Reviews (page 8 of 9)
Very interesting ideas some good tracks, not really my thing but i respect it
interesting sound, I liked it.
Hmm I did not particularly love this one on first listen, but my impression might change if I listen more since there were a number of individual moments that were promising or intriguing, like the understated interlude of The Twilight Hour. More specifically, it has several components similar to other artists that I like (hence 'promising'): the production is often reminiscent of Prince, synth-based with a lot going on but never feeling cluttered (in relation This Is the Day is rhythmically close to When You Were Mine); the vocalist sounding like Ian Curtis of Joy Division; the intro of The Sinking Feeling could have been a Thom Yorke song (unsteady chord progression); and Giant progresses like a NIN song (starting with a drum machine loop and other elements coming in one by one). In short, it's pretty close to what I tend to enjoy in terms of the production, but the songwriting could've been stronger. Nevertheless, it was interesting enough to make me curious about their later stuff. Incidentally, this one is much more enjoyable with headphones (instead of speakers) because of the way instruments and other sounds are carefully spread out across the stereo fields.
"Life is like a sewer And I'm trying to wade thru her" Lead-off track (I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow) is an uncomplicated banger. Second track (This Is the Day) is soulful and melancholic and still fun (accordion! claps!). I had never heard of Matt Johnson until today but I already feel like he's a *good* songwriter. Look no further than the plinking poppy guitar accentuating The Sinking Feeling around lines like: "The path of least resistance Leads to the garbage heap of despair" The super interesting and jazzy melodic solos in Uncertain Smile are, I think, representative of the whole mood of this album: dancing the night away with cool people while the world falls to pieces outside. It's energetic, it's erotic, it's disorienting, it's a great time, it's menacing and almost sinister (Soul Mining). Like Johnson sings over the irresistible escalating percussion in Giant: "I'm a stranger to myself And nobody knows I'm here When I looked into my face It wasn't myself I'd seen But who I've tried to be" The chants go on for so long you really do lose yourself. This is maybe what the 80s felt like. Twilight Hour is self-indulgent and weirdly overwrought and keeps this short of 5 stars for me. Other than this misstep, a very enjoyable album.
Meh. Pretty standard 80s new wave. This Is The Day will forever be a favorite song of mine though, just maybe not an album I need in my rotation all the time. 3/5 stars Favorite Tracks: This Is The Day, Uncertain Smile, Giant
Spacey, super short album, British influence, enjoyed one song but not much else
It was average.
I thought this was a decently enjoyable pop album. Many classic 80s sounds with the synth/pop funk style mixed with some good piano playing and other good instrumentals.. The lyrics are somewhat dark in several songs. I enjoyed this is the day. I felt some songs were a bit long though but I didn’t dislike the album. 5.8/10
Stronger than the followup musically, though I prefer that record's lyrical themes. Those on display here aren't camp, though I'm tempted to use that word; There's a definite theater taste, coming I assume out of the New York influence. The instrumentation is all over the place: Violin, even electric, gets its obligatory shoutout and the record comes together as it arises and fades back into fuzz muck.
The perfect The The album, still like it very much. Just noticed that some months ago for some reason I rated Infected with only three stars. I have now listened to that album again as well and am surprised. I still think it is not as good as Soul Mining but I should have given that album four stars.
After discovering The The when Dusk came out, I must have checked Soul Mining as well not long after, but I have no memory of it. Now I realise this is actually a great album. It took a few listens to get accustomed to the vocals, which I am still not a fan of, but then I started to really appreciate the music. The final track sealed it for me: five stars.
Liked nearly half the album, but the rest didn't really hit the spot
Never heard this before but thought it was great. Constantly interesting sound without getting distracting from the songs
I came to this album late - let's say 30 years... Classic of the UK '80s.
I love This is the Day but the rest is a bit of file under every post punk synth pop album is not one we must listen to
The The! Didn't expect you guys to show up. Always creative, always fun. Something a lot of these artsy post punk bands forget when they are pushing the envelope is that they should still be enjoyable to listen to.
Never heard of the the before but I was pleasantly surprised. There music is very different and I very much enjoyed the album. Killer music in the background
The music itself was not bad but i dislike the 80s style of singing. The first song was probably my favorite. Just not my favored type of music.
Decent but nothing to right home about.
The first few songs were better than I was expecting and I would willingly listen to them again. The latter half don’t hold up as well, so this is more like a 3.5/5 for me.
Not really my thing, though I did enjoy Uncertain Smile. This is earning the 3 stars of indifference from me.
I know I listened to this but I have zero recollection of any of it - even what style it was. So I'll give it a generic 2.5/5
I went on a proper journey with this album - hated the start of it but that was turned around with the absolute classic "This is the day" - and by the end of "Giant" I was singing along to it - I think I'll be revisiting this one for another go.
Some good moments but mostly I was bored
The The is a band that I've been aware of but never really listened to. Very 80s and pretty good
Tengo en vinilo otro disco de The The, este es su primer trabajo y veo que hay distintas versiones (Vinilo, casete, CD) con distinto numero de canciones. Pero vamos la que enlaza desde aquí tiene 7. Siendo la más interesante "This Is The Day" y poco más. Es un disco muy eclíptico y supongo que sorprendió en ese momento de los 80 pero ahora no lo veo como imprescindible.
the the!
The The's Soul Mining is a strange combination of 80s punk, synth and weirdly reggae-like in parts. It feels too convoluted and all over the place for me. Not a fan. Best: Soul Mining Worst: This Is The Day
De souvenir, ces gars-là ont livré une performance plus que correcte même si les bégaiements à outrance m'ont beaucoup agacé. J'ai d'ailleurs horreur de parler avec des gens qui bégaient. En revanche, j'adore discuter avec les personnes qui articulent de manière fluide. Les goûts et les couleurs...
On accordait volontier une periode de refroidissement à Robert après sa surchauffe de la semaine passée, mais après 10 albums sans 4/5, nous commençons à nous poser des questions. Je me rendrai à son domicile dans un prochain review pour analyser la situation.
Pop con sintetizadores. Ni fu ni fa.
Grato descubrimiento. Post-punksynth-pop
I was blown away by this record when I first heard it in college radio days in the mid-to-late ‘80s and I’m even more impressed at how well it’s stood up. Soul Mining avoids all the excess and cliche of the era. It’s dramatic and cinematic; new wave-y, but not self-consciously so; it’s politically committed and serious-minded, but not humorless; it’s emotionally rich and balanced and musically intriguing. “This Is the Day” is a first-rate pop song and “Uncertain Smile” a higher-order musical event, truly one for the ages with an all-time great piano solo (I ran right for the extended 9+ minute mix after hearing it here for the first time in ages). “The Twilight Hour” and “Giant” are also hugely engaging and very impressive tracks (but generally, little-known). So good, with bonus points for reconnecting me to my youth.
Like Infected, the other The The album we've had, this one is also very good, although it lacks a top standout track such as "Heartland". In terms of songwriting, it's absolutely top notch post-punk / dark synth pop. Might even be five stars if the mixing were better.
Ok yeah, consider me a fan. This Is the Day is such a great track and The Sinking Feeling carries it over and it's all so great.
listen again
Fucking brilliant! The The are criminally underrated and unknown, but they deserve so much more recognition for their powerful, innovative, unique music. This album in particular is a true standout gem of the 80's. It is daring and experimental but also pop as hell somehow. This Is The Day is a heartbreakingly beautiful song; the sentiments expressed in it are both sadly nostalgic and willfully optimistic at the same time. It speaks directly to my soul and calls up an exquisite ache that I'm addicted to. I adore that rich contrast in tone and meaning all of these songs seem to have. This album is endlessly listenable, I get something new from it every time I put it on. It challenges the listener, but it also excites and inspires too. It's just so fucking good, I love it!
Now THIS is some delicious 80's cheese. Fun, boppin, synthy, even atmospheric at times. Just jammed with jams.
My God, this one is a slog. I loved every song, but as a project this is wretched.
Uuh, been waiting for this. Love "Uncertain Smile". 3
I remember that The The was a band that was on the radio at one point in time, but I can't remember what I've heard from them. "Uncertain Smile" is the track that I liked the most, and almost sounded familiar. For me, this band fits in well with groups like the Psychodelic Furs, and Simple Minds. This album was okay. Perhaps a second listen might help me hear more of what was accomplished on this album, but I just don't know if I'll get back to the album again.
Inte världsomvälvande grejer, men jag hade en god tid. This is the day är en kalaslåt, det är sen gammalt!
Jag tycker inte detta var så bra. Jag vill gilla det, men det är som de tråkigaste låtarna på alla new wave-album. + lite för tonårsångestiga texter?
Progressive at the time, not much going on listening to this now.
I could say I've been waiting for this album all of my life, but that would be lying. But only because I've had it for so long! (What a song, though!) I love The The: for the lyrics that seem to have been written by me (the version of me that can write) and about me, as well as for the creative music (those solos in Uncertain Smile or Giant). Most of all, it's probably the insight gained from someone (Matt Johnson) whose view of the world seems so similar to mine. It's hard for me to convey, but it really does feel like songs written about my most intimate thoughts and experiences. You could argue I grew up with this album. I'd argue it's a hell of an album to grow up with.
p505, 1983. 2 stars. So-so 80's Brit synth band with no tunes and desolate lyrics. A lot of the tracks meander and outstay their welcome. Bonus star for Jools Holland on Uncertain Smile, otherwise there is not too much to like here. Not on the replay list.
Definitely not what I expected, but not at all disappointed either.
Great synth rock vibes on this one
post-punk... WITH COLOURS!!!
Couldn't really get into it.
This is the day je odlična pjesma ali mi ostatak nije sjeo koliko sam mislila da hoće :(
Znam za ovaj album, ali me opet iznenadio koliko je drugačiji nego što ga se sjećam. Veliki osjećaj new wave-a i synth popa upakiran sa ritmičnim pjesmama.
Listened to on 4/10/22 3/5 Favorite song: This is the day I liked most of this album more than I thought I would - very synthetic and pop-py but all in all a few bops
Weird, dark, and dude doesn’t really have a great voice. It was interesting at points but overall don’t really want to go out of my way to listen to this again.
4/8/22 This album was odd and bad. The guys voice is not good. The first song is miserable and then it gets better but everything just blends together. I recognized one song from Sex Education. Overall, hard to get through and I will probably never listen to it again, but also not the worst thing I’ve heard. Favorite Song: This is the day
I honestly enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Definitely better than the other The The album I had on the list
Programmed drums and 80’s singing!
Matt Johnson was/is an interesting artist. I bought Uncertain Smile as a 12 inch single on St. Marks Place in NYC – the go-to place for imports back in the day. I thought it was great then and it still holds up well for me. The Jools Holland solo is awesome. The rest of the disc is not at good, but still a solid listen. An arty Thompson Twins, Matt Johnson’s influence was immediate. This disc could be a John Hughes soundtrack.
This is an average new wave style album that leaves no lasting impression on me. Not sure why this would be considered a "must listen to" record. Fine but nothing special.
Meh. There was a lot going on with this album but I did not connect to it. This was probably hard to make, but except for the piano solo in uncertain smile I did not enjoy this album. I don’t think I’d ever want to hear this again
Best Song: Uncertain Smile. Unoffensive in that coffee-commercial kind of way, but with a really enjoyable piano solo. Worst Song: I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All of My Life). Really bizarre song to start the album. It sounds like each person was told to play a different song and they didn't realize until after they mixed it. Overall: Another cottage in the industry of Bowie impersonators. Also peppered with oddball, edgy lyrics. "While I'm being raped by progress / Tomorrow's world is here to stay / They wouldn't have it any other way..." Yikes.
Matt Johnsin hit a home run with This is the Day, a perfect slice of 80s alternative pop. It has all the elements; Great dance floor beat, catchy sing along chorus, beautiful melodic synthesizer riff and a huge drum sound. Just a great song that to me still sounds fresh today. Can the rest of the album possibly measure up? Well the short answer is no! But.... There are some fine tunes on here; Uncertain Smile, the title Track as well as the closer Giant. Most of the tunes go on too long and I find myself looking to skip ahead to the next one 3/4 of the way through. But I can say that each song has something to offer. Johnson's themes of life and death, heaven and hell and biblical references can get a little heavy handed but the arrangements tend to lighten the mood and help make the whole thing more accessible. 4 🌟
Very much a part of my youth and the only The The that I play regularly these days. Uncertain Smile is impossibly nostalgic for me.
Not bad. Nothing that changed my life, but a decent effort.
I can see why this is an 80s classic but I'd have to listen to it more for it to get to that point with me.
Just a bit too 80s for me
bara ok
Great band name. Can't believe it took so long for a band to think of that. It might be a sign that I'm reviewing too many records each day to catch up, but this record just sits there for me. I have no idea of the context here. But I would group a lot of other records from the same time period into this "sound" and this one doesn't really rise to the top. It's actually a little too slick - even by the standards of the 80s - for my taste. Take the piano solo on "Uncertain Smile" for instance. It's too perfect. Sounds like studio musicians trying to sound like a hip post-punk band.
This album is fine - pretty solid 80s new-age, weird stuff. I like it. I just don't really care.
The vocalist's voice really grates on me.
A less talented David Bowie met a less talented Duran Duran and made the love child that is this album. I made it through, which I felt was an accomplishment. It wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t good either.
Great album. I really enjoyed it.
"Soul Mining" is the debut album from the British post-punk / synth-pop band "the The". The album received positive reviews and modest sales during its initial release, but the 30th anniversary rerelease attracted new listeners and reviews praising it as one of the best albums of the 80's. This album is perfect pop music for any occasion - depending on the listeners' mood. Regularly described as a masterpiece and frontman Matt Johnson's best work, this album describes the tumultuous period during the 80's when post-punk was declining and synth-pop was thriving. The music contains many different types of instruments that are held tightly in line to produce a coordinated attack on the listener. "Soul Mining" is a brilliant, idiosyncratic piece of music history that may never be replicated because it is so personal and unique. I believe this is a hidden gem of an album, and it rightfully earned a spot on these top 1000 albums.
Not for me this one.
"I'm just a symptom of the moral decay that's gnawing at the heart of the country." It absolutely should not be a catchy line to sing along with... but it is. It forms the heart of "The Sinking Feeling", a typically nihilistic song by Matt Johnson. The The's debut album scorches through its runtime with a mixture of bitter irony and honest despair. While lyrically dark and dense, the music is upbeat, catchy and even euphoric. "This Is The Day" is a world-class song: it's a work of soaring cynicism that wields a bright and cheerful accordion hook like a plastic umbrella in a cocktail of bourbon and broken glass. Elsewhere, "Waiting for Tomorrow (All of My Life)" summarises the mid 20's angst at the heart of the record's philosophy, with a glorious bassline to boot. "Uncertain Smile" treated the world to a virtuosic three minute Jools Holland piano solo, while everyone was still lucky enough not to know what a Hootenanny was. While "Soul Mining" and "The Twilight Hour" bring the pace down slightly too far into maudlin navel-gazing, "Giant" more than makes up for it. Nine and a half minutes with just four chords and limited words, but its a masterclass in pacing. Its lengthy outro presents a repeeated "yeah yeah yeah" chant and an elephantine wall of percussion, which lead the way in a reprisal of each layer of sound. It's "Hey Jude" for the twisted post-punk generation... and its wonderful.
Lyrics are nice. The sound is kind of slouchy and sleepy. Idk. I'm new to this so I will give it more time to settle in.
Jesus Christ the twilight hour 3, definitely better than the last few
An aggressive take on new wave, attempting to take back the sound while dropping anything that would make it too commercial. This record is successful in standing out from the other new wave sounds of the time. Excellently weird.
Didn’t seem special. It was fine
Meh
High 3
dark, paranoid, angry, lots of different instruments - very much a product of its time and sonically very 1983
Dogs of Lust makes many of my play lists. Like this album but wouldn't say best
I liked some segments of songs, I like the vocals, but none of the songs click. Best is probably the title track, but I would not intentionally listen to this again.
boring and sad.
A bit wishy-washy and no kick. Less appealing than loincloth sumo lining
Kind of 80’s dance/industrial with dark lyrics.
Generally enjoyable.
This is a strikingly good debut album. While the ideas are not as well developed as on later releases, this album showcases the imagery that would hit its zenith on ‘Infected.’ The synth pop is infectious and avoids much of the trappings that leave much of 80s pop sounding dated.
Ça m'a pas bouleversé
vague souvenir de chansons un peu longues avec des synthés ...
very 80s haha
I could never keep track of all the faceless 80's new wave bands. I would hear a song on the radio and couldn't tell you if it was the The, Psychedelic Furs, New Order, A-Ha, or any number of other bands. I usually liked the music, just couldn't distinguish who was who. Listening to this album though, it seems to me the The was probably one of the better bands to come out of that era. Really solid songs, enjoyed it very much. 3.5 stars, rounding up to 4.
Meh. But nice.
Some bits I didn't like but some that were absolutely brilliant. A total mixture.
Very cool and ahead of it's time. Less kitschy than Gary Newman.
Ooh - this was good. Really sounds like a one-man job, lots of well constructed tunes with nice bass and synth lines. Piano on Uncertain Smile is just fantastic.
Wel prima maar niks bijzonders
A true gem. This album is the best of New wave. Great lyrics too. A must listen
Great album!
Good 80s vibe, long songs put me off a little! Exactly the sort of album I was hoping to find with this project.
post-punk tends to be comfortable listening for me; this album was fine, but didn’t register as something to rush back to
I generally like the that 80's sound, but the songs on this album just don't do it for me. There is an abundance of ideas and experimentation, yet without going anywhere songwise, leaving a rather messy impression. 2/5
Never heard of the band before. The type of music is right down my alley, I really like 80's synthpop and this album is a nice example of the genre. Outspoken basslines and off course the synth. Easy to listen to and very enjoyable.
Uhhhhhh. There is some cool vocal melodies in here, but its just not for me.
Very much of its time.
Um álbum legal, eu achei massa, alguns hits, tudo meio igual...
Not bad. Just didn’t make me feel much.
Groovy, lovely pop, slipping in to the listening lugs so comfortably.
knocking 80's percussion, bold synth leads and driving, funky bass lines. All under a drole english delivery. it's interesting new wave.
Bueno
eh
Pretty fun
3.5
An interesting listen, though the singer is unfortunately plagued with that no-longer-a-boy-but-not-quite-a-man voice that was an epidemic in the dreadful 1980's.
Great 80s pick. Holds up well considering the era it came from. Favorites: "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow", "This Is the Day", "Uncertain Smile"
This album is awesome. Is it post-punk? Industrial? I don't know but I love it. Some tracks are sparse and minimalist. Others are a waterfall of sound.
Some very good songs, not exactly my cup of tea though, even though I've always liked new wave.
did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did!
4.5/5. Very solid nu-wave/synthpop. Will def check more out
Great drum intro as if about to launch into uptempo rock but then - in comes a downbeat voice followed by electronica of various incongruous sorts. None of the music matches the fabulous rock drumbeat. It's bonkers. Then track two: apparently it's a theme. A human drummer lays down a beat then a voice is introduced which doesn't quite match it, then electronic instruments join in. Eventually track 4 comes up with a decent melody. Voice sounds a lot like Lloyd Cole. I'd had enough by track 6. Don't like it.
This album surprised me with how many songs I remembered after hearing it. I had only recognized "This is the day" but "Uncertain Smile" and "Giant" also rang a bell after hearing them again. It sounds very much of its time, but it's a standout example of what made this music fun and interesting.
Cool, arty, yet accessible
I thought this would be pretentious. Instead very solid rhythm and vocal/music accompanyment was outstanding
Loving the vibes!
Transports you to the 80’s
More new wave than soul but it wasn’t terrible
Appropriate title, definitely feel like I lost a bit of my soul on this one
Bleak lyrics. Sounds similar to The Cure. I would buy this album.
Grooves as flat, hooks as ignorable, instrumentals as uninspiring, and weirdo vocals as amateurish as the last one. Only thing that's changed is I'm getting the sense he's a bit of a curmudgeon, which makes me even less favourable.
Post-punk new wave, lots of synth and heavy rhythms. Favorite Track: This Is The Day Relisten: No
Comfortably awkward and sufficiently weird, kinda like a Dr. Seuss book. Most of these tracks take time to appreciate, a high bar for most 1001 reviewers (myself included), but if you've got the stamina for a second listen, you might find some treasure at the end of the rainbow. This is the Day, however is an instant classic. I could easily Green Eggs and Ham that one. I could enjoy it in a boat, with a goat, on a train or in the rain. I would listen to it here or there, I'd listen to it anywhere.
It took me 1:30 to decide that I was likely to hate this. The first track actually wound up being better than I thought it was going to be. But... wait... that does not at all mean that I liked it. Not viscerally hating is a pretty low bar to clear. Parts were pretentious, but parts were surprisingly listenable. The jamming second half of "Uncertain Smile" had me going for a couple minutes, but "The Twilight Hour" features an interesting arrangement ruined by the singing. But it "Soul Mining" concludes with the 9-minute "Giant," finally annoying me enough to succeed in their assumed mission of ripping my soul from my body, leaving me dispirited and defeated. (That's what happens when you mine souls, right?)
Meh. The bass or synth bass was the best part.
Done
Rimelig godt faktisk!
fantastisk afdæmpet poprock
Postpunk/synth pop, Matt Johnson, gribende, flydende
Matt Johnsin hit a home run with This is the Day, a perfect slice of 80s alternative pop. It has all the elements; Great dance floor beat, catchy sing along chorus, beautiful melodic synthesizer riff and a huge drum sound. Just a great song that to me still sounds fresh today. Can the rest of the album possibly measure? Well the short answer is no! But.... There are some fine tunes on here; Uncertain Smile, the title Track as well as the closer Giant. Most of the tunes go on too long and I find myself looking to skip ahead to the next one 3/4 of the way through. But I can say that each song has something to offer. Johnson's themes of life and death, heaven and hell and biblical references can get a little heavy handed but the arrangements tend to lighten the mood and help make the whole thing more accessible. 4 🌟
2 - Soul Mining (1983) - 6/10 The The Tuesday 30th November 1. I’ve Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life) - 6.5/10 2. This Is the Day - 7/10 3. The Sinking Feeling - 5/10 4. Uncertain Smile - 7.5/10 5. The Twilight Hour - 5.5/10 6. Soul Mining - 5.5/10 7. Giant - 7.5/10
1983. Uncertain Smile, This Is The Day
I had heard 'This Is The Day' before because it got a fair amount of airplay in my college years, but I was mostly unfamiliar with the other songs on this album. I listened to it all the way through whilst I worked (which, frankly, is how I've been able to continue this project) and it's nice to have on. Most of the songs have catchy rhythms, there are some solid bass lines, a few moments of really sweet keys (like 'Uncertain Smile'), and some decent tracks on this album. The lead vocalist's voice can be a bit much for me at times, just a personal preference thing - no doubt he can sing well. The general sound and feel of the album brings me back to the mid-80s pop/rock/alt sound, and I have some happy memories from those years, so the album might be getting a little heart-boost from me because of that. Hard to separate out one's individual subjective experience from listening to music (or, really, anything else for that matter) and that's something I just have to roll with.
bored now.
Really nice album. Apple Music had some issues streaming it, for some reason, but I managed to listen to the whole thing eventually. Synthy with a splash of pop, it was pleasant enough to listen to again at some point. 3 stars.
There is a joy to this album that I didn't expect, and I'm glad I gave it a shot
Fav track: Uncertain smile. took me a while to get into the album. Brilliant production can't see myself returning to it.
Grato descubrimiento. Post-punksynth-pop
This is the day, your life will surely change
Breathy vocals, punchy drums radio samples. Simple synth sounds, passable not preferred listening Vocals remind me of Jemaine Clement
Amazing new wave album. Incredible voice. 8/10 1. Perfect 2. This is the Day 3. I've Been Waiting for Tomorrow (All of My Life)
This was decent. A bit chill in places I was hoping for more energy. Fave tracks: “I’ve been waitin for tomorrow” “uncertain Smile”
Fine.
I have a soft spot for artists who rebel against the music industry. These guys did it with the band name. They also made some good songs to dance to that weren't dance music. The album kicks off and finishes strong w "I've been waiting . . ." and "Giant" both edgy uptempo songs. "This is the Day '' and "Uncertain Smile", the two most well known songs on this album, are beasts. On "This is the Day" the lyrics don't start until the one minute mark but it works. Doing this with the single again shows their rebellious side. Of the two big songs, I probably like the songwriting better on This is the Day but the 3+ minute piano solo on Uncertain Smile is killer. The singing skills are nothing to write home about but I find they work well with the storytelling nature of the lyrics. I recall having some The The on vinyl but don't remember what I had and didn't feel like basement dwelling to dig it up. It had "Perfect Day" a great song w the words "Oh what a perfect day to think about myself . . . " I can't find that song on Spotify. Too bad. It was another beast.
Both my co-judge and I owned this album, though I admit, beyond the more popular songs I don't remember it much. Some of the keyboard riffs sound ahead of their time - more clubby than the synth-pop than was the trend in the early 80s. In that regard I love "Giant" which I don't remember, and thought it was the maybe the best song on the album, except for the percussive 5 minute outro. The lyrics are angsty and personal and the songs sound so serious. I would give it a higher mark but Matt's vocals wear on you for an entire album.
In the early 80s when punk was fading and new wave synth pop was ascending, we got this brilliant post-punk debut album by the The. It perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the era: angsty despair, fear and paranoia, but held together by deep danceable percussion and bass beats. Pretty much every song on this album is killer, the singles are well known but my favourite has to be Giant, especially how it ends with its astonishing tribal percussion and chanting. This is one of my absolute favourite albums from this era, right up there with the best material produced by The Cure and that's saying a lot.
I knew very little about The The prior to listening, but this was a very pleasant surprise. Shades of Nu-romantics, very much in keeping with my impression of the early 80s, and some interesting lyrical themes.
Can’t make my mind up, it was good but don’t think quite good enough for 4 stars
Where's this been all my life?!?!?!
I could take it or leave it but I'd rather leave it. First couple songs are shit. It picks up but sounds different
Not my cup of tea
groovy 80s mad compressed reverb drums !
Den skiva her svinger
Taustamusaa ilman kummempaa tartuntapintaa
Näin jälkeen ku muistelen et mikäs tää ees olikaan, nii ainoastaan muistan ajatelleeni yhtä tähteä
No conocía al grupo, buena música como para poner de fondo mientras se avanza el trabajo (así lo escuche).
Not a bad album. Lots of experimental stuff. Some good some a bit annoying. Enjoyed a lot of the instrumentation. Some of the songs were a bit blah 3.5
Saved one track
Quelques bonne toune, d’autres plus mehhh. Ca commence bizarrement mais fini bien. 3*
Surprised. Enjoyed it.
Great album - This is The Day is a standout track, but it's all excellent.
It wasn’t really memorable to be honest as soon as I listen to it I kind of forgot what it was about I didn’t hate it but I didn’t enjoy it that much
After two songs I thought I was disappointed - there seemed to be nothing special or exciting or different about them, just kind of boring faceless early 80s rock that washed over me. So my mind drifted as the album went on... ...and somewhere perhaps in "The Twilight Hour" I realized something had been clicking for a while. "Soul Mining" started and immediately grabbed me - haunting, different, exactly what I wanted from this album. So let's start this album over and see what I missed... And I did miss a lot. Actually the first track "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow" *is* different and with the heavily 80s gated aggressive drum beat starting things off it grabs you - I must have been in a peanut butter haze my first time around on this one. Another highlight is "Uncertain Smile" - I don't know how I glossed over the awesome piano in it the first time - the super long extended solo/break is fantastic. So. I'm on my third spin of this one today. And while I haven't been able to get into everything - e.g. "The Sinking Feeling" doesn't really connect with me (yet?) - and will probably only give this a 3...I wonder if this one will rise over time. 7/10 3 stars.
well, that was...i dunno, fine? i remember back in the late 80s, i had a boss who really liked them, in particular that johnny marr was on whatever album he was listening to. but that wasn't to happen for years yet. anyway, i liked this. it ended up just being kinda a background soundtrack while i worked, but for that it was just fine.
Not very interesting
Pop-punk raruno. No está mal.
I didn’t know I knew these songs.
It's music of the 80's but I don't like very much. I prefer rock'n'roll.
Not very fun. Mostly just intense and uninteresting. Some standout songs, so not a 1, but not my fav.
Meh… I can’t really connect with 80’s synth music, I know it was a revolution and all that but all of it feels very dated. This one was no exception. Has its moments tho
Barely got into it. Was not good
не заикайся короче, немного запутешествовался, было не до альбомов. Но в дороге погонял этот, и, пожалуй, тоже по потреково его разберу. I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life) - немного затянуто начинается, но под конец достаточно круто разгоняется + харизматичный вокалер + вроде неплохой текст, в целом атмосфера немного такого немного пластмассового нью вейва (к этому ещё вернёмся). This Is the Day - Возвращаемся к этому, звучание прям пластмасса. Ну и сразу, видимо, нужно выложить эту карту на стол - больше всего альбом смутил именно звучанием. Мелодии-то сами по себе ничего, душевные, композиционно мне нравится, но некоторые синты + драммы звучат пиздец как искуственно и плоско. Временами с этим мириться можно, а временами просто вайб теряется от общей бюджетности происходящего. Впрочем, не подумайте, что вторая песня плохая, мне в целом зашло. Вообще звучит как такой чуть менее серьезный дипишмот только со свистульками, скрипками и каким-то кантри мелодиями иногда The Sinking Feeling - бля, вступление жуткое, в какой-то современной попсе такое помню, ну и звучание прям совсем неприятное, первая четверть песни к худшим моментам относится. Но когда разгоняется - становится в принципе ок. Uncertain Smile - приятная, хорошая, соляк клавишый кайф, наверное одна из лучших песен, хитяра такой, вопросов ни к чему нет, в конце прям аж яички холодеют. Fruit of the Hear - какой-то бонус-трек для новозеландцев, ну пусть будет, неплохой инструментальчик со свистульками. The Twilight Hour - интересно, но немного патетично, вообще по альбому немного больше как будто именно мелодекламации, вместо пения. Но хули взять, британцы эз из. Soul Mining - норм, опять, конечно, электронные эти проигрыши немного дёшево звучат. Но с оглядкой на время збс, наверное, негатива не вызвало. Giant - концепция хорошая, но сама песня какая-то чересчур бесформенная чтоль вышла + внимание в какой-то момент уплывать начинает из-за продолжительности. Концовка не сильно зашла, в Улыбке было круче. Perfect - ахах, короче есть ощущение такое ебаненькое от этой песни, как будто она из Короля Льва или типа того))) В целом годная песня тоже, просто чето странное от нее ощущение иногда какой-то акуны мататы, не мой фаворит однозначно. Причем по тексту наоборот, тут жуть какая-то, но зучание бля)) В итоге, я думаю, мои претензии (так же как и мои симпатии) тут ясны, так что желаем этим новичкам развивать свою музыкальную карьеру и провести +2,5 минуты за настройкой синтезаторов, чтобы они звучали хоть немного живо. 7/10
Peppy and fun at times, other times just kinda meh. 3.5
Maybe I listen to too much resurrection Sunday, but The The is a staple. Great middle section of the album. If I could rate the album using the middle stars, I would.
This is the Day is one of my favorite alternative songs of all time. The album is pretty strong with a unique cool casual vibe. Definitely the peak of The The offerings.
It was pretty good. Not my main style.
Not what I was expecting and, as much as I’d like to, I don’t think I’ll have the time to really digest this.
Great album - only knew a couple of the tracks - will definitely listen to again. Good for a hot Saturday morning listen
Dobrze raz od czasu trafic cos co potrafi calkowicie zaskoczyc, bo Soul Mining na pierwszy rzut oka zapowiadal sie jak X wyspiarskich synthowych popowych materialow, ktore juz sie przewinely przez liste, a tymaczasem mialem okazje uslyszec cos zupelnie swiezego od pana Matta Johnsona, bo banda The The, to jedynie przykrywka dla jego wlasnej tworczosci, w sensie, ze zespol nie mial stalych czlonkow tylko byli oni zmieniani w zaleznosci od potrzeb artystycznych, taka wolnosc tworcza i wyjatkowo talent do kamuflowania przemyslanej liryki na synthowych brzmienaich i przemycaniu kawalkow ktore zostawiaja cie z przemysleniami w piosenakch przy ktorych ludzie powinni tanczyc, to wlasnie majstersztyk tego materialu, plyta jest pierwszym studyjnym wydaniem w dyskografii The The, orginalna wersja ma 41 minuty na 7 trakach, gdzie najdluzszym zamykajacym kawalkiem jest giant, ktory jest ostatnim krzykiem juz prawie doomerskim plyty, how can anyone know me when I dont even know myself? takim pytaniem i odpowiedzia yeah, yeah, yeah konczy sie caly album, nie wiem jak ludzie w komentarzach pod this is the day czy i've been waitin for tomorrow uwazaja, ze jest to pocieszna muzyka z pozytywnym przeslaniem lirycznym, jak caly soul mining jest doslownie kopaniem rozpaczy, byc moze takie kopanie potrafi podniesc na duchu, ale z pewnoscia zmusza do przemyslen wywolujacych poczucie smutku i bezradnosci, w skali bloomerowo doomerowej, album to solidny kawalek rozsadnego gloomera starajacego sie przejsc na strone bloomerska, jak na traczki the sinking feeling, gdzie podmiot liryczny oswiadcza, ze jego stan jest wynikiem moralnego zepsucia jakie toczy sie przez jego kraj, czy czasy, ale jednak nie rzuca sie w otchlan doomerstwa i opiera sie latwemu rozwiazaniu, a zostaje dla jutra, bo jak mozna inaczej, ciekawe sa takze przewijajace sie watki tego co jest po zyciu, a wiec pojawia sie strach zarowno przed bogiem jak i pieklem, niezdecydowanie w tej kwestii pojawia sie kilkukrotnie, tak samo motyw bycia zaleznym od drugiej osoby, to znaczy wiazanie swojego szczescia z druga osoba chyba nigdy nie jest zdrowe, bo nawet jesli chwilowo taka wiez, to jednak nic nie moze wiecznie trwac, to motyw przewodni tytulowego kawalka oraz the twilight hour, a co do brzmienia tego post punkowo synthowego albumiku, to nie spodziewalem sie, ze tak dobrze mozna zgrac synthowe brzmienie z zywymi instrumentami, zwlaszcza jak na solowy material, pan Matt byl rowniez producentem albumiku, na liscie muzykow bioracych udzial w nagraniach widnieje 18 nazwisk, wiec ciezko stwierdzic kto na czym gral, ale z pewnoscia sluchac dosc ciekawe wykorzystanie niecodziennych instrumentow, jak akordeonu i skrzypiec na this is the day lub klawesow na giantcie, czy wiolonczeli w the twilight hour, ale calosc materialu jest spojna kompozycja, co najbardziej w budowie trakow mnie urzeklo, to to jak kazdy kawalek z osobna ma wlasny opening i rozwija sie w przeciagu trwania utworu, wykorzystanie synthezatorowych wokali na chorusach daje wrazenie, ze jeszcze ktos tu spiewa poza czlowiekiem orkiestra, a to jednak one man show, dziwne jest ze nie czuc zeby album byl z 83, gdybym mial obstawiac to strzelalbym w pozne lata 90, a tu jednak poczatek 80, co moze najbardziej zdradza pewna maniera wokalna, ale samo brzmienie instrumentali jest tak jakosciowo zmiksowane, ze nie brzmi to jak debiutancki material wlasnej produkcji, ale jak cos z mainstreamu madchestera, co do plejkowych traczkow, to dodam najpopularniejszy kawalek z albumu czyli tak niezrozumiany this is the day i the sinking feeling, a caly album laduje na poleczce spotifajowej piczkow o wyjatkowej jakosci
Este disco tiene uno de mis temas favoritos de toda la vida pero como album no llego a conectar.
Cool sound! Sounds like it could be the inspiration for modern punk sound.
Great new wave all throughout, and you can definitely hear the experimental aspects. Being a huge synth pop/ new wave fan, I can't believe I have never heard of The The...maybe I am not as big of a fan as I thought I was
Interesting album. It was decent.
Tämä oli ihan tunnelmallista kasarisynailua. Pikkuisen Leijonakuningas-meininkiä mukana siellä täällä, varsinkin vikassa biisissä. The Sinking Feeling oli paras biisi parin kuuntelukierroksen perusteella.
Perus kasaripimputtelua. Laulajan ääni, tai ehkä ennemminkin laulutyyli, on aikakaudelle tyypillinen. Erityisesti This Is The Day -kappale miellytti korvaa, ja haitariosuudet toimivat yllättävän hyvin. Pari kappaletta tämän jälkeenkin jaksoivat pitää mielenkiinnon yllä mutta loppulevyllä taso tuntui putoavan. Ihan kiva levy, jonka arvostelu tuntuu jotenkin vaikealta. Kakkonen? Kolmonen? Kolmonen.
this is the day *that they gonna throw it back to you* KIDDING
Didn't click with this. Too clever, without the tunes..
Pretty mundane British new wave. Not bad by any means though.
Bizarre, punky, British. It’s just fine.
I don't mind 80s synth-pop, but this is a bit too downbeat for my tastes. 2/5.
Deferring liking this for another 10 years but will keep it closer maybe
Otro de mis discos favoritos. Cima del pop.
Sí me gustó. Una vibra pop muy de su época. Gran inicio con Stolen Car, y la otra que me gustó fue Stars all seem to weep. Mood: los 90 ya olian a 2000
Excelente disco. Tiene un sonido potente y sus varios moods equilibrados. Mis favs: "This Is The Day", "Uncertain Smile" y "Giant". 10/10
Great album. 4.5/5 Fav tracks: This is the day, uncertain smile, soul mining
Ho ascoltato quest'album più volte, quattro per l'esattezza, e ho sempre avuto un parere positivo. Quindi parto dicendo che è un album interessante. Il problema è che non capisco bene come collocarlo perché riconosco una certa genialità ma allo stesso tempo non penso che lo riascolterò. Ho la stessa sensazione di quando provi un vestito che ti piace tanto, ma ti sta male.
Un altro disco impegnativo da votare. L'ho ascoltato due volte e non riesco a farmi un'idea. A tratti penso che è geniale a tratti penso che è banale o troppo eccessivo. A tratti mi sembra avere suoni moderni a tratti mi sembra super anni '80 e mi appalla. Non posso non apprezzare il fatto che ha una visione artistica molto definita, anche molta varietà e creatività nella composizione, però fatico a innamorarmi, ho solo un'infatuazione intellettuale. Sento che sto 3 è un voto mezzo a caso perché non trovo un voto che rappresenta la mia esperienza di ascolto con questo disco. Però 2 è poco, 4 me sembra troppo e quindi annamo de 3.
Il 3 che do a questo disco non significa mediocrità perché l’ho trovato tutt’altro che comune e noioso però non posso allo stesso tempo dire che mi sia piaciuto. Ci sono molte idee musicali e di produzione interessanti che però spesso sono arrangiate in maniera disordinata. I testi mi sono sembrati non banali però interpretati non al meglio nello stile. Sono curioso di sentire altri dischi.
Nice, listened two it twice in a row.
Not really my thing. Didn't hate it, wont ever listen to it again.
Not in my usual genre wheelhouse, but I enjoyed it. Big fan of the vocals and the way the songs build up. Only song I don’t like is The Twilight Hour. Would give it a 4.5 if cowardly half stars were allowed.
Boy, the chorus for "This is the Day" sure hits different when it's not being taken out of context to sell you a car or whatever the commercial I recognize it from was shilling. Tears for Fears already made me a sucker for downer lyrics over upbeat music, and this miserable motherfucker is just full of energy. Perfectly paced, too; day lyrically turns to night to mark the end of the first side and continues in the following song, priming you for the title track's sparse, lethargic sound. I liked the album enough to opt into the bonus track included on the CD version (tacked on unbeknownst to frontman Matt Johnson), which turned out to be a mistake, as one more introspective song is the exact amount needed to go from "cohesive album about isolation and stagnation" to "get over yourself." Frontman Matt Johnson insisted on its removal in future releases. Good call. Key Tracks: I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life), Soul Mining, Giant
too indulgent to be punk and not catchy enough to be pop, great aesthetics and sound somewhat let down by meandering compositions
A tight pop album. Didnt blow me away though.
This is the Day
Not bad. 80s pop. Unremarkable past that.
it was alright good
It took me until well after I listened to this album to realise that this wasn't another album by Talk Talk.
Excellent album. Closest to 5 stars than to 4, but I can't give it a 10/10. It's more like 9.1/10, really great.
This album is fine, I really enjoyed the piano solo at end of uncertian smiles, not sure I would choose to listen to this again but I found it mostly inoffensive if not a product of its time
Not nearly as good as Infected, didn't enjoy this that much but it wasn't bad.
Interesting
Generally enjoyable synth-pop. Not too sugary, some analog touches (accordion!), some interesting arrangements.
loved it. some really interesting composition stuff and the dark introspective lyrics were delightful. well, maybe delightful isn't the word...
Never really got into this one. I don't understand its appeal, but probably just my mindset.
not for me. too british, too pop. couple of decent songs
unexpectedly great
One-hit wonder, but there's actually more going on here after repeated listening. Still, if this album is on here, and Tin Machine isn't, ima be pissed.
For some reason I thought The The were a prog rock band. But it seems like standard 80s pop. Pretty listenable but not sure if I'd spin it again.
Irgendwie doch ganz cool
Listened to "This Is the Day" only so far, liked it and will listen to more on Monday. Cool cover art. I completed level 517 of Project Makeover while listening!
This whole album can be summed up as really meaningful lyrics (mainly about mental health) set over some super basic synthy tracks. Most of the songs are way too long and this isn't a very melodic album. I'll give it 3 stars because the lyrics are insanely good- ahead of their time, quite honestly- but the music is just too plodding for me.
Excellent ! Sonne vraiment unique ! très belle découverte. Fav : Soul mining
Capolavoro di Matt Johnson
Moderately enjoyable. Not nostalgic.
I'd say this is a 3.5. Some really great songs, a lot of howling pain!
Surprisingly good, the few first tracks especially. I needed a bit of time to digest this one
This album was OK but slightly irritating
3.5/5 maybe good, will have to relisten
Nice flow. Seemed like every song could be used in a john Hughes movie.
He cool
This is a really good album. It's actually really good for getting work done to because it's not too in-your-face but it's not just background music. And damn, the piano solo on Uncertain Smile is great. My only criticism is that it isn't always the most interesting but I would never say that it's bad Favorite Songs: I've Been Waitin' For Tomorrow (All Of My Life), This Is the Day, Uncertain Smile, The Twilight Hour, Giant Decent 8/10
Decent for never hearing of this group before.
80s Brit Pop. Meh
I don’t recall the band but I quite enjoyed the album. ***
Meh.
A classic, sounds better with time
Like “This is the Day” a lot. Mostly just ok but I feel like it’s something I could come back to.
Although The The's first album barely hinted at the experimentalism of later records like Infected and Mind Bomb, Matt Johnson crafted a pleasant set of dance-pop on the group's Soul Mining debut.
Not massively memorable. Think it was good at the time.
this was really fun! the vocals leave a little to be desired but it's cool, catchy synth pop music with interesting lyrics. also i like the accordion. 8/10
I actually really liked this, would definitely relisten. High 8
kind of weird, but not in a bad way
it was pretty good, like definitely some solid 80s synth going on, but idk if we really needed to hear this album.
A group doing their best Bowie. Other groups doing Bowie, does not equal Bowie quality. Not bad, but not inspired enough to listen again. Will probably listen to the whole thing tho. I think I “liked” one song.
a bit too sweet (heh) for my altrock tastes but no other album makes me want to drive with the rooftop down through a desert highway with guy fieri by my side.
Didn't have super high hopes for this one but I thought it was super good! I rarely pay so much attention to the drums but they really led the way here, and the bass lines were pronounced and funky, so i was a big fan!
I kinda like this ( possibly because it reminds me of Nick Cave in places). Which is weird. As its quite electronic and I don't usually like that. It doesn't really have any catchy hooks which i usually need. But I found myself enjoying it without loving it. 3/5
Strange that I enjoyed it more than I expected. Particularly the slightly cheesy 80s stuff :)
6/10. Seemed fairly bland, but I was not paying the closest attention.
I hate this album. The least worst track is Uncertain Smile.
Fun vibes
Highlights - This Is The Day, Uncertain Smile. This album is magical from start to finish, though the opening track (I've been Waitin' for Tomorrow) is a bit tough to get through...it's long and meandering, almost pointless as verses stretch a little to far...and that's the whole point...It's the price of admission to a goofy, introspective trip that is sure to delight.
interesting and nothing i have heard before. i liked it but not sure i would listen to it again.
This is the kind of album absolutely surprising! I don't know the band, I never listened to anything from them, The name was strange, the first song is catchy but not so special, but when the album ends it looks like something different happened. What I listened here? A simple post-punk album? Why this band is so underground? More people should listen to it. Well, for me it's something that I'll sure listen to again in the future and hope that more people know it
millor del que em pensava... bon piano i bons ritmes... no és el meu estil per això... la cançó soul mining es bona...
awful
Very special! Loved It
Kinda boring, interesting electronic sounds but nothing that stood out. 6
I've heard This is the Day! It's the opening song to one of Amy Schumer's movies. I feel like all my reviews have been 2s or 3s lately. This was also "fine"
'Perfect' was a solid track, but otherwise meh
Boring. Not for me
false
Meh
Nice post-punk vibes
Not Bad
Post-punk, but poppy! I didn't like that much at first listen - I guess I prefer my post-punk angry or angsty or depressed. On second listen I caught more of the lyrics, and they seemed pretty angsty after all - the poppiness is a veneer over the top. Fave track - "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life)" maybe, as it sounds like very early industrial music. Or possibly "The Thinking Feeling" as that's the song where the lyrics clicked for me....
love the album cover. Never listened to this before, but knew some of the singles, "this is the day" is an amazing song, bittersweet and nostalgic (although I have no history with it) also love "giant"
Meh.
'This is the Day' is a banger
Album étrange / drôle! On dirait la musique d'un bon vieux film des années 80.
New wave is great and this is a good example
That was something.....
top notch new wave
OMG This Is The Day is such a great song (thanks, Empire Records!) and I had no idea who it was!
I don't know why I thought The The was in the '60's era of The Who. I'm a big fan of This Is the Day from Empire Records, and the rest of the album is pretty great. I'll give this lots of more listens.
I've always liked The The, but only knew "This is the Day". This album did not disappoint, there's a lot of gems here, and some jammy drawn out songs, which I always enjoy!
J'étais pas prêt
The the keys keys were were awesome awesome. The the vocals vocals… lame lame.
Nothing incredible, but nice
Another post-punk album. It's quute pleasant but nothing spectacular.
Some interesting stuff on here.
Shades of poppy, industrial, and folksy. The piano solo in Uncertain Smile one amazing moment in an album fill of them. This Aussie gives Soul Mining five shit hot burgers from Hungry Jack's out of five
Some decent new-wave with interesting influences but nothing memorable
Some reason I thought the the was a punk band , good album though
3.5
1. Really cool drums and synth, really like the boom of the drums. Funky, reminds me of GUM's Television Sick. Solid album intro. 2. Like the arpeggiated synth, as well as the 'accordion' synth. Good vocals, the song is just plain good. 3. Weird and interesting synth at the start, sounds cool. The flanged out guitar in the chorus sounds nice too, as well as the leading synth. The guitar work is nice and additive. The distorted guitar is cool. 4. The guitar is cool, as well as the bass. Has a nice rhythm and momentum. The piano pops off and goes ham. 5. Pretty cool, percussion is interesting. 6. Phaser guitar is awesome, the eerie synth is nice too. The quiet guitar is really nice. Probably my favorite song on the album. The synth at 3:00 is really cool. I like how the song builds up as it goes on. 7. Mallets are pretty cool, as well as the unusual percussion. The synth is really interesting throughout the song, and I think its a strong finish to the entire album.
The last song was fun.
can't deal with this '80s stuff, not feeling it at all.
Fav Song: I've Been Waitin' for Tomorrow (All of My Life)
I really love this record, and every song brings something unique and amazing. The first two songs are an absolute banger back2back. A true gem that I'd never have listened to otherwise.