The The - Soul Mining

This version doesn't include "Perfect", like the very first original pressing. At a second pressing later in 1983 the track was added. By request of Matt Johnson the track is not included at this remastered version. He wanted the album like it was intended as the initial total concept.

The piano played by Jools Holland in "Uncertain Smile" has been considered as one of the best piano solos in pop and wave music, and I totally agree! A classic album.

Inspired electro pop from The The, a.k.a Matt Johnson, and
a loose ensemble of changing musicians. Soul Mining is technology heavy, which is a shame as the whirr and crunch obliterates some of the human touches. Johnson's cod psychology gets a little wearing at times - after all, it's not how you feel but how you feel - and looping drum patterns should be a crime.

This is the remastered reissue or whatever, but it is missing the last track of the original, "Perfect". I'm not sure the reasoning behind this, but it's worth your trouble to seek out an original pressing of this album or the "Perfect" single release, as the track is really wonderful.

One of the best 80's records period. Matt Johnson's piercing vocal, acerbic wit and unrelenting mixture of sublime melodies and bitter poetic songwriting stands as one of the high points in an era filled with over-hyped artists. These songs initially strike one as simple but they have a way of creeping into ones mind and bouncing around for days. There is also a techno feel about this record, stark, dry and somehow subtly beautiful and emotive.