Infected

1986 brought us Topgun, Maradona's hand of God and Infected by The The. What clusterfuck of a year it was. I can't think of anything good associated with it. I was in a new romantic phase, getting into Eastenders and trying to avoid getting AIDS (unsuccessfully). Bad memories.

It's kinda not good, right? Like... almost good... but then not. The The has managed to fill up an entire album with the kind of pseudo-intellectual, half-aware, social semi-conscious lyrics that make so much of 80s music super cringey. It's not good, fellas. It's just not good.

This is pretty tedious. I imagine it must have found its way onto the list through the compiler's personal nostalgia. Someone forgot to tell this band they were just a below average 80s band. Utterly disposable.

1.9 - Ugly as an anal wart. That album cover perfectly represents the bile within. Ever wonder what it would sound like to take INXS but have it fronted by George Thorogood, and inflect it all with a heavy dose of Broadway jazz? Fuck I hated this.

Really good. Great mix of funk, new wave/post punk with great Thatcher era lyrics. The use of horns within this post punk format gives the music a more optimistic sounding feel as opposed to other British post punk artists despite the lyrics that reflect economic and global strife.

-Way better than Public Image Ltd., The other album I've listened to that I know is post-punk -Promtped immediate re-listen -Lots of good jamming

I like this a lot. Wish i had found it many years ago. i will investigate TheThe further.

This was weird in the best of ways. I liked this a lot.

Wait its actually really good?

I recall hearing the band name The The, but I really didn’t know what to expect. As the first track started, I thought that it sounded like some solid 80s rock and that it would be a fun album. But then, I lost my enthusiasm and it started to all sound just kind of “meh” to me.

This is post-punk? I guess I always view that as a little edgier or darker. This album is some blend of that, new wave, and new pop. I can totally hear where later UK artists like Teenage Fanclub, the Mock Turtles, Primal Scream, Northside, The Alarm, or Dramarama (from the US actually) came from. If you don't know what I mean, go look at the transition from 80's varied rock to 90's alternative rock - particularly what was going on in the UK before the summer/fall of 1991 and Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc. changed everything. I don't mind their sound, but do I love it? Like most of this genre, it feels like it's trying too hard (to steal a line from track two). Some good lyrics but the musical backing feels a bit over the top (piano too loud, backing instruments or synth too prominent) or the vocals straining when it's not needed (as if to say listen to me!). Both their biggest singles (Infected, Heartland) are good examples of that. Like all the other bands from this genre, one song or two feels a bit refreshing but a whole slew of them (like an album's worth) gets to be a bit much.

Funk funkless, grooves grooveless, vocals occasionally amusing.

Not great

Coolest album

Excellent. Diversity of instruments used also helps to keep tracks fresh and distinct.

fucking spooky dude. I loved this, everything I wanted, just hit all the right spots. really incredible production and powerful techno beats. pretty awesome x

This was an unexpected banger. Heard of The the, but had no idea what they sounded like. Really enjoyed it.

Never heard of the The! This guy seems to have had a really interesting life though. I did a bit of research because the lyrics really interested me and I think the messages in the songs in this album are very meaningful. I love the poetry and activism of this album. Aside from the words these tunes are lovely! This is a type of new wave and post-punk I can really get behind. The sounds are gorg and the tracks make me feel good. They're interesting, layered and inventive. I really like the fact that he just works with loads of different musicians, all the vocals are great but I just realised Neneh Cherry is on here and now I know why I love it haha. A great discovery for me!

An old favourite. Wild-eyed apocalyptic visions of an England falling to pieces and the corrupting souls that live there. Overwrought and as subtle as a brick to the back of the skull. But the rage gives the album urgency and verve. At the end, as Johnson goes full Hank Williams and challenges the devil to a knife fight, your heart is pumping as hard as his.

80s but somehow sounds modern as well. Songs and lyrics both well crafted. Great bass playing, really interesting musically.

I don’t recall ever hearing this group but I really enjoyed this! Sort of an edgier Simple Minds-ish 80s vibe going on that I really like. Homeland is a fantastic song. Others that stood out immediately were Infection, Angels of Deception, Sweet Bird of Truth, and The Mercy Beat. Great stuff!

One of my very favorite songs in college was "This is the Day" by the The (from their previous album), but I had not followed up to hear more of them, and that song went off my radar along with its mixtape. I totally would have loved this album. The more I have listened to it, the more I have liked it. Good sound, interesting lyrics. As this album came out with a video compilation for each song, I was intrigued and watched them all. Some crazy stuff! Love it.

Opening track is a banger, this was a great listen, exactly what I wanted from this

I love this band.

What a delightful surprise! 80s is generally not my genre but The The is distinct.

I’ve loved The The since forever. Not one dud song! I cannot actually sit still when this plays, because the music inhabits my whole body. I just want to sing and move to every tune. Matt Johnson manages to mix high octane danceable songs with searing political comment and the frailty of the human condition. Sadly, and maddeningly, the themes of despair still resonate nearly 40 years later. The brass arrangements add excitement and drama. Neneh Cherry’s voice on Slow Train to Dawn is just beautiful. Magnificent! I saw them on tour back when Johnny Marr was the guitarist. Great days! I just want go back and put it all on repeat now!

OMGGGG totalmente mi vibra

Hell yeah

I had this album as a kid and know every sound on it, which must mean it's a five star. A complete album in every sense - story telling, beautiful production and some excellent songs. If you get a chance, see the film that accompanied it.

Sometimes The The reminds me of They Might Be Giants. Sometimes The The reminds of me Oingo Boingo. Either way, I win! This was such a great little album.

Now you're onto my taste! Still with the synths hanging over from previous Soul Mining album, but with addition of real full band instrumentation and excellent backing vocals from guests like Neneh Cherry and Tessa Niles. Matt Johnson’s musings are still overly bleak and introspective, but now include wider world view subject matter. Magnificent.

My second The The album so far and really enjoyed it. The blend of genres and interesting sounds are great Saved tracks: Infected, Heartland, Angels Of Deception, Twilight Of A Champion, The Mercy Beat, Sweet Bird Of Truth

ооооочень классный и живой альбомчик!!!!!!!!!!

This is actually an awesome album

High energy and pretty cool, thought that would be it as first few songs are more pop than post punk but songs are consistently engaging different and cool. Great discovery 5

"Sweet Bird of Truth" is one of the best songs ever written. Several tunes on this record are absolute bangers. Criminally underrated, The The is one of the most important bands of their era. Check out the "Mind Bomb" album if you haven't already. You're welcome. (Glad to see "Soul Mining" already in the 1001.)

Another shining example of 80's sounds and production done right from The The, this time with less cheese and more brooding.

Love this album. Amazing (or not) how a lot of the political commentary is still relevant today.

A great album with so many great songs. My favourite song from the album is "Heartland" and I remember watching the video for this on MTV in the 1980s, but I also really like the title track "Infected".

Oh my god I love The The. (I'm biased one of my favorite songs of all time is by them.) I LOVE THE VOCALS. I'm an 80's girly for real. Every song was making me sway in my chair WHILE doing homework so speaks for itself.

Sounds incredible. Awesome lyrics. Gonna have to look into some more of this band's stuff. Reminds me a lot of Oingo Boingo, one of my favorite bands, but with a bit harsher sound to it

One of my favourites!!!!!!

Yeah, after absolutely not too much hours with "Soul Mining" I might be fanboy of The The. At first listen this album seemd to be a little bit worse than their debut but after second listening I think that they are just a bit different. Magnetic main vocalist, great rythm, bass and percussion are still present. I would say that whole atmosphere is quite similair to previous album. Neneh Cherry and backing vocals are making great job too.

I couldn't grasp why this music is so appealing to me, but then I saw how some critic described it as "collision between Soft Cell and Tom Waits" and I suppose I just couldn't not be mesmerised

Relevant

Surprisingly 80's sounding album. Lots of horns. Could hear the post punk coming in on some songs like "The Mercy Beat."

I am so glad I got this. I absolutely adore soul mining, but I haven't listened to much else of The The, so I was looking forward to this and was not disappointed. This album is a perfect portrayal of angst in all its forms, from songs about the hopelessness of the modern world to the difficulties of opening up to another person. Everything from the lyrics to the stilted, powerful vocals, and the bizarre assortment of instruments fit together perfectly to paint such a wonderfully detailed emotional picture. Not quite as good as Soul Mining, but this is still absolutely a five star album! 5/5

It was pretty decent!

I owned this on cassette when it first came our and enjoyed but thought it was a little over the top, which it was when compared to Soul Mining. Upon listening again I find it to be very good start to finish. Each song is uniquely strong and it holds up well musically and thematically. I like hearing how Matt Johnson wraps different musical styles around his serious themes. The music is fun and varied, definitely of its era but transcends the period.

малхолланд-драйв. меня выгнали из какой-то квартиры, у меня рюкзак с вещами и бутылка какого-то крепкого и дешевого алкоголя. я брожу по улицам, дохожу до набережной и сижу там. и мне все еще хорошо.

Cool album

Ammost anything Matt Johnson touched turned into to gold. My favorites are Soul Mining and Dusk, this also 5 stars.

Dit is waarvoor ik de 1001 albums ding ben begonnen, juist om dit soort albums te ontdekken Wat een geluid, ik ben verliefd Al vanaf het 1e nummer en intro Kende de naam van The The wel al, had het alleen nog nooit geluisterd Heb een nieuwe band ontdekt die ik binnenstebuiten ga keren

I love this - it's just the right balance of innovation and cheese. A vision fully realised

2/23 Infectious energy. Disco Culture Club. Standout Tracks: Infected, Heartland, Angels Of Deception, Slow Train to Dawn

Just really solid post punk record.

silly and biggish 80s British post punk pop fav track: infected

Mezcla de rock-pop-punk.

Cool and sexy and fresh even now

The The. Good Good

An excellent album. Stand out tracks, homeland, sweet bird of truth and slow train to dawn. Loved it when first released and enjoyed reacquainting myself with it now

Bettered by several other The The albums, this is still a masterpiece. What lyrics!

a bit weird but it’s good. it says it classified at post punk

Infectious first track, into a stable album throughout. I really enjoyed it and will be listing to more of the the in future

Good Britt pop, 1986. Very 80s sound, a bit dark.

Interesting 80s punk. Slightly pop-y

Definitely grew on me, once I got past the vocals and clangy... everything. Heartland was a good one

Super! Genomgående stark upplevelse. Många sköna basgångar och riff, samt trummor som ofta ligger precis lagom hårt. Det här gillas! Bäst: "Infected"

Álbum solido de Art Pop con Synthpop. Este es quizás el segundo mejor álbum de la banda británica después de su debut, y aunque ninguno de los dos es totalmente de mi agrado, es innegable la personalidad que transmite ya sea desde su impecable producción como su excelente lirismo. Para mí un sólido 7/10

So familiar … had this on vinyl … no idea where that has gone … Enjoyed going back

this this album album has has some some good good tunes tunes fr fr

never heard of this, which is cool. I like this mostly quite a lot. Heartland is good.

Really enjoyed this, great synths, powerful messages still relevant today alas.

This is just what you’d expect; politically scathing but beautifully melodic!

Pretty damn good but not stellar.

Never listened to The The yet, as far as I know, but I love the band name. The album was really good too. Quite gripping, fairly varied instrumentation and quite a lot of depth in songwriting. My favorite tracks were Heartland and Slow Train To Dawn. Both of those were really dope.

This was very good. Going to revisit this. Looking forward to doing so.

Enjoyable. Doesn't have a song with a hook like "Uncertain Smile" off of the first album, though.

Pretty good! Weird band name.

I was pleasantly surprised by this album. I had heard of The The back in the day, but never really gave them a listen. This album was slightly punky, slightly alt, and over-around good. 4 stars!

I think I have it somewhere on the shelf. And I like it.

Very interesting pop rock!

Power pop!

A pretty ineresting record. It's cover gives other vibe, but it's vibe is groovy and positive! 4/5

Wow I forgot about the the, very '80s but clearly very talented! an interesting listen but only "liked" one song for later listening. The man clearly had a lot of talent and energy.

Geil

Best Song: Infected. Bombastic and actually lyrically interesting. Worst Song: Heartland. Not terrible, but it really feels like the author is performing a monologue in an amateur theatre on this one. Overall: Liked it much more than I expected. Feels like what the B-52s want to be, but cooler and more true-to-self. Rare that I like 80s music like this.

I think I like their sound

Zanimljiv album, drugačiji nekako. Uspio dat malo spooky vibea, malo i romantike na neki drugi način. I na trenutke me podsjeća na Bowieja? Sve u svemu, lajkam.

Not familiar with this band or album, not sure what I was expecting but it wasn’t this and I liked it a lot more than I expected to as well. I needed to give the lyrics better attention than I did, missing a lot of the political commentary (though there is always that weird mirror-world familiar/not familiar to UK centric writing of that nature: “this is the 51st state of the U.S.A” hits differently to a Minnesota boy.

Levoton kansi, tykkään kyl! Samoin levyn sisältö oli yllättävän melodista ja aika nautittavaa. 4/5.

Forgot about The The! Liked this one!

Bit of a surprise, I didn't know what to expected but really enjoyed it

Wild. What is this? All over the place but I enjoyed it.

This one's going viral

Good backstory around the album being made. Solid 80's synth pop. Nothing overly memorable.

Great post pink album no honest complaints I just don’t like post punk. I respect it though 🙃

5/2/2022 Today's Album: "Infected" by The The - Looking at this album from the name and cover, I really had no fucking clue what to expect, but as it opened up, it really blossomed in front of my eyes. This album is great fusion of two common genres of the 90s, being the synth-heavy new wave and the birthing post punk movement. Usually, this sort of thing really wouldn't be my thing as a lot of 80s projects like this have left a sour taste in my mouth for being generic and uninspired and post-punk has often been overdone by a lot of groups in my opinion with explicitly poor songwriting. However, this album does not take on any of those attributes as far as I can tell. The instrumental soundscapes all sound really lush and the vocalist really matches the aesthetic of the album well. There are songs where the vocalist experiments with strange and creepy vocals similar to many post-punk outfits, but it always feels really tasteful and like it's serving a story-telling purpose. Even if the vocals do end up feeling somewhat standard for a new wave outfit on a few tracks, it really doesn't matter because the ability for this band to just tear up a great tune outshines any clichés it may be exhibiting. Some of the solo's on this record are just straight up memorizing with how unique and innovative they are. A great example is the trumpet solo near the end of the opening track because of the incredibly articulated double tonguing technique the soloist uses to trill the last note. The recording of each instrument feels so clean and separated in the mix and the layered sound effects over top the band often builds up this great sound into this enamoring sonic experience. Maybe I'm just opening up to these stranger musical ideas more than I have in the past, but I really don't think that's the case. I really feel like this is some of the best execution of these kinds of sounds I've heard thus far. The new wave aspects of this album are able to spice things up and keep them interesting enough to take on the stranger post punk ideas and the post punk edge helps to stop these new wave songs from sounding too polished and clean. The flow feels great, the production feels great, and although the mix could probably use some tweaking, it's great as is. It's honestly just a great combination that I never would have thought would work but it does so so so well. Overall, this is both a great new wave album and a very listenable post-punk project and the fact that this band can pull together such solid tunes elevates these possible generic tracks to insane heights. Give this one a listen if you like 80's new-wave or some very clean post-punk and I promise you won't be disappointed either way. Highlights: Infected, Out Of The Blue, Heartland, Angels Of Deception, Slow Train To Dawn, Twilight Of A Champion, Score: 7.5/10 Inventive new-wave post-punk

A dense forty minutes of post-punk will always be welcome. This has touches of synth brightness at the moment that I felt were rather weak, but the album as a whole was certainly a grower. The nihilism of certain cuts was sadly fitting for the day: That's probably informing my opinion somewhat, but I can tell a revisit won't be unhappy.

Very good, terrific in places, but I still prefer Talk Talk in terms of London bands with repeating-word names.