"Soul Mining" by THE THE - October 1983 UK Debut Album (as The The) on Epic/Some Bizarre Records featuring Matt Johnson [ex Gadgets] with guests Thomas Leer, Camelle G. Hinds, Andy Duncan, Zeke Manyika, Wix, Paul Boyle and Jools Holland (July 2002 UK Epic/Lazarus CD Reissue - Howie Weinberg Remaster) - A Review by Mark Barry...

 

 

 

 

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This Review And Many More Like It 

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LOOKING AFTER NO. 1 

Volume 2 of 2 - M to Z...

 

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"...Under My Skin..." 

 

Technically, Matt Johnson's ex-Gadgets solo offering "Burning Blue Soul" from August 1981 on England's 4AD Records is often cited at the real THE THE debut album (in all but name). But October 1983's "Soul Mining" is the first LP to bear that famous moniker (and my starting point with him and his difficult releases). 

What we have here is the 2002 bare-bones Reissue/Remaster from Epic/Lazarus with its altered Matt Johnson's Face outer slipcase artwork - his own original painting artwork being on Page 3 of the booklet (folded back on itself, the booklet will allow fans to display that on the inner jewel-case). Let's get to the diluted polluted...

UK released July 2002 - "Soul Mining" by THE THE on Epic/Lazarus 504465 2 - 5044652000 (Barcode 5099750446522) is a straightforward CD Reissue and Remaster of the original 1983 7-track album that plays out as follows (41:48 minutes):

1. I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life) - Side 1

2. This Is The Day 

3. The Sinking Feeling 

4. Uncertain Smile 

5. The Twilight Hour - Side 2

6. Soul Mining 

7. GIANT 

Tracks 1 to 7 are their debut album "Soul Mining" (as the band THE THE) - released October 1983 in the UK on Epic/Some Bizarre Records EPC 25525. The US LP on Epic FE 39266 featured an extra track at the end of Side 2 called "Perfect" which unfortunately isn't on this 2002 CD Reissue/Remaster. 

 

I like the outer card slipcase and its tinted new facia, while the 12-page booklet does its functional best (lyrics, that original artwork and album/reissue credits). But you can't help thinking that the absence of any kind of historical appraisal or liner notes (there are quotes on the rear which are all conveniently positive) and the absence of the American LP's "Perfect" track as a Bonus is a bit of a let down. 

 

And some fans that have worn out 1983 original LPs have complained that the 2002 HOWARD WEINBERG Remaster is almost too clean - I disagree. The Audio is incredibly detailed now - take Paul Boyle's subtle and sweet Fiddle playing on "This Is The Day" - the E.L.P. esque keys on "The Sinking Feeling" - and speaking of Prog Rock - those almost Jon Anderson synth notes in the finisher "Giant" - the clean drum whacks of Zeke Manyika on "The Twilight Hour" - all have real presence now - up and proud. To the airs of despair... 

 

Matt Johnson's all-encompassing moody misery will admittedly not be for everyone wanting to get up and party baby. But the intelligence of the lyrics, his knack with a hook that gets under your skin and just won't let go have all earned him legions of devoted followers. I will willingly admit that I always start "Soul Mining" on Track 2 "This Is The Day" (can't take this discord in "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow...") - watching the whites of your eyes turning red - all the money in the world unable to buy back those days of old - will this be the 24-hours where it all falls into place? 

 

"The Sinking Feeling" has Johnny Meeks on Bass supplementing all instruments played by Matt Johnson, but the album surely steps up to greatness with the near seven-minutes of "Uncertain Smile" - Jools Holland [ex Squeeze] playing an absolute blinder on Piano (comes in about 3:30) - allowed to solo and crescendo for near half of its duration. This is epic THE THE - clever as Elon THE THE - howling winds - watering eyes - uncertain emotions forcing an uncertain smile - brilliant. 

Introspection and personal relationship damming are never far from "The Twilight Hour" the truly excellent "Soul Mining" title track has our hero enveloped in fog with fool's gold wedged in his heart (this lad needs to get out more and be chaperoned when he does). And it all comes to a very classy and satisfying ending with "GIANT" - a near ten-minute litany of things Matty needs to forget but can't - Thomas Leer guesting on Bass Synth with Jim Thirwell on Sticks and Tins. 

"Soul Mining" was so pointing towards the genuine brilliance of 1986's "Infected" - probably everyone's favourite THE THE album and easily in the Top Ten of greatest ever releases in that decade or any other for that matter. But this 1983 starter is the Mind Bomb to come being fashioned...