject)'.  But,
>    as I say, real rare.  Kensington Market may have it, at a price,
>    but I don't suppose that's much use to you douggie, sorry.

The back cover of _Burning Blue Soul_ mentions an as-yet unreleased record 
called _Pornography of Despair_ that supposedly fills in the gap between BBS
and _Soul Mining_.  Could this be the bootleg? (Not really a bootleg, if it's
an 'official' MJ record)

220.5 <AYOV10::DROBB> Dougie Robb
>    Also, has anyone got the 'Infected' book of lyrics, poems and drawings
>    (by Andy Dogg)?  I've been desperately trying to obtain a copy since
>    I saw it reviewed in 'Record Collector' last summer - a shop called
>    'On The Beat' in London advertised it for sale (�7.99) last December,
>    and I eagerly sent away for it.  However, my cheque was returned
>    to me a couple of months later with the news that it was 'out of
>    print'.  Strange for a book which was only published about six months
>    beforehand!

I've got a copy.  Neat book, with several (~ 12) color plates featuring
paintings by Andy Johnson.  Strange guy, judging by his artwork.  Some
were used for album covers, others never before seen by me.  The book
also has lots of pages in a scrapbook format, showing clippings from
UK newspapers with stories and ads for concerts, and reviews from UK
and US magazines.  Also contains lyrics and music to all the tunes on
SOUL MINING and INFECTED.  I've seen it at my regular record store
in Nashua, NH.  If you get real desperate, I'd be happy to buy it and
mail it to you.  Imported to the USA, then back to the UK.

220.8 <AYOV10::DROBB> Dougie Robb
>    Marc, thanks for the info. about 'Flesh And Bones' - another The
>    The track that I've read much about, but I've never heard.  Needless
>    to say, I'm sure the compilation album is long-deleted.

Also on the B-side of the HEARTLAND 12"

220.9 <AYOV10::DROBB> Dougie Robb
>    Has no one heard any of this early stuff?  Did no one else catch
>    both showings of the 'Infected' video?  Has no one ever spotted
>    the 'Infected' book on a corner shelf of their local bookshop?
    
>    Indeed, are there any other The The *collectors* in this note, or
>    are most of you just happy enough with the two albums?

I guess I'd call myself a collector.

220.11 <MALLET::JEFFERY> Mark
>    I too am a great fan of THE THE. I am extremely happy with the two
>    albums, generally preferring "Soul Mining". One of the best lines:
>    
>    "You smile and think how much you've changed"

or, from the same tune:

"You could've done anything if you'd wanted, and all your friends and
family think that you're lucky, but the side of you they've never seen
is when you're left alone with the memories that hold your life together
like glue"


>Note 220.17                         THE THE                             17 of 17
>AYOV28::DROBB "Living proof of Churchill's lies"     24 lines   7-OCT-1988 16:48
>             -< "What is there to fear from such a regular war?" >-

That's "What is there to fear from such a regular world?"


220.20 <HAZEL::STARR> Alan Starr
>  I'll check tonight if the version are exactly the same. I know the 
>versioon of "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow" was NOT released here
>in the U.S. - the copy I have is a radio-promo-only copy. (It's left
>over from my days at CBS Reocrds - in fact, I did a lot of work with
>Matt Johnson, and spent quite some time with him. Very nice guy!)

I've got that one too.  It's a plain white cover with black lettering, right?
No, wait.  The record I'm thinking of has two versions of "Uncertain Smile",
the LP and the long version.

I'm going to pull all my THE THE stuff tonight, and add another reply.
I'll include bits about singles from INFECTED.  The ones I have are
HEARTLAND, SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN, INFECTED, and ????.  One of them even
came with a plastic THE THE stencil to use in vandalizing walls, subway cars,
and buildings all over the world.   8^)

-Dan Hall

I culled some of the following from a discussion I had about THE THE
on the LOVE-HOUNDS mailing list a few years back:

	o  Matt Johnson - Burning Blue Soul (1981)

        o  The Gadgets - The Blue Album

_The Blue Album_ is the third album from The Gadgets (according to the jacket)
and I've never seen albums one and two so I don't know if Matt Johnson is on
them too.  As I recall, _The Blue Album_ is more "accessible" than _Burning
Blue Soul_ but not nearly as good as _Soul Mining_.  I'll dig it out and
listen again, to refresh my memory.

	o  The The - Uncertain Smile EP (1984)

The single of Uncertain Smile b/w Three Orange Kisses From Kazan,
and Waitin' For the Upturn was released in 1982 on Some Bizarre/Sire
Records.  The artwork shows Matt Johnson wearing a The The t-shirt sitting
in a chair with his arms folded.  All instruments, percussion and voices are
by Matt Johnson.  This is a ten minute version of Uncertain Smile, with some
nice synth sounds, especially one that I've characterized as "pull-toy
rock n' roll" - it sounds like one of those Fischer-Price child's toys that
had wooden balls rolling around inside a cylinder of tuned metal rods.
The wonderfully jazzy piano break by Jools Holland, which is on the
LP version, isn't on this one.  The B-side of this is very strange indeed.

    
        o  The The - Waiting For Tomorrow (all of my life) EP

b/w This Is The Day.  The cover is a painting of Matt Johnson standing
in what looks like an empty city lot, screaming his guts out.  The tune
This Is the Day features some great accordion playing (no kidding, non-fans)
by someone named Wicks and fiddle by Paul Doyle.  I've Been Waitin' For
Tomorrow features a synth solo by Thomas Leer, and excellent percussion by
Johnson.  It was released in 1983 on Some Bizarre/CBS Records.

    
	o  The The - Soul Mining (1984)

	o  Marc and the Mambas - ???

A Marc Almond album.  An LP and an EP included.  Side one of the LP has
a few tunes with Matt Johnson playing guitar and keyboards, and he provides
BVs on a couple of tunes.  I don't normally go for Almond's music, but I
like this stuff, because Johnson's influence is quite audible.  Can't remember
the title of the LP - I'll check tonight.

More to come.
    
-Dan

>    A Marc Almond album.  An LP and an EP included.  Side one of the LP has
>a few tunes with Matt Johnson playing guitar and keyboards, and he provides
>BVs on a couple of tunes.  I don't normally go for Almond's music, but I
>like this stuff, because Johnson's influence is quite audible.  Can't remember
>the title of the LP - I'll check tonight.
    
    That must be the first MATM album 'Untitled'. Is anyone into the
    the ex Soft Cell boy they love to hate? Solo and live he's good.
    
    Marc.

    Re. .21 and .22 - many thanks for all the additional info. Dan!
    I've learned loads from all you input, but still have a few questions
    that (due to lack of time) I'll post here tomorrow.  Best news has
    to be about the availability of the 'Infected' book in the U.S.!!!
    
    Just before I go - does anyone know if the version of 'Perfect'
    on the U.K. CD/U.S. LP is the same as the U.K. 12" (i.e. about eight
    minutes long)?
    
    Dougie_who's_pleased_to_see_so_much_interest_in_The_The_but_wants_to_
    know_where_MPGS::TURNER_is_these_days

    
    >That must be the first MATM album 'Untitled'. 
    
    Checking this out Matt appears on both Marc and the Mambas lps
    'Untitled' and 'Torment and Torros'. I can recommend the single
    'Black Heart' on which he  plays guitar and additional vocals.
    
    Does anyone know of any other Some Bizzare artists that Matt has
    guested with? 
    
    Marc.

    Re. -1, I'm sorry, but I don't think Matt J. has recorded with any
    other Some Bizarre artists, but then again, maybe someone else can
    tell us different!
    
    Dan Hall, where art thou?  I was kinda expecting to come in here
    today and find the second part of your listing of all the The The
    stuff that you have, but for the moment let me ponder over some
    of the info. you provided in Part One.  Hmm, now lemme see, where
    should I begin?  OK, I'll rattle 'em off as they spring to mind,
    starting with :-
    
    - is the 12" 'Uncertain Smile" with LP and long versions a promo-only
      disc?
    
    - is the "Uncertain Smile" EP a U.S. release, or an import?
    
    - I was *delighted* to learn that the 'Infected' book is still
      available in your neck of the woods, and I'd be mega-grateful if you
      could pick a copy up for me.  We can sort out the payment details
      etc. off-line, but for the time being can you tell me how much
      the book costs in $?
    
    - I am waiting on a reply from a shop in England who claim to have
      more than one copy of the 'Perfect' 12" in stock - would you (or
      anyone else for that matter) be interested in a copy?
    
    - Has anyone (well OK, Dan, or Alan Starr) yet ascertained if the 
      12" promo-only version of 'This Is The Day' is different to the
      version on 'Soul Mining'?
    
    - Dan, you mentioned a CD single somewhere along the lines - which
      tracks are on this, and again, is it a U.S. release or an import?
    
    Ahem, I think that's about all for now.  Hope no one minds all the
    questions - I'm just *so* interested in building up a full picture
    of what's been released by this band (both U.S. and U.K.).  I take
    it that no one has the really early stuff that I mentioned 'way
    back in this note (.5 to be exact)?
    
    Dougie_who's_desperate_to_hear_from_Dan Hall_about_the_book!
                   

>    - Has anyone (well OK, Dan, or Alan Starr) yet ascertained if the 
>      12" promo-only version of 'This Is The Day' is different to the
>      version on 'Soul Mining'?

um...um....well....um.....I forgot to check. 8^(

I'll make sure I do it tonight and let you know, OK Dougie?  8^)

Alan S.
who_was_listening_to_the_Bay_City_Rollers_just_last_week!_    

>    - Has anyone (well OK, Dan, or Alan Starr) yet ascertained if the 
>      12" promo-only version of 'This Is The Day' is different to the
>      version on 'Soul Mining'?

OK - I checked it out! The 12" version of "This Is The Day" is *not* the
same as the LP. The promo version is 5:22, while the album version is
only 4:54 - so you get an extra 30 seconds or so. It also sounds like it
has been slightly remixed - the drums a little louder, sort of jumps out
at you a little more....

Boy, it had been a while since I had listened to that album. I had
forgotten how good it was! And, unlike many albums that came out 4-5
years ago, this doesn't sound dated at all - it is still inovative and 
fresh. Not an easy feat to accomplish!

Alan S.

P.S. Dougie - contact me off-line about getting a copy, okay?
     Use HAZEL::STARR.

I'm going to start adding replies with info about The The singles
and albums that I have.  I'm very busy at work lately, so this way,
I can add them as I get the time.  Hope all enjoy.

Regarding my discography started in .22:  I'm having my doubts about
the Matt Johnson on the Gadgets album being the same Matt Johnson that
we know.  I always figured it was, because a) a friend told me it was,
and b) there's a graphic of the three band members on the cover, and,
well, that does sorta resemble the The The Matt Johnson (I've never
written three 'the's in a row before!).  I looked and listened closer
last week, and not only doesn't it sound like Matt Johnson, but he
doesn't have any of the songwriting credits either.  THE GADGETS "Blue
Album" is dated 1983, and Johnson was well into his The The persona then.
He'd been writing since 1978.  I can't believe he would add so little to
a band in 1983.  All this in spite of the fact that, checking the The The
(!) bin at Newbury Comics in Boston on Saturday, someone had stuck a
recent (1986) Gadgets album in there.  No Matt Johnson on that one.
Anyone know anything else about this?  Heard of The Gadgets?

    -Dan

SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN (1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS, Made in England, #TENSE T1)
b/w
THE NATURE OF VIRTUE
HARBOUR LIGHTS
Andy Dog cover, shows scruffy-bearded man sucking thumb, while
'caressed' by angry mother-figure.  Excuse me?  This is the single
that came with the The The stencil (!).  The stock number of the stencil,
that's right, it has a stock number, is TENSE D1.  The stencil is the
The The logo, one the, lower case t, underlined e, over the e in the
lower The, upper case t, underlined e.  This version of SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN
isn't much different than the LP version, except for the mix of the
drums in the beginning.  The B-side is why you should buy this single.
THE NATURE OF VIRTUE is an upbeat tune, with tacky-sounding rhythm
machine and keyboard trills.  Real nice but short piano bit at the
end, and a wah-wah guitar sound.  Typical Matt Johnson lyric:  "Don't
change yourself, to suit everbody else" repeated in the chorus.
The second tune, HARBOUR LIGHTS is a nice little tune, with the 'French
cafe' sound from the accordion, and synth bits from Matt.

SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH (1987, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS, Made in England, #TENSE T2)
b/w
THEMES FROM "THE NIGHTWATCHMAN"
	Harbour Lights
	Sleeping Juice
Cover by Andy Dog, shows a fighter pilot (with USAF logo on leather flight
helmet) with crashing enemy fighter plane reflected in his sunglasses.
This version of SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH is longer than the Infected LP version,
and the CD single version, at 8:45.  Most of the added length is radio
conversations between a pilot and his base, and the sound of bombs landing.
The conga in the beginning is more forward in the mix, and there's some
African chanting that isn't in the LP version, and some jazzy horns.
The bass on this 45 rpm single is much better than the LP version.
The B-side are the THEMES FROM "THE NIGHTWATCHMAN".  What is The
Nightwatchman, anybody?  The first, HARBOUR LIGHTS is the same version
as the one on the B-side of the SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN 12".  Here it's with
it's other half, SLEEPING JUICE.  An angry synth number.  No vocals in
either, but both are worth having, and so is the A-side.

UNCERTAIN SMILE (LONG VERSION EDIT)
(1983, Some Bizarre/Sire, Made in USA
b/w
UNCERTAIN SMILE (SHORT VERSION EDIT)

This single was marketed by Warner Bros. Records, Inc., and it
is edits from the Sire Maxi Single UNCERTAIN SMILE, #0-29878.
It is in a generic cover, white with black lettering, and it
is marked "Promotional Copy   Not For Sale".  I bought it at
a place called Zia's Records in Phoenix, for $1.99.  The long
version is very similar to the Maxi Single version, but it's
only 7:14 long.  It has the same smoky saxophone and the 'pull-toy'
break in the middle.  The vocal mix is slightly different, and the
backing vocals are different.  The short version on the B-side
is totally different than the A-side or the Maxi Single.  It's only
3:57 long, and the vocals are much more mellow, with a drier mix.
They sound kind of lounge-lizard like.  Buy it if you see it.

UNCERTAIN SMILE MAXI SINGLE (1982, Some Bizarre/Sire, Made in USA, #0-29878)
b/w
THREE ORANGE KISSES FROM KAZAN
WAITIN' FOR THE UPTURN

Released in 1982, not 1984 as I mentioned in 220.22.  Cover by Andy
Dog, and the artwork, as mentioned, shows Matt Johnson wearing a The
The t-shirt sitting in a chair with his arms folded.  Could those
be tracks depicted on his arms?  This version is 10 minutes long.
The same mix as the previously listed UNCERTAIN SMILE (LONG VERSION
EDIT), but with longer sax bits.  On the B-side, THREE ORANGE KISSES
FROM KAZAN is an odd number, with Beatles WHITE ALBUM #9 style vocals
and brash horns.  It's 5:00 long, and so is the second tune, WAITIN'
FOR THE UPTURN, with some jazzy sax and flute bits.  Worth owning.

    Re. last .29 thru .33 - brilliant info. Dan!  I honestly couldn't
    see the MJ/Gadgets connection primarily due to the fact that part
    of the aura surrounding him has always been that he's his 'own man',
    and very much a solo artist.
    
    Your listings of the individual The The 12" releases is extremely
    helpful, and I must say that your descriptions of some of the tracks
    that I've never had the pleasure of hearing are positively
    mouth-watering.  I've already made enquiries as to the availability
    of (specifically) the INFECTED 12-inchers, and it seems that they
    are already deleted.  I dare say, that due to the fact that they're
    only a couple of years (at most) old, they shouldn't be too hard
    to track down, but in the meantime, I feel a 'Wanted' ad. in the
    RECORDS notesfile coming on!
    
    Either that Dan, or I'll be onto you off-line with a top-of-the-range
    Maxell C90 at the front of my mind!!!
    
    "And guilt's a necessity that's gotta be destroyed..."
    
    Dougie Robb, Ayr, Scotland
    

SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH (12" MIX)
(1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/Distributed by CBS Records, Made in England, #CD THE 2)
b/w
THEMES FROM "THE NIGHTWATCHMAN"
	Harbour Lights
	Sleeping Juice
SOUL MINING (12" REMIX)

Same cover as the 12" single version TENSE T2, this one is a full size
CD in a flat, paper sleeve with soft paper liner.  SBOT has the same version
music too, just a little shorter, at 8:19.  The only thing missing is some
of the radio chatter.  The THEMES FROM "THE NIGHTWATCHMAN" are the same too.
The reason to buy this is the 12" remix of SOUL MINING.  That's the one
on the LP of the same name that starts "Your [sic] floating down a tunnel
in a little wooden box.  Your scared and your lonely and enveloped in a fog".
It clocks in at 6:19, with the opening drums extended, and much punchier
sounding, thanks in part to the CD format.  The ending bit, after the repeated
verses "Something always goes wrong when things are going right", is extended
too.  If deciding between the 12" single or this, get this.  Provided you have
a CD player of course, and tell yourself it's worth it as you fork over $13.
I don't think (may be wrong) SOUL MINING (12" REMIX) was ever released on vinyl.

HEARTLAND (1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS Records, Made in England, #TRUTH T2)
b/w
FLESH AND BONES
BORN IN THE NEW S.A.

Cover by Andy Dog, depicts a scarred cyclops, with a union jack where his eye
should be, sitting in a gloomy pub crying into his beer.  Cheerful, eh?
This version of HEARTLAND is 4:55, which is the same as the LP version, I
think.  HEARTLAND is Johnson's tale of the woes of the world, in particular,
the US and the UK.  From the book INFECTED:  "[Johnson] sees 'Heartland' as
both anti-American foreign policy and anti-British jingoism, and takes a hard
line against the political links between the two countries."

The B-side starts with FLESH AND BONES, a tale of Johnson's personal woes, e.g.:

    CHORUS

    "I jumped out of bed, had my first cigarette, it made my body
     feel sick but helped my mind relax.
     The cranes are moving on the skyline and the water is dripping
     from the kitchen tap.
     These times they are a'changing but I'm being left behind.
     Everybody's running, trying to catch up with their lives."

This song alternates between staccato rhythms and smooth chorus, and it
sounds like it could easily have ended up on INFECTED.  FLESH AND BONES
is also on the Some Bizarre Records compilation IF YOU CAN'T PLEASE
YOURSELF YOU CAN'T PLEASE YOUR SOUL.  That compilation also features
Coil, Yello, Virginia Astley, Einsturzende Neubauten, Foetus (SFOTW),
Cabaret Voltaire, Test Dept., Marc Almond and Psychic T.V.

The second cut on the B-side is BORN IN THE NEW S.A., a short (2:00)
odd bit of found vocals over some synths playing a beguine rhythm.
Sounds like one vocal bit being repeated was "If you cannot buy civilization".

Good record!

    Dan, thanks again for the info. in .35 and .36 - most useful to
    someone like myself who's trying to build up a complete picture
    of what's been released by The The, although it looks like wider
    interest in this note is sadly on the wane.
    
    Coincidentally, I received .36 this morning just minutes before
    leaving the house, as a double-pack with 'Perfect'/'Fruits Of Virtue'.
    Now, you know how badly I've been trying to get hold of 'Perfect'
    (I already had the 'Heartland' 12", albeit a second issue with 'Sweet
    Bird Of Truth' and 'Born In The New S.A.' on the flip).  Well, to
    my *immense* disappointment, the version on this 12" is radically
    different from the one I heard on my summer vay-cay.  Due to lack
    of time, I wasn't able to play it right through, but it is most definately
    a good deal slower, with a mellower production, less cluttered
    arrangement, and a few minutes shorter into the bargain.  I think
    the most significant differece is that the brilliant organ
    interjections are either mixed well down on this version, or are
    missing altogether!!!  Aaaaargh!!!
    
    So, *please*, can anyone explain to what the version on the U.S.
    album, U.K. CD or whatever is like?  Or indeed, does anyone have
    knowledge of how many different versions of 'Perfect' may have
    been released?
    
    Ah well, I'll still give it a few spins when I get home tonight,
    and will also look forward to hearing 'Flesh And Bones' and 'Fruits
    Of Virtue' for the first time.  BTW Dan, I think the sleeves to
    the first and second issues of 'Heartland' are virtually identical,
    excepting the obvious title change for the 'B' side.
    
    The CD single you listed sounds interesting too, although the price
    tag is a little off-putting when you consider the rarity of the
    material on the disc.  Still, I'll be on the look-out for a copy
    just as soon as I get myself a CD player!  
    
    Does anyone have the two The The CD's?  Any comments about how they
    sound compared to the albums, or just generally about the sound
    quality?  Also, are there any bonus tracks on these discs?
    
    Dougie_who's_just_a_little_bit_peeved_'bout_the_'Perfect'_12" 8-(

    Hmm, well I gave the two new twelve-inchers some repeated listening
    last night, and can confirm that the version of 'Perfect' is far
    and away different from the first one I've heard.  Apart from my
    comments in -1, I can only really add that the 12" has a short trumpet
    solo somewhere around the middle of it - which was definately *not*
    on the other version.  *Please*, can someone describe the U.S. LP
    and U.K. CD versions for me?
    
    Also, I boobed with the flip side of 'Perfect' - the track is called
    'Fruit Of The Heart', not 'Fruits Of Virtue'!  It's just another
    of those typical Matt Johnson instrumental things - fairly
    inconsequential, but enjoyable nonetheless.
    
    So Dan, is that the end of your listings?  Don't you have the
    'Infected' 12" single?  I'll try to get details of a couple of things
    I have (already mentioned somewhere in this note) and post them
    here tomorrow. 
  
    Dougie

    HEARTLAND (1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS (U.K.) : TRUTH Q2)
    b/w
    BORN IN THE NEW S.A.
    SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH
    
    This is a re-issue of TRUTH T2 (see .36), in the same sleeve, with
    the twelve-inch version of SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH replacing FLESH AND
    BONES, and BORN IN THE NEW S.A. is the first track on side 2 on
    the re-issue.
    
    This was the first The The record I ever bought - for a mere 99p
    in a dingy little store in Edinburgh! 8-) 8-) 8-)

    PERFECT (1983, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS (U.K.) : TRUTH D2)
    b/w
    FRUIT OF THE HEART
    
    This came shrink-wrapped with the HEARTLAND 12" listed in -1, and
    due to the catlogue number, I think it must be a re-release as opposed
    to a re-issue.  I believe this item was also included shrink-wrapped
    with early copies of the SOUL MINING album (in the U.K. at least).
    It comes in a plain black sleeve (i.e. no pic.).

    INFECTED (SKULLCRUSHER MIX) (1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS (U.K.)
                                                        : TRUTH C3)
    SOUL MINING (12" MIX)
    THE SINKING FEELING (THE ORIGINAL VERSION)
    INFECTED (12" RE-MIX)
    DISTURBED
    
    All five tracks are featured on both sides of the cassette, which
    comes with a bright pic. sleeve - another Andy Dogg creation of
    course, but I can't for the life of me make out what it's supposed
    to be.
    
    I believe that there are similar releases for all of the singles
    taken from the INFECTED album, and will be trying to get a hold
    of them just shortly.

INFECTED (SKULLCRUSHER MIX)
(1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS, Made in England, #TRUTH Q3)
b/w
INFECTED (ENERGY MIX)
DISTURBED

The famed Andy Dog masturbating devil cover art adorns this one.
This is a The The single that I don't really recommend buying.
Industrial The The music!  The title cut is long for long's sake.
It's made longer by use of that stupid d-d-d-d-d-d-digital repeat
effect.  It clocks in at 5:40.  The mix is 'drier' than the LP version,
and the vocals are treated differently.

The B-side starts with INFECTED (ENERGY MIX), which is another waste
of vinyl.  This one has more of that ob-naw-naw-naw-noxious digital
repeat, and no vocals.  Skip it.  The second tune is DISTURBED, which
sounds like maybe the rhythm was sampled from INFECTED to use as a base.
Forgettable.

THIS IS THE DAY (1983, Some Bizarre/CBS, Made in US, #TA 3710)
b/w
I'VE BEEN WAITIN' FOR TOMORROW (ALL OF MY LIFE) (SPECIAL MIX)

Andy Dog cover art, described in 220.22.  These two versions (both extended)
are the same as the versions found on the U.S. SOUL MINING cassette.
The added length in THIS IS THE DAY comes from the fiddle, accordion,
and harmonica bits near the end, before the BV's repeat "This is the day".
They are longer than the LP version, with the fiddle getting the spotlight.  
I much prefer this over the LP version.  Hearing the fiddle at the end
has always left me wanting more, and this version fills that wish.
It has sort of a 'hoedown' feel to it. This one has 'dryer' vocals,
i.e. less reverb, than the LP version, and is 5:20 long.  I'VE BEEN
WAITIN' FOR TOMORROW has a longer synth break in the middle, but otherwise
is close to the LP version.

SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN (Extended Re-mix)
(1986, Some Bizarre/Epic/CBS, Made in US)
HARBOUR LIGHTS
b/w
HEARTLAND (LP Version)
BORN IN THE NEW S.A.

Same version of SLOW TRAIN TO DAWN and HARBOUR LIGHTS as the U.K.
12" of same, same version of HEARTLAND as the one on INFECTED, and
the same version of BORN IN THE NEW S.A. as on the B-side of the
HEARTLAND 12".  No stencil with this one.

CALL AND RESPONSE (1985, Polydor Ltd.(London), Made in UK, #ZMLP 1)

Not a THE THE record, in fact, Johnson doesn't even contribute, but,
Zeke Manyika has been one of Matt Johnson's musical partners-in-crime
for a long while.  He's gets drum credits on three tunes on SOUL MINING,
and shows up for backing vocals on INFECTED.  A former member of Orange
Juice, on this record he plays bass, keyboards, drums, percussion and
vocals, and wrote all words and music.  Other Johnson cohorts making
an appearance on this record are Thomas Leer (played synth solo on "I've
Been Waitin' For Tomorrow), Camelle Hinds (played bass on SOUL MINING),
Paul Hardiman (engineered SOUL MINING), Virginia Astley, and Dave Gregory
adds guitar and bass.  The album cover is another of Andy Dog's works,
this time depicting a desk lamp tilted up and turned on to reveal a butterfly
in the beam of light, with dozens of others in the background.

The tunes, with some comments, are:

House of Memory
	[Upbeat, good tune!]
Heaven Help Us (TRY!)
	[Nice guitar by Dave Gregory, violin by Ann Stephenson, who also
	 played violin in the tune "The Twilight Hour", on SOUL MINING.]
Kelvingrove
	[Funky tune, reggae beat, nice long (3 min.) bluesy harmonica]
Red Hot (Internationally)
	[Great bass by Thomas Leer, guitar by Dave Gregory, keyboard strings]
Lay Them Down
Call And Response
	[African rhythms, and ?? lyrics "Zuva rikadola shangu dzangu dzikapera",
	 Aswad Horn Section joins in.]
Cold Light of Day
17 Faces
It Doesn't Matter To Me
	[Excellent bass by Camelle hinds, upbeat, small flute bit by Virginia
	 Astley, Manyika and Will Gosling play fire extinguisher (sounds like
	 a cowbell)]
This Lamp
	[Good closing tune, long, guitar and bass by Dave Gregory]

This is a fun record, with several hum-able tunes, and is worth owning.

    Read in todays papers that there is to be a new album in the new
    year. Also rumours that there will be a tour!!! With Johnny Marr
    on guitar!!!! A new pair of Y-fronts please!
    Mike
    

    Good news in the music press this week - a new The The single will
    be in the shops around February 6th!  It's called 'The Beat(en)
    Generation', and is the band's first release since the INFECTED
    album.  Matt and the gang and currently in the studio finishing
    off a new LP, which is due for release in late Spring/early Summer.
    
    Furthermore, plans are being drawn up for a massive world tour (their
    first ever), which will cover five continents.
    
    Incidentally, the new The The line-up includes former Smiths geetarist
    Johnny Marr - should make for interesting results!
    
    Dougie_already_eagerly_awaiting_February_the_sixth

    Hoo-wee, Dougie, that's an interesting bit o'news.
    
    I've never really got into The The, but always sort of liked what
    I *have* heard, but including Johnny in the line up could be one
    of the better amalgamations of 1989....
    
    Bob

    I have a copy of the UK 12" uncertain smile single. It has two other
    tracks on the B side but I can't remember their titles. One is good
    and one is crap. I haven't read all of this note so if you've already
    found it, then well done, otherwise I could tape it for you to listen
    to if you let me know. It's not for sale.

    Andrew
    

    Re. -1, thanks for the offer of a tape of UNCERTAIN SMILE, but would
    you believe I managed to track down a U.S. copy (courtesy of
    MAMIE::DHALL), which I received just week.  It's every bit as good
    as I was previously lead to believe, although like you I'm not exactly
    going overboard about either THREE ORANGE KISSES FROM KAZAN or WAITIN'
    FOR THE UPTURN (the two tracks on the 'B' side) - I'm expecting
    the latter to grow on me ;-)
    
    I've now turned my attention to tracking down the 12" singles of
    PERFECT and (less importantly) THIS IS THE DAY.  I'm not expecting
    that they'll be easy to locate, but as my U.S. copy of UNCERTAIN
    SMILE is a cut-out, it seems fair to assume that these other two
    may also be available in a similar 'state' - i.e. three or four
    bucks a piece!!  Can anyone in the U.S. confirm that these two titles
    were indeed cut-out in or around '83/'84??
    
    Dougie_who's_eagerly_awaiting_the_new_single (THE BEAT(EN) GENERATION)

    I received issue #2 of the The The fanzine THE MERCY BEAT the other
    day, and learned that the official release date for the new single
    was Monday, Feb. 6th - has anyone heard it on the radio yet, or
    indeed seen it in the shops??
    
    Dougie_who_hopes_it_will_be_in_a_similar_vein_to_INFECTED et al

    I gather that it slipped its FRS date  ;-)  No reviews anywhere
    yet, but I'm waiting patiently....

    
    The tracks 'Harbour Lights' and 'Disturbed' are from the (supposedly
    pornographic) movie staring Matt - has anyone heard or seen any
    info. on this movie.
    
    In the 'the The Book' there is a picture of Matt playing with Clint
    Ruin aka Jim Thurwell aka 'Mr. Foetus' - does anyone know where
    these two worked together?
    
    Has anyone heard anything about the supposed album between BBS and
    SM called 'Pornography of Despare' - that was supposedly so depressing
    that it was never released.
    
    Oh - and if you haven't seen the article in Option Mag. (a long
    interview) - it is highly recommended - published the summer after
    Infected came out.
    
    Finally when someone gets the new cd *please* print a track listing
    as the UK version of the cd contained 4 remixes and the US version
    DID NOT (that's why I bought the import).
    
    will
    
    

    Re. .53 - glad to see that someone's intent on keeping this note
    alive!  Some comments....
    
>>  The tracks 'Harbour Lights' and 'Disturbed' are from the (supposedly
>>  pornographic) movie staring Matt - has anyone heard or seen any
>>  info. on this movie.
  
    The working title for this movie was, I believe, THE NIGHTWATCHMAN -
    as far as I'm aware, it was never released.  I've certainly never
    read any reviews of it, nor heard of other The The afficianados
    who have.    
      
>>  In the 'the The Book' there is a picture of Matt playing with Clint
>>  Ruin aka Jim Thurwell aka 'Mr. Foetus' - does anyone know where
>>  these two worked together?
  
    I'm sure it was reported two or three years back that these two
    were collaborating, but again, I don't think the end results were
    ever released....an interesting coupling methinks!
      
>>  Has anyone heard anything about the supposed album between BBS and
>>  SM called 'Pornography of Despare' - that was supposedly so depressing
>>  that it was never released.
  
    Minor correction, it's PORNOGRAPHY OF DESPAIR.  According to what
    I've gleaned from the odd music paper interview, and from the INFECTED
    book, this album would have appeared between BURNING BLUE SOUL and
    SOUL MINING.  Most of the songs have since been released on the
    'B' sides of their singles, e.g. FLESH AND BONES, WAITIN' FOR THE
    UPTURN, THREE ORANGE KISSES FROM KAZAN, THE NATURE OF VIRTUE etc.
    I think PERFECT was a contender for possible inclusion, although
    it doesn't fit in with the 'despair' theme.
      
>>  Oh - and if you haven't seen the article in Option Mag. (a long
>>  interview) - it is highly recommended - published the summer after
>>  Infected came out.
    
    I haven't seen this article, but I'd be *very* interested to obtain
    a copy.  If you still have the mag. in question, is there any chance
    that you could photocopy the article in question for me.  In return,
    I'd be willing to copy the first two issues of the MERCY BEAT fanzine
    for you.  ;-)
    
>>  Finally when someone gets the new cd *please* print a track listing
>>  as the UK version of the cd contained 4 remixes and the US version
>>  DID NOT (that's why I bought the import).
    
    I'm still eagerly awaiting the release of THE BEAT(EN) GENERATION -
    the scheduled release date was Feb. 6th, but it never made it, and
    I haven't seen anything in the papers to say why.  I'd be happy
    to get the CD EP for you when it comes out - BTW, in the above,
    are you referring to the INFECTED CD of the album?       

    I wonder when full details of the "five continents" world tour will
    be announced?  Hmmm....
    
    Dougie_who's_still_playing_the_UNCERTAIN SMILE_12"  :-)  :-)

    
    
    	Don't know if this has been entered ....
    
    	THE THE Fanzine 'The Mercy Beat' can be obtained from 
    
    	Mark Kilbourne , 8 Greetwell Place ,Lincoln ,LN2 4BB

    
    re. -2 Yes I was refering to the INFECTED cd - are they going to
    come out with a cd ep before the album is released (I hope)?
    
    Someone mentioned that they saw Infected - the Movie with added
    bits of Matt talking about the movie - where did they see that
    version and has anyone seen a copy of the movie commerically available
    (I would love it on laserdisc) - I have a copy I taped off of TV.
    By the way - have you noticed that they get several lyrical quotes
    WRONG in the movie.
    
    will
    

    Re. .55 - Stuart, what do you think of the MERCY BEAT fanzine?  Do
    you have both issues?  The first one was very amateurish, and didn't
    really tell you anything you didn't already know about The The.
    The second issue was an improvement, with a pretty comprehensive
    discography featured - however, I *still* don't know how the original
    12" of PERFECT differs from the re-issue that I have (the same version
    that appears as an 'extra' track on the SOUL MINING CD/tape)!!!
    
    Re. .56 - Will, I'm sure that the new single (when it eventually
    appears) will be issued in CD format, and probably with a couple
    of other tracks (hopefully new  8-), thus qualifying it as an EP.
    Do you have the CD EP of SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH (see .35 for full details)?

    Also, I was the one who reported that two different INFECTED videos
    were shown on British TV - I have the second version which is minus
    the interview clips with Matt J., but a friend has the original,
    which I borrow from time to time.  Interesting point you made about
    some of the lyrics on the screen not matching up with the song being
    played, but I've a feeling that it's probably deliberate.
    
    FYI, there was an article in NME last week with Matt speaking out
    against the "grotesque personality cults of 20th century religion",
    in the wake of the Ayatollah's death threat to Salman Rushdie.
    Apparently, a song on his forthcoming album (MIND BOMB) reflects
    the Rushdie controversy - purely by accident.  The song's called
    ARMAGEDDON DAYS ARE HERE (AGAIN), and it's about the way institutionalised
    religions and vested interest have combined with global ignorance
    to pervert the original messages of the prophets, and exploit the
    fundamental spiritual yearning of humanity (it says here)  8^)    
    
    Anyone know how 'forthcoming' the album is?

    
    re. -.1
    
    No when I said that the lyrics were wrong they were not just taken
    out of context but actually *wrong* - I *think* that they screw
    up the line "riding through the open spaces - the tumble-weed teh
    petrol stations" - I can't rember now - I'll have to watch it again.
    
    - Yes I have TSBoY cd ep.
    
    and I just mailed your interview.
    
    will
    

      Have any of you heard the new single yet?  I got it yesterday,
    and I am unimpressed. Sounds more like Fairground Attraction that
    The The.  Maybe it will grow on me, but I hope the rest of the lp
    is better.
      BTW, the single is available as a limited edition 12" box set,
    with a poster, 2 postcards, and a neat badge in the box, along with
    the record of course!  Worth getting if you can find it.  Th eB
    side is an alternative mix of Soul Mining.
    
    Mike F.

    I heard a snatch of it on Capitol two weeks ago. It is recognisably
    The The, but not really outstanding, at least not on first listen
    anyway. Hope I like the album more.
    
    Mark.
    

    The song "The Beaten Generation" plus video, a moody black-and-white
    affair of the group performing, finished off Beeb 2's "The Late Show"
    last night. I see Johnny Marr plays for him now (that's probably in
    this note somewhere).
    
    I liked the song, but it's not amazing; the lyrics are good. Does the
    comparison with Fairground Attraction come from the drummer using
    brushes?
    
    
    Rod

    I was thinking  more of the overall (bass) sound, but it wasn't
    meant to be any kind of deep comment.  Did anyone catch thm on TOTP
    last week.  Out of place or what???  How ironic that the very people
    being sung about were whooping and clapping along in the studio,
    without a clue as to who they were listening to.  And the reaction
    of the DJ at the end, totally unimpressed.
    Whens the album out?
    
    Mike
    

    Ironic in more ways than on -- if the audience are having a good time
    and the band are being paid, who cares who they are? It's only pop...
    
    Richard.

      I guess the band care, and the fans of the band care.  It may
    only be pop, but some things can at least try and mean a little more.
     Do bands get paid for being on totp?
    
    Mike 

>>>         Do bands get paid for being on totp?
   
    The MU have defined rates for TV appearances so I would presume
    the BBC honours those at least.
    
    Tony
    

    
    
    Where are all the reviews of the new single????
    I just picked-up the 5" cd ep (but have yet to listen to it)
    It contains three mixes of 'The Beat(en) Generation' and 'Angel'
    I have also seen a 3" cd that has 'TBG', Angel, and another
    version of 'Soul Mining' - does anyone have any insight about this
    mix?
    
    will
    

    
    Well, the new album `Mind Bomb' is out.  Another 8 tracks split half
    and half between bile spitting anti-war epics and pleading/bleeding 
    self-destructive doomed love tunes featuring the thug-nouveau fizzog of
    old Matt on the cover. The sound is very typical of Matts previous
    albums but generally getting much larger and more produced, and the 
    lyrics are virtually the same as before. (Lines like "Great cities of 
    great solitude" crop up again.)  The love songs are a tinge annoying 
    in their wingeing lyrics and occasionaly twee tunes.  The best track
     in my opinion is "Armageddon days are here (again)", a clever 
    combination of of doomy pop with some Cossack style chanting lyrics,
    soon to be the new single I believe.
    
    I was really expecting something more original this time around, so I'm
    quite disappointed by an album that sounds like Infected B-sides. 
    Perhaps he ought to lighten up a bit.  The back cover has that ghastly
    picture of the whole line up that was the cover for The Beaten
    Generation and states "The melancholy cries across the flatlands of
    planet earth have been heard & are being answered...all across the
    universe!"  Steady on mate, the picture looks more like the four
    horsemen rather than the new messiahs...
    
    	Lee.
    

    I'm not familiar with The The, but I'm a Johnny Marr/Smiths fan.

    Questions:

	1. Did Johnny Marr contribute to any of the songwriting?

	2. Does his guitar stand out on any of the songs?

	3. Is any of this new stuff (album or single) from The The
	   worth buying to a Johnny Marr/Smiths fan.

    John

    
    Old Johnny plays guitar on most tracks on the new album, and 
    co-wrote one of them.  I wouldn't say his contribution is particularly
    outstanding though.
    
    Lee.
    

    re: .67
    
    You've put me off the new album now. I'll still probably buy it
    though!
    
    re: .68
    
    I'd recommend "Soul Mining" to anyone, it's brill!
    
    Mark

    Tour dates are in this weeks music press, all for September.  There
    aren't any london dates announced yet though.
    
    PS after a week of listening, I think the lp is pretty good, especially
    played LOUD.

    Re. -1, *please* tell me that Scottish dates are included in the
    tour!!  Glasgow?  Edinburgh?  Ayr?!?!?!?
    
    Dougie_with_fingers_firmly_crossed (without having heard the new album yet)

    
    Now that 'Mind Bomb' is out could someone *please* post a track
    listing of the cd - I have to decide whether to get the UK (import)
    copy and pay $$$$ extra - which I will if there are EXTRA TRACKS.
    
    will

    
    
    Anybody out there see the Glasgow gig, I can't remember the date.  In
    fact it's either tonight or it was last week, sometime around just now
    anyway.  I wanted to go but couldn't get tickets, I was too late and
    skint anyway.  Give a report to let me know what I missed.
    
    
    Stuart B...
    
    

    
    
    It was last night. Great gig. Sound was the best heard in a long
    time. Cross section of all three albums. No surprises. Good to see
    Johnny Marr enjoying himself. Tickets were freely available on the
    night at the box office.
    
    				Ian.

    
    what was the song list???
    
    will

    
    The first two I remember were :-
    
    		Sweet Bird Of Truth
    		Armageddon Days Are Here Again !
    
    Then in no particular order:-
    
    		Beaten Generation
    		Infected
    		Angel Of Destruction
    		Slow Train To Dawn
    		Heartland
    		Shame     (?)            
    
    Others of which I forget the title then ending with :-
                             
    		Good Morning Beautiful
    
    First encore:-
    
    		Uncertain Smile
    
    Second encore:-
    
    		Didn't recognise but presumed to be from Soul Mining which
    		I have never heard and was a big favourite with the
    		crowd. Lots of Yeah, Yeah chants at the end. Anyone
    		identify it ?
    
    In all they played around 90 minutes.
    
    Anybody at the Glasgow or Manchester concert ?  What's the verdict?
    
    			Ian.
    		

    Ian, the song with the "yeah, yeah" refrain is probably GIANT from
    the SOUL MINING album - not one of my personal favourites, nor one
    that I thought would've been a big crowd fave.  Never mind....
    
    I missed out on tix when they were first made available, but when
    I came back from hols. at the beginning of Sept., I tried *everywhere*
    for them - Trash in Ayr, Virgin in Glasgow, and when I finally phoned
    the Barrowlands direct, I was told that it was "completely sold-out",
    and that there would be "no tickets available on the night".
    Bullsh*t!!
    
    I am *so* annoyed at having missed this, especially after seeing
    some live clips last week-end on 'Rapido'.  Ah well, let's hope
    that some more people get to hear of this band through the release
    of ARMAGEDDON DAYS as a single, which must have a better chance
    of being a hit than the last one (GRAVITATE TO ME).

    
    I doubt if it will be a hit Dougie due to the controversial lyrics.
    Can't really see it being played on daytime Radio One !
    
    		Ian.

    Yeah, I kinda know what you mean, Ian, but sometimes a 'ban' (or
    whatever) on a single can enhance its appeal to the casual record
    buyer.  ;^)
    
    FYI, the 'B' side of the new release is taken up with the *excellent*
    PERFECT, and MENTAL HEALING PROCESS, both of which have only been
    previously available on the SOUL MINING cassette.
    
    Those of you who follow this topic will recall that this version
    of PERFECT is a good deal different from the hard-to-find original
    12" release from 1983, which I am still eagerly trying to track
    down.  In fact, the more I think about it, there must be a very
    good case for Some Bizarre/CBS to issue a compilation of The The's
    rare tracks - early singles, alternate mixes, 'B' sides, etc.  In
    light of the fact that MIND BOMB seems unlikely to be able to produce
    a *big* single (THE BEATen GENERATION can only be described as a
    minor success), maybe they could rush-release such a compilation
    in time for the all-important Christmas market.  8*)
    
    BTW, The The were featured on last night's edition of BBC2's "The
    Late Show", which I taped, and will report back on next week.
    
    Dougie_who's_still_hurtin'_'bout_not_making_the_Glasgow_gig  

    
    Isn't PERFECT on the Soul Mining cd?
    
    will

    Yes, Will, PERFECT is also on the CD release of SOUL MINING - by
    generally available, I was meaning that it's not available on vinyl
    (unless you can track down the freebie 12" that came with early
    copies of HEARTLAND's first release as a single).
    
    FYI, the The The feature on BBC2 towards the end of last week, was
    rather interesting.  It was based around an interview with Matt
    Johnson and clips of the band rehearsing in London for the current
    tour.  During SWEET BIRD OF TRUTH, it was amusing to see that he's
    using a special mike to recreate the section of that song that begins
    "This is your captain calling....", and for ARMAGEDDON DAYS it was
    easy to spot backing tapes being used for the choir during the chorus
    (as per the version on MIND BOMB).
    
    It was also surprising to learn that whilst SOUL MINING has sold
    a million (presumably worldwide), the much-more-widely-publicised
    INFECTED has only sold two million.  No figures were quoted for
    MIND BOMB (probably too soon after its release).
    
    Dougie_*still*_sore_about_last_week's_scr*w-up  8-(

>   <<< Note 220.82 by AYOV18::DROBB "Tethered to the logic of Homo Sapien" >>>
>
>    It was also surprising to learn that whilst SOUL MINING has sold
>    a million (presumably worldwide), the much-more-widely-publicised
>    INFECTED has only sold two million.  No figures were quoted for
>    MIND BOMB (probably too soon after its release).
    
    Mmm, I noticed that, but as I recall, *total* album sales were quoted
    as two million, then they said "Soul Mining" had sold 600 000 and
    "Infected" had sold 1 million - could we take that to mean that
    "Mindbomb" had only shifted 400 000?
    
    
    Rod

    
    So is the new cd-ep worth getting for the longer mix of ADaHA or
    Mental Healing Process - a review of the latter perhaps Douggie
    - it hasn't been on cd before has it?
    
    will

	Here comes another winter of long shadows and high hopes -
	here comes another winter waiting for Utopia
	waiting for hell to freeze over
					- infected

	Five miles high as the crow flies 
	making vapor trails across the blood red sky
	moving in from the East headed for the West
	with balaclava helmets over their heads - YES
					- MIND BOMB


	the THE 'Interview and Live Music'
	CD - Epic ESK 1867 (Promo - US)
	Running time 40 min (approx)

	1)  Kingdom of Rain
	2)  Why tour now?
	3)  How did you create the band?
	4)  The Beat(en) Generation (live)
	5)  Creation of the live show?
	6)  Heartland (live)
	7)  Johnny Marr
	8)  This is the Day
	9)  Band & self-progression
	10) Why use pop music?
	11) infected (live)
	12) Sinead O'Conner & 'Kingdom of Rain'
	13) Does 'Beyond Love' mean rebirth?
	14) Beyond Love (live)

	Live tracks recorded August 4, Horden Pavilion, Sydney, Australia
	Back of the jewel box also contains tour dates from the now-postponed
	'the The Conquers the World' tour.
	Availability: very limited
	Price: ~$40
	

will

	I followed that bead of sweat
	to the small of your back
	from the nape of your neck
	lighting it up
	with every drag upon my cigarette

    Did anyone happen to see or tape the two-hour (1 p.m. - 3 p.m.) The The
    'special' on BSkyB yesterday?  Couldn't say for certain, but it may
    have been a live concert from the most recent tour.
    
    If anyone did tape it for posterity, I'd greatly appreciate a
    short-term loan of it.
    
    Dougie_still_waiting_for_Burning_Blue_Soul_on_CD

    Hmm ... almost a year since the last note in here, so I don't suppose
    anyone noticed the release of the "Shades Of Blue" EP last year?  The
    lead track was "Jealous Of Youth, a leftover from the MIND BOMB album
    sessions, and a single in the States a good while back, plus three
    other tracks - a live version of "Another Boy Drowning", a cover
    version of the much-loved "Dolphins" (see Billy Bragg's and Eddi
    Reader's latest albums) and, er, some other previously-unreleased
    number.
    
    Now, I only ever read about this release in the music press, and never
    saw a copy for sale in any of the local outlets (no surprise mind you).
    Stranger still, as I've *never* seen it advertised in even the likes of
    "Record Collector" I would have begun to question its existence but for
    the fact that I quite recently discovered one solitary soul (hi Will!)
    who owns a copy.
    
    So, after all the rambling, can I ask if anyone else in here owns a
    copy, or knows where I could get one?
    
    Many thanks for any help,
    
    - Dougie

    Yeah, I've got a copy on CD single, and the other track is "Solitude" -
    another cover version.
    
    I think I bought it in Bristol approximately a year ago, on promotion,
    so it only cost me 1.99
    
    I haven't seen it again anywhere else either so can't help with that
    one. I am going into Reading today though so I'll have a look around
    for it.
    
    Dale.

    P.S.
    
    I also have the 12" version (on yellow transaparent vinyl) of the
    *original* (not Soul Mining version) version of "Uncertain Smile".
    
    Picked it up last year off someone I met whilst working down in Devon
    for a fiver. Cheap!
    
    Dale.

I saw a copy for sale in the clearance sale they were having at Beggars Banquet
in Kingston.  That was about a month ago now though...

What's the dolphin song?  Is that the one that goes;

What once was a dream is now for real, what once for real is now a dream,
What once was a dream is now for real, what once for real is now a dream,
What once was a dream is now for real, what once for real is now a dream,
What once was a dream is now for real, what once for real is now a dream,

etc.

Lee

    Don't think so.
    
    It goes....
    
    "I been a searchin' for the dolphins in the sea,
     But sometimes I wonder, do you ever think of me."
    
     Dale.

    Dougie,
    
    Did you ever find a copy of "Flesh and Bones"? I see you were looking
    for it from the early notes in this topic but I haven't read all the
    replies yet. 
    
    If not, it was on the B-side of the American release of "Heartland"
    which I have a copy of - another bargain at 6.99 I think a few years
    ago.
    
    Dale.

    Re. last few ... good to see some action in this topic after it being
    somewhat redundant for a coupla years, and thanks Dale/Lee for
    confirming the existence of the SHADES OF BLUE e.p. (Lee, if you're
    ever back in that branch of Beggars Banquet, and they still have
    copies, please send me e-mail).  
    
    As for "Flesh And Bones" - yes, Dale - I did find eventually track this
    down on the 'B' side of the original "Heartland" 12" (see 220.36),
    which was shrink-wrapped with a "Perfect" 12" (see 220.40).  I say 'a' 
    as opposed to 'the' because I'm still almost certain that this version 
    is different to the original ... over three years on since originally
    asking the question, can I ask again if anyone has the latter 12", or
    can confirm that two different versions of "Perfect" exist??
    
    Also, Dale - you did very well to get a hold of the yellow vinyl 12"
    of "Uncertain Smile" at all, never mind for such a reasonable price!!
    How long does this version last, and, do you know if it's the same as
    the U.S. 12" (which lasts for exactly 10 mins.)??
    
    Oh, and I watched the "The The vs. The World" concert video again on
    Friday night - a barely acceptable consolation for missing the '89 
    tour date in Glasgow!
    
    - Dougie

    The Uncertain Smile version I have does last approximately 10 minutes
    I'd say though I've never timed it. We are talking about the same one
    are we not? i.e. NOT the one with long Jools Holland piano solo at the
    end (as on Soul Mining) but the one with the flute accompaniment.
    
    Yeah, shame you missed the tour. I saw them at Aston Villa Leisure
    Centre. Excellent.
    
    Question: Anyone have the original version of the Infected album with
    the different cover (not the Andy Dog illustration). I think it might
    have been banned in this country - it's a picture of MJ from the
    Infected video with all those slashes etc looking decidedly unhealthy.
    
    Dale.
    
    "One day I asked the angels for inspiration
     But the devil poured me a drink.
     And he's been buying them ever since...."

    
    Having seen The The album covers and read lyrics, I'd expected
    something between Anthrax and Jimmy Sommerville, but having seen 
    a couple of The The videos on MTV, I reckoned this group were worth
    a bit more investigation.
    
    On the recommendations of this note I picked up the tape version of 
    Soul Mining (I NEVER usually buy Cassettes, but this one had 6 extra
    tracks over the LP and 5 over the CD). Does anyone else feel that many
    of the tracks on this album (especially This is the day and Uncertain
    Smile) have a disctinctly Lloyd Cole feel? They're harder edged,
    certainly, but the sound is very similar.
    
    Anyway, the LP is, as others have said, very good. I'm not sure buying
    the Cassette was such a good idea as some of the 'free' tracks are
    dreadfull, but you do get Perfect which isn't on the LP (but is on the
    CD) and is worth the extra for the Cassette alone. Fruit of the Heart
    is ok, too, so on balance I reckon I won.
    
    The Jools Holland piano solo on Uncertain Smile is great, does anyone
    know if he's produced any solo albums containing this kind of material
    (I saw him do a session on a TV programme once and he really is a great
    pianist). 
    
    Mark

         <<< Note 220.94 by CSESUP::CROOKD "MkII Escort boy" >>>

<<< The Uncertain Smile version I have does last approximately 10 minutes
<<< I'd say though I've never timed it. We are talking about the same one
<<< are we not? i.e. NOT the one with long Jools Holland piano solo at the
<<< end (as on Soul Mining) but the one with the flute accompaniment.
    
    Yes, Dale - that's the one, and although I prefer the JH piano solo
    version, it cannot be denied that the long 'flute' version is also
    rather tasty.  Like I said 'way back in this topic, almost certainly my
    favourite The The track, and one for the short-list of Desrt Island
    Discs!
    
    Re. the original sleeve for the INFECTED album, a friend of mine has
    it, and it really is a quite disturbing picture (taken, I think, from
    the video for "Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire)).  Also, from memory, I
    think a poster of some kind was included with early copies.  The album
    and CD in my collection both have the later Andy Dogg sleeve.
    
    Speaking of sleeves, does anyone have the original sleeve for the
    "Infected" 12" single?  This was another AD job which depicted the
    devil m*st*rbating (can I say that in here?) - if you really need to
    see this, it's pictured in the _Infected_ book.
    
    Re. last - Mark, you definately chose a good starting point with SOUL
    MINING and I'd readily agree that there are tinges of Lloyd Cole in
    several of the tracks.  Come to think of it, there couldn't have been
    all that long between its release in '83, and the release of Cole's
    debut RATTLESNAKES in '84 (BTW, a fine, fine album).  Also, your point
    about buying the tape over the LP or CD for the extra tracks is valid -
    i.e. most of the extras (with the unequivocable exception of "Perfect"
    and "Nature Of Virtue") are not exactly in the 'essential' category,
    but, as a CD buyer, I still can't understand why they couldn't include
    all of them on the CD release instead of just "Perfect".  Who knows,
    maybe one day they will get round to compiling all the rarities and
    stuff on to one release?
    
    As to your question on Jools Holland solo releases, I'm sure there are
    quite a few, but not having heard any of them, I can't comment as to
    how they compare to the incredible solo on the album version of
    "Uncertain Smile".
    
    "I see an old man fingering his perishing flesh,
     He tells himself he was a good man and,
     Did good things,
     Amused and confused by life's little ironies,
     He swallows his bottle of distilled dam-nation!"
    
    - Dougie

    
    
>    Speaking of sleeves, does anyone have the original sleeve for the
>    "Infected" 12" single?  This was another AD job which depicted the
>    devil m*st*rbating (can I say that in here?) - if you really need to
>    see this, it's pictured in the _Infected_ book.
 
    A friend of mine has a T-shirt with that picture on it. Certainly
    doesn't wear it for church I can tell you!
       
    On MIND BOMB, I was a *little* disappointed. I think it had lost the
    hard edge of the previous two albums - become more "poppy" and "precise
    production" oriented. I though "Armageddon Days" was pretty poor
    really, as was "Gravitate to me". However, the Sinead O'Connor duet on
    "Kingdom of Rain" was exceptional. I think though that "Beyond Love"
    was probably the highlight of the album for me - very sexy, sung with a
    lot of emotion and feeling. All in all, I don't play it half as much as
    "Infected" or "Soul Mining".
    
    With the release of the "Shades of Blue" EP I was delighted that a bit
    more brashness and a sort-of "depressed inner-city-scape" feel had
    returned with "Jealous of Youth". And the live version of "Another Boy
    Drowning" is excellent. The two ballads were also great, but it was
    obvious that they weren't Matt Johnson songs.
    
    Another rarity? I have a copy of an album by a band called "Matt
    Johnson and The Gadgets". It's known as "The Blue Album" and was a
    one-off. There's only one good track on it really, called "Juice of
    Love" which is excellent. MJ only played guitar on the album and I
    don't think he did any writing. The vocalist is pretty poor really.
    Anyone else got this?
    
    "There's a high wind blowin'
     And the stars are shining bright
     Me and him are gonna have a little night fight
     In the bowels of a big city skyline" 

    
    The "torture" cover of Infected isn't too uncommon in the US.  What I
    really want is a VHS (NTSC?) version of the 'The The vs. The World'
    video - hey Andy could you post the track listing to that...
    
    Then there is the japanese cd bootleg I got - but that is another
    story...
    
    will

    
    Anyone hear anything about any new 'The The' material - I heard
    that the cd is titled 'Dusk' and is supposed to be out in Oct. '92
    but don't know how accurate this info is.  
    
    Anyone?
    
    tx
    will

I've heard what sounds like a new The The single on my local radio
station Couleur 3. Sounds ok.


Rod

    
    
    from USENET:
    
    No info on "new" The The, but what appears to be one of his first singles
    ("Cold Spell Ahead", originally released in 1981) has just been re-issued on
    CD in the UK.  I don't know the full history of the track, but it sounds like
    it was later to become "Uncertain Smile."  The single was recorded live
    has a very "rough" sound, but its interesting as a historical document,
    if nothing else.  I've noticed that this sort of re-issue often preceeds a
    new release, so there may be something new in the pipeline as well...
    
    
    
    Well I want it...
    
    will

In a Sunday paper I read that the new The The record was released yesterday.
Has anyone bought it, heard it, seen a review, have any opinions? He said
it was his "best ever".


Rod

    
    Well, Q give it 4 stars.  They say it's the second best The The record
    to date.
    
    Paul

    Rod, I've read two reviews of "Dusk" so far (one in SELECT and one in,
    er ... I forget), and both have said that it's his best since "Soul
    Mining", ten (gulp!) years ago.  I'm fairly certain that it's released
    in the U.K. this week, so I'll be snapping up a copy at some early point.
    
    Picked up the "Dogs Of Lust" 2-CD single 'set' (what a scam!) last week - 
    worthwhile, even if just for interesting re-mixes of "Armageddon Days
    (Are Here Again)" and "Violence Of Truth", and 'live' versions of
    "Jealous Of Youth", "Beyond Love" and "Infected".
    
    - Dougie

Thanks. Sounds like it's worth acquiring. I have the previous three, of
which I think the most consistent is 'Soul Mining', the high point is 
the first two tracks of 'Infected', and 'Mind Bomb' wouldn't look so bad
if it didn't have to measure up to the first two.


Rod

    I heard part of the single today, which is recognisably The The,
    although there sounded to be more guitar and a bit less electonic/beat.

    The single is excellent.
    
    				stuart.
    

    
    Thanks for the pointer... I bought it over the weekend. As said in 
    reviews - it does sound the earlier stuff.
    
    Elaine. 

So I actually got round to buying 'Dusk'...

On first listen, I wasn't impressed. Same old The The themes and tunes, I
thought. But  while I was right about that, now I absolutely LOVE this
record. In the same way that I prefer photographs where people aren't
smiling, I prefer music that is basically melancholy and Matt Johnson is
enough of a gloomy bastard to provide melancholia by the bucketload. I
can't help liking him for that and he's my age, so he must be alright.
'Dusk' is emphatically not aural wallpaper. There are real lyrics here,
about the usual things: love, lust and death. Jason Donovan he is not, and
he wants to be heard. Plus there are loads of good tunes, and harmonica
melody lines, and a great bit where you hear the mains hum an amp makes
when the volume's cranked right up but nothing's actually being played
through it (you pay for THAT?). And it's very nicely recorded with quiet
quiet bits and loud loud bits and a sort of live-in-the-studio feel so that
it's not over-polished. Buy it.


Rod
    

    But you didn't actually _buy_ the record, did you, Rod?
    
    Not, I'm sure, that that would have made any difference at all...
    
    Piers

    
    What, do you mean our Rod is killing music by home-taping?

    No, aksherlly. He had someone buy the record for him, then he had
    someone else carry the record, which of course not being a CD was
    too large to go in that person's hand-luggage, all the way from Andover
    to Geneva, after which he simply ripped off the shrink-wrapping and
    reviewed it as if he himself had been to the trouble and expense of
    purchasing it and collecting it from the shops...
    
    Piers

..and that was all in exchange for an artwork which was being surrendered
for a ridicuously modest price, was it not.

As for the suggestion that I would ever home tape, quel horreur. Btw, did 
I mention the nice Sony 100 minute metal tapes I found in a hifi shop in
Geneva on Saturday?


Rod

    BTW Rod:
    
    There was an interview with Matt Johnson in the LA Times this weekend
    and he emphatically stated that he is *not* a gloomy person.  The
    writer spent about 5 paragraphs talking about how cheerful Matt was.
    This is obviously a sore point with Matt.
          
    I think the album's great, but then again, I bought it myself.
    
    -Vicki
     

    A lot of people don't realise that Rod, like Matt Johnson, is also 
    not a gloomy person. True.
    
    Piers

    There was also an interview with Matt Johnson on last week's (pathetic) 
    Radio 4 show about lyrics, and he emphasised that he is not a gloomy person.

    
    RE -1
    
    But when was Rod interviewed on Radio 4? 
    
    Rod, 
    
    Are your lyrics interesting as well? 
    
    Everybody,
    
    What's wrong with being gloomy?
    
    Gloomies of the world unite!!
    
    Gloomy of Germany.

Unlike Matt Johnson, who is a famous not-gloomy musician, I'm a not-famous
not-gloomy not-musician... still, give me time, and I may at least become 
gloomy.


Rod

    
    I've heard the current single "Slow Motion Replay" a lot on the radio.
    How does this compare to the rest of the album ? If I like the single,
    will I like the album ?

That's Slow Emotion Replay, the fourth single to make it into the Top 40
in eleven years, out of twenty released. (Could it be that... people bought
the albums?) 

+Mark+

    The "Burning Blue Soul" album is finally out on CD, with a new cover,
    and under the name of The The rather than Matt Johnson.  No extra
    tracks or anything, but it is only �8.99.
    
    I believe that another single has been released now; "Love is stronger
    than hate" or something like that...
    
    Lee

>     How does this compare to the rest of the album ? If I like the single,
>     will I like the album ?

    Thanks to Grahame Ash for lending me "Dusk". It took me a few listens
    to really appreciate it, but I can now see where Rod's rave review came
    from. Think I'm going to have to buy it... Anyone want to to provide a
    brief summary of Matt Johnson's earlier stuff ?

    The albums are:
    
    Soul Mining (cassette version has six extra titles)
    Infected
    Mind Bomb
    Dusk
    
    Piers

What's 'Burning Blue Soul' like, any good?


Rod

    I heard at the week-end, that The The were 'in session' on 1FM at some
    point between 6.30 and 7.30 p.m. each night last week - did anyone hear
    any or all of this?  If so, which tracks were aired?  I don't suppose
    anyone happened to tape it?
    
    Oh, and Rod - I've had to mail-order "Burning Blue Soul", as the
    half-witted nerds who work in the local record stores didn't seem to
    know much about the recent CD re-issue.  Having waited a good few years
    for this event, I'll be sure to report back with a mini-review.  FWIW,
    NME gave it a 7/10 the other week.
    
    - Dougie

Yes, please do.


Rod

    The The are releasing an EP on January the 4th which will
    contain a Re-mix of "This is the day" it doesn't sound as good
    as the original but its OK.... anyone know what the rest of the
    tracks are.....???
    
    
    Steve 

    Steve,
    
    The new EP is being marketed under the title of "Dis-Infected" (novel,
    eh?), and as well as featuring re-recorded versions of "This Is The
    Day" and "Infected", it also has "Helpline Operator (Sick Boy Mix)"
    and "Dogs Of Lust (Germicide Mix)".
    
    I'll try to find time to post reviews of "Burning Blue Soul", and his
    recent Glasgow gig in the not-too-distant future.
    
    - Dougie

I picked up Dis-Infected at the weekend. Didn't really mean to, but I
found myself beside Citydisc so I sort of went in for a look and kind
of ended up buying the ep (quite cheaply priced).

Despite me feeling vaguely the victim of marketing, it's an enjoyable
record, the title track being particularly good. All four tracks are
different to the originals in a worthwhile way. It's not an essential
purchase but it's not a waste of money either.


Rod