Infected

i was on the fence between 3 and 4 for this but the album cover pushed it over for me

Nice mastering, fine music

Couldn't help but feel like I was missing something, like it should have been better but it just wasn't.

Hiuslakan tuoksuista alt rokkia. Semmoista aika poppista. Muka tämäkin post punkkia, mutta onhan tää ihan erilaista. Tätä voi kuunnella. On kasaria. Parhaat: Infected, Angels Of Deception

Not for me

Soul mining is better anyways.

I just do not get the appeal of this music.

All these songs start out like they're going to be on some dark post-punk album (sometimes even borderline industrial), but then after about 30 seconds they become a much lighter post-punk album. This one's gotta be the first (of hopefully many) great discoveries I make through the list!

Not for me. Is it for anyone? It must be but I don’t see it?

Not the most horrible thing on this list

I liked it better the more it went on

For some reason I couldn’t stop thinking about these two guys who were at the open mic night at my favorite college bar literally every week and seemed really old to me at the time

First off can we all agree the the is a terribly stupid name. Secondly, I am so close to loving this album but just can't. On paper everything here works for me, but something is holding me back from actually liking this album. I think it sounds good, has interesting and unique melodies and the song writing is good. But idk something still feels like it is missing. Low 4.

The The is one of the last big post-punk bands I haven't dived into yet. I tried one of their earlier albums once and for whatever reason it didn't make an impression. This however was awesome from start to finish. I love the amalgamation of sounds, it's definitely chaotic but still is able to maintain the funk. Rating: 4.3

I actually stumbled onto The The prior to this project, and I was immediately impressed by Matt Johnson's songwriting and instrumental prowess. Galvanized around a more specific concept of economic and political instability makes Johnson's writing soar ever higher, and the arrangements are of equal import. Neneh Cherry steals the show in a feature on Last Train to Dawn, and the harmonica solo on Heartland? Bliss

3.5. 80s sound but as of 2025 still sounds fresh. I was born in 80s so a bit of nostalgia. Very nice album, will listen again, good discovery, I like the background chorus with women voices. The lyrics I did not pay attention 100% and the parts I have are very good lyrics (sour, critic, political, loneliness), so 4 stars instead of 3, and will listen again for the lyrics :). Voice sounds a bit like early 90s INXS (so this is precursor).

Perfectly fine 80s pop rock, but there didn’t seem much in there that stood out as outstanding.

This is going to be a long 42 minutes. New Wave music sucks. I think this is the soundtrack to a crappy 80s movie. Yeah, America is the UK's bully, America sucks, fuck the US, message received. Sweet Bird of Truth is terrible. Every UK band from 1978 until 1991 was ska influenced. Twilight of a Champion is the worst song so far, and that is saying something on this album. This is a terrible album. If an American did this list, it would look very different.

The title track is almost enough for me to give this album 3 stars. ...ALMOST

Bad.

I liked it, it was a vibe. Weird mid-80s bridge between punk and grunge. Will listen again.

First album I’ve considered actually putting on my playlist

Like Leonard Cohen fronting a synth-drenched fever dream. Theatrical, uneasy, and unforgettable. The drum machines sounded like the exact models Reznor used on Pretty Hate Machine but used very differently…I haven’t heard anything else quite like it.

It was fine

The opening song "Infected" stomps but that's the only real standout track. Johnson's affected singing quickly wears thin across the span of the album. The overly-long and overstuffed songs wear out their welcome after a while.

interesting 🧐

Pre-listening thoughts: oh boy more 80s english post punk. It just really never ends! Post/during listening thoughts: idk why I am loving this but something about this is really cool to me. It's like the Persona 5 soundtrack meets Depeche Mode meets They Might Be Giants meets Magazine in a bizarre fusion that sounds like none of them yet all of them at the same time. I really like these instrumental arrangements. The horns are awesome. It's so so 80s but I really don't mind. This one may need a second listen to settle on my score. 7.5/10 DID I NEED TO HEAR THIS BEFORE I DIE: nah Fav tracks: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn, Twilight of a Champion Least fav tracks: n/a

Nö.

Strong

Sounds all the same to me...

Before getting into their early 80s stuff, I always thought The The were a tacky and forgotten late 80s new wave/funk band like Shriekback or The Escape Club. While Soul Mining is pretty good...this does solidify why I had that opinion to begin with.

Alright

This was alright, but I wasn’t super into it

A record one loved back in the day and still find to be pretty excellent. “Infected” starts a little too dancey. “Heartland” and “Angels of Deception” and “Sweet Bird of Truth” are the highlights, but really every cut is strong. As a whole, the record is credible and persuasive as a document of modern angst and alienation, and it's not embarrassing or misguided as political commentary either – as such, it brings to mind The Clash. Musically, one doesn’t like quite as much as Soul Mining, because this seems darker, angrier (if righteously so) and less tuneful overall; the synths and drum machines are too aggressive and hard-edged (but the backing vocals are a nice touch). And merits a B grade given its full-on commitment and several solid-to-solid-plus cuts.

That was very 80s - almost too much. It wasn't bad, but it somehow sounds like it would be catchy without ever really achieving it.

I really enjoyed this album at first, but then it got more and more boring as it went along. I even tried listening back through and didn't quite enjoy the opening tracks as much as I had earlier. I can't pinpoint what element it is that developed a patina so quickly, but this album quickly lost its luster. It's still mostly OK, though, but my rating still reflects that first listen.

Good album, not as compelling as Soul Mining, at least not straight away.

For sure an album that's unique in how poppy but bizarre it is, there's so many vocal and instrumental parts that are very weird and cooky in a way that many albums would but not in this sort of sound, which is cool! But I don't think I'm totally in love with how these guys go about it, and it's nothing against them! It's simply that I don't find their brand of theatrics all that interesting Still, interesting album and I will check Soul Mining sometime

Before listening: I only knew this one as "the album I kept seeing while looking for They Might be Giants records in the 90s" so it's quite fun to actually get to listen to it. After: I might have really liked this if I'd heard it when it was out, as it reminds me of the early, more-political Beautiful South songs I used to enjoy back then. Music hasn't aged well, though, and never managed to escape the 80s' gravitational pull. Two and a half stars, rounded up because I'm in a good mood.

вроде норм, но не зашло.

Based on the beginning of the first track I was not confident I would finish this. But it turned into a vaguely gothic vaguely dance record. Not as bad as first impressions.

I think this is slightly better than Soul Mining. Super 80s sounding but still kinda it's own thing underneath it. I was surprised at how many bangers are on here

A bit too 80s.

good, enjoyed it

KINDA WAS LIKE LISTENING TO THE MONSTER MASH IN THE BEST WAY, I LOVED IT LOL

Don’t love growling. Sometimes it’s a good effect, Bjork does this very well. But ALL THE TIME in every song: it gets old fast. Not subtle lyrically, not a reflection on how he feels about things. Just moral absolutism. Underpinned by a strange Soul style, there’s just too much dichotomy. Can’t tell if the dude is mad or sad or what’s going on, and it certainly isn’t making me feel anything. Very tight musically though, no rough edges (except for the aforementioned growly affectation). Not all bad but a bit pretentious and insincere.

My favorite of theirs. Great music and lyrics.

If sex ain't wiggling around like a lizard in a can, then I don't know what sex is. But how good was that harmonica ringing through the night in Heartland, that caught me by surprise. Otherwise, the album is mostly run of the mill. If I was tipsy and dancing in a club with Shaun and Gus, maybe it would be a 4, but here it's a 3.5 rounded down to 3

This is a bit more interesting than their other record on here but I still don’t feel it.

I only really know one other track by these. The Twilight Hour. I do quite like it but this is much more poppy and not particularly me. Cant give it more than a 2 I'm afraid.

What surprised me the most about listening to this was that I remembered pretty much every track. I must have owned and played this back in the day quite a bit. Surely it wasn’t the strongly political lyrics that drew me in? However, seeing how I can’t have listened to it in over 25 years, and I forget owning it, it will get the 2 stars it deserves and not a star more.

'Infected' is a great record. Not as good as 'Soul Mining', which is in my top 50 of all time, but a solid effort. ' Sweet Bird of Truth' and the title track are bangers. As I don't play this like it's predecessor, it's a high 3, not quite a 4

Ok nice post punk, et par catchy numre

This was not the album vibes expecting lol it was a decent album but just from looking at the cover I thought it was gonna be some cool punk album, not the bands fault I suppose, but I did think it was just ok, nothing crazy and I wasn't too into it!

not for me

This was a fantastic album and loved the varied musical sound scape, almost felt like an extra musical. Never heard of them before and became a big fan of this album.

Sometimes if an album doesn’t catch me right way I leave it playing quietly and go about my day occasionally checking in to see if anything sparks an interest. Someone it does. Sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes on my second play, I listen a little intently and get a good feel for it. Sometimes I just decide it’s rubbish after a song or two and staying present for an entire album is a huge choir. Sometimes I can stick with it. Sometimes I can’t - this is one of those times.

I did not like this, not my cup of tea, it’s like Barry’s and I prefer Lyons

Maso

Solid listen, not as memorable as their debut (also on this list), but overall enjoyable and probably worth revisiting.

more new wave

Didn’t really care for this much. Just more British New Wave to me. It was a drag.

Feels like a band that doesn't want to commit to a sound. It's almost generic and experimental at the same time since the record is including a lot of electronic music concepts for being released in the mid-80s, but it's so reserved in its use that it almost seems accidental.

preferred the other one, too much 80s reverb drums going on here, but it was good

Pretty chill and essy to listen too.

Da e kje så dumt, men da tilføre ikkje livet mitt så masse nytt heller

Well that was an experience. This is not an album you can have on in the background, you kinda need to sit down and pay attention to it. Which I don’t often do. The making of the album film sounds batshit and I need to find it.

I remember listening to this album. I remember it being really good. I remember thinking this was worth my time. What I don't remember is... any of the album. Not a great sign. Okay I've registered and yes it's really good - moody punchy lyrics with vibrant horns and upbeat music is always gonna get a good mark in my book - but it's already disappearing again! It's gonna I've e to lose a star for how sheerly nonstick this whole thing is!

Didn’t really stand out. Not bad tho

Proto-Dan Bejar. Not quite my thing but I respect it.

I didn't like this as much as Soul Mining, but I still think these guys are clearly more interesting and diverse than many of their contemporaries. This could potentially rise a bit for me one day. 3/5

Always. Complicated and deep or humorous. Human foibles. Glad to revisit this.

3.5 stars. I feel like there is a phenomenal album here that was run through a cheesy 80s soundtrack filter.

Day412 - is it new wave?industrial? it’s weird and all over the place. i like it

Political, angry. The music is very much "of the time.

This band is the English Oingo Boingo. I actually really enjoyed the strange alternative sound that this album delivered. It had pop sensibility with good quirky weirdness. Key songs were Twilight of the Champion and Angels of Deception, though I don’t think any of the songs really caught me as skippable. I can listen to this one again.

Random thoughts: * This sounds like it would fit nicely into Ferris Bueller's Day Off. I swore this band was on the movie but it appears it was only their contemporaries. * The opening song is quite the banger. The horns/faux horns gave it some extra flavor. * Heartland was interesting for the last line" This is the 51st state of the USA". I bet Trump would love that. (puke) * I liked this one a lot lot better than Kelela. But I'm going to give this the same rating (3-star). So.... * I need to rethink the rating system. I'm going to use this going forward: 1-star: hated and would actively choose to not listen to this again. 2-star: didn't hate it, wasn't my vibe, not generally admired in the larger music community; would listen again but only if someone else chose it 3-star: liked it and would listen again; probably not the top of my list of albums I would revisit but might someday; likely not generally admired in the larger music community but are probably some exceptions for beloved albums that I personally dislike. 4-star: really liked it, not quite a classic; has some relevance in the larger music community; I would likely play this one again by my own choosing 5-star: classic; widely regarded album; would definitely listen to again; would buy a vinyl copy

This is a weird one for me. This wasn't the type of music I listened to back then. The release date of this album is the same week I got my drivers license, so that brought the nostalgia trip. But my bunny died yesterday, so I listened to this album while blubbering in my kitchen this morning. I listened through twice but I had Look On Down From The Bridge by Mazzy Star running through my head the whole time.

I had no idea what to expect going into this but it’s like new wave/post punk, and I kind of dig it. Basically a one man band with some guests and studio musicians. It’s got a good mix of typical “80’s” sounds as well as some good non-synth instrumentation as well. The lyrics are good as well. I enjoyed this.

Middling indie pop. I didn't find much to get my teeth into here, Certainly nothing near the majesty of Uncertain Smile, which is an absolute classic.

This is peak mid 80's production It kinda kills the mood a little. I would have preferred a rough and ready DIY sound of around 1982. It's a little intense trying to follow all the lyrics. I was distracted by work at the time. Heartland remains relevant. MAGGIE! MAGGIE! MAGGIE! etc

Não é que falte qualidade à banda, mas a falta de hits também conta para que uma banda prospere.

Starts strong, diminishes as it goes on. Decent.

Some interesting sounds, but overall a bit boring, and nowhere near as good as Soul Mining. I think we could have done with just one The The album in the book!

Kinda liked it. Some tracks more than others.

Heard of the band but one of the music. Was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Will definitely give it another listen

Dumb band name. Interesting video. Unmemorable songs. 2/5

Interesting

Standouts: Infected Heartland

Aggressively ok.

Maybe there is something to working solo, until needing to bring in musicians. Full sound, catchy, and interesting.

It took a couple of listens to get into this.

Don't care for his singing style or lyrics. Music wasn't anything special. The name of the band is sort of irritating, too.

A poor man’s Bowie+Leonard Cohen. Post-punk, 1986 release, but I’ve never heard of it. Liked it, would listen again. Why is this album recommended instead of 1983 Soul Mining album?

At first I was thinking this was just "meh" but by the end I was really bored and thinking that the album kind of sucked. Pass.

Kind of boring

Not a terrible record but not the one I’d use to introduce the band. Even the title track sounds like a retread of “Waiting for Tomorrow “. The The has 2 other entries to this list, and Infected doesn’t need to be among them.

По мнению А: 3/5 По мнению С: 3/5 ИТОГОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА: 3/5 (30.01.2025)

Not a big fan at all, from the speaking style of singing to the lyrics to the music, it's just not my jam.

Kinda weak

What the heck just happened? This album is infected with cringey music. Seriously, why are there so many British Albums on this list? We haven't cared about anything they do since 1776!

Enjoyed it. Would I listen again soon? Probably not.

Average

Helt intressant, en av dom bättre av 80- tals new wave på denhär listan. Minus för idiotiskt band namn :D

Really love the vocals. Good tunes

It's ok. Out Of The Blue was kinda nice. The rest were fine but forgettable. Best song Out Of The Blue

I've tried to listen to this several times but it just falls into the background every time. Infected lacks the appeal and fun of earlier The The albums.

Never heard this album before. I liked it! Sounds like an early version of what I hear these days on alt nation. I would listen again.

With a band name such as The The, what do you expect? The album is supposed to be some apocalyptic Punk Rock music, but it mostly fails due to its lackluster sounds, subpar singing, and repetitive rhythms. Favorite Song: "Slow Train To Dawn".

A lot better than I expected it to be but probably still never listening to it again ;P

I thought I liked The The because I was already pretty familiar with Soul Mining, an album with some genuinely great tunes on it. This one is clearly keeping to their sound, but I found it more grating and hard to latch on to any particular tune, including the title track which seems to be the most popular. The vocals are a little over-wrought and growly, and the 80s new wave production is similarly over-the-top. The songs themselves are also pretty blunt in lyrics and topics. I don't hate it, I just found it more forgettable.

boring

Heartland

Always like that 80’s sound

Trash

was kinda fun to listen to (goes well as shower music)

The sound profile is cool and diverse, if quite disjointed. Typical of 80s. Not something I would ever choose to listen to (the vocals are not for me), but worth checking out if you're into well-crafted lyrics.

They really thought they were cookin' when they recorded this. Straight dogshit.

80s vibe with some great lyrics. Has some seeds of Alex Cameron for me personally

people tends to hate on post punk, but why? idk. anyway, this is... ok. not so stereotypical post punk, but instead leaning a bit into new wave. not as influential as joy division. and who the fuck names their band "the The"? i thought that "the Band" is a terrible band name. 3/5

I remember thinking to myself in high school, around the time where there were a billion indie bands whose name started with The, how funny it would be to make a band called The The. Little did I know that I was 30 years too late. I quite enjoyed this, but Rach found it corny. Maybe I just like a bit of corniness, but it did keep me interested. It certainly didn’t blow me away, but I did enjoy the sound. I doubt I’ll be coming back to listen again, but if it came on by chance then I doubt I’d turn it off.

I just don't like Post Punk, but this is tolerable.

“Here comes another winter of long shadows and high hopes” Heartland is a cool song. Slow Train to Dawn is too. First listen I wasn’t sure if this was an album I would come back to, but after sitting with it longer, I want to remember and listen to it more.

I remember when this came out, people loved it! I didn’t understand it at the time and now that I have listened it it again, still don’t understand it. The the. Cool name!

This album is weird theatrical 80s jazz new wave tedium - pick a fucking lane TheThe! Wikipedia says thats exactly what Post Punk is, really? This is not what I think of when I think of post punk! I tried to get into it, but really it was just too much and I was glad when it was over.

Not even worthy of a name?

Unapologetically 1986. It’s trying to be bold, but it just feels over the top. The sound is too polished and ends up feeling flat. It doesn’t connect.

Pretty cool. The Mercy Beat is a weird banger.

I like the instrumentals, even if it sounds a little dated. But there's something about Matt Johnson's voice that doesn't work for me, even though he's not a bad singer by any means. Liked the addition of Neneh Cherry on Slow Train, though.

eclectic and all over the place… but never boring.

It’s alright.

There’s a line between weird and suck. They crossed it. I gave them a chance, but nobody wants to listen to this more than once. Music is not supposed to be a chore.

Actually.... enjoyed it? I think? Same annoying ass band that did that annoying ass this is the day song? What?

Wasn’t my style of music

Different kind of alternative band throughout the decades. No real hit songs.

Best: the mercy beat, infected Worst: twilight of a champion Liked songs: 75%, 6/8 Mid 4 Fun erasure-adjacent new wave, but less weird vocal and more instrumentals which is always good. Saxophone is especially good in the instrumentals, and would've loved a song of just pure instrumental. Last minute of the songs really do be clutching. Also very hype album cover

Not so much of my taste, but funny to listen once... Sounds nice

Bit weird but kinda fun.

Much like Len’s 4th wife - sounds remarkably like George Michael 3.1

Non lo so, va bene 5.

Deh deh

Rispetto per il il

I The the, the.. uh… deh, heh, the cosa? The Trammps? The Kinks? The Beatles? De André? The Fratellis? The Black Keys? De’ Medici? The Black Album? The Pink Floyd? The Diary of Jane? The Wall? Del Samurai (il suicidio)? Who knows, man, who knows…

Well that was awful. At one point I thought this things gotta be over pretty soon, only to find out I had just finished the second song. For a relatively short album there was a lot of fat that could’ve been trimmed. Every song should’ve been 3 minutes shorter than it was and even then they would be shit songs, but at least they’d be shorter.

Best songs: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn, The Mercy Beat

Interesting. I don't know what I expected going in, but it wasn't this. I know of the band and the fact that Johnny Marr was in it later one, so perhaps I was expecting more jangly guitars, but what I got was super cool, so I'm not disappointed haha.

Conocí a The The con The beat(en) generation de su album Mind bomb, aquel en el que participaba Johnny Marr. Me gustó mucho, con un estilo elegante y distinguido sin perder el gancho comercial. Su disco más reconocido es Soul Mining, pero Infected no desentona en absoluto: Sonidos típicamente ochenteros (entre Duran Duran- Midnight Oil-INXS) y canciones de calidad como Heartland o Infected, lo sencillos más evidentes de un álbum con solo 8 temas y 4 singles (además de los dos citados, Slow Train to Dawn- con Neneh Cherry- y Sweet Bird of Truth). Las letras, con fuerte componente crítico y político, ya tienen otras influencias como podrían ser The Clash, The Fall o The Style Council. Todo ello compone un buen álbum, bien producido, planteado e interpretado aunque lejos de otros editados ese mismo año. Los vídeos del disco, uno por canción, no están a la altura. 1986 fue excelente año de publicaciones: TheHousemartins: London 0 Hull 4, Spacemen 3: Sound of confusion, RUN-DMC: Raising Hell, Felt: Forever Breathes the Lonely Word , PeterGabriel: So, THE CHAMELEONS - Strange times, THE CRAMPS - A date with Elvis, THE SMITHS - The queen is dead, R.E.M. - Life's richpageant, NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS - Kicking against the pricks y Your Funeral my ...Trial, THE GO-BETWEENS - Liberty belle and the black diamond express, PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED – Album, L OVE AND ROCKETS – Express, The Bangles: Different Light, Anita Baker:Rapture, Pet Shop Boys: Please, Prince and the Revolution: Parade, Born Sandy Devotional: The Triffids, Candy Apple Grey: Hüsker Dü,Flaunt It: Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Jean Michel Jarre: Rendez- Vous, Cocteau Twins: Victorialand, Bruce Hornsby & the Range: The wayit is, Queen: A kind of magic, Europe: The Final Countdown, Sonic Youth: Evol, Madonna: True Blue, Eurythmics: Revenge, Cameo: WordUp!, Crowded House: Crowded House, On the Beach – Chris Rea, Bananarama: True Confessions, Lionel Richie: Dancing on the Ceiling,Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet, Paul Simon: Graceland , Tina Turner: Break Every Rule, Cindy Lauper: True Colors, This Mortal Coil:Filigree & Shadow, Aretha Franklin: Aretha, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band: Live/75-85, Beastie Boys: Licensed to Ill, SpandauBallet: Through the Barricades, Duran Duran: Notorious, Talk Talk: The Colour of Spring, Miles Davis: Tutu,, Throwing Muses:ThrowingMuses. Alaska y Dinarama: No es pecado, MECANO: Entre el cielo y el suelo, EL ÚLTIMO DE LA FILA “Enemigos de lo ajeno”, OS RESENTIDOS “Faiun sol de carallo”. GABINETE CALIGARI “Al calor del amor en un bar”, DUNCAN DHU “Canciones”, LOS NEGATIVOS “Piknikcaleidoscópico”, LA FRONTERA “Si el whisky no te arruina, las mujeres lo harán”, PATA NEGRA“Guitarras callejeras”, CIUDADJARDIN: Auténtico, LOS NIKIS: Marines a pleno sol, Los Toreros Muertos: 30 años de éxitos, La Frontera: Si el whisky no tearruina, las mujeres lo harán.

Bit pants

Good, intelligent pop. need to listen to this more often.

I get some vaguely if-Pink-Floyd-was-a-new-wave band vibes. It’s dark and edgy and heavy. “Angels of Deception” is one's favorite cut, from a record one spent a lot of time with in the late '80s. Not as good as Soul Mining, but still substantive, interesting, well unified and very much worth knowing.

I don't recall hearing this album before. Really enjoyed this album. "Post-punk" comes in many flavors but this is the kind I really like. It's edgy but melodic with some sharp lyrics. "See I didn't want to be with any people I know. But god knows, I didn't want to be alone."

Just right. This hit the spot for me.

I wanted to like this more than I did. Good 80's music, but better in smaller doses. I prefer their Soul Mining album.

I am a child of the '80's.

Just ok.

You know? Not as bad as I thought it'd be! Something told me it would be awful, low-talent, high-anger noise, but it had a certain charm. That being said, it's not for me.

Très bof, très daté années 80, et pas grand chose à garder. Si le début peut promettre un truc un peu funky et upbeat (“Infected”), c’est vite relou et long, comme “Twilight of a Champion”. Next.

Alright

Sounds like the 80's

Back when I was a young skate punk, one of my friends had an older brother who was into this record. Based on the compelling cover art we pilfered the cassette for the day along with Among the Living by the US metal band Anthrax. This is not a triumphant story for The The. We ejected Infected out of the boom box before Out of the Blue was even over and skated to Anthrax all day long. Sometime later watching either Post Modern MTV or 120 Minutes, I'd see the video for The Beat(en) Generation from The The's Mind Bomb record and really like that track. But I'd not get into that record very much. Later, I'd recall Infected's amazing cover art (I hope Matt compensated his brother Andy well) and finally get around to listening to the whole thing. With that first skate day's error eventually corrected, and now some decades past hearing this record again for this project, I'm comforted in my assessment that The The are a great singles band but a poor album band. They are capable of writing amazing rough cut gems that can be vibrant and flawed but when you put those loose gems together it might just feel more like a bag of gravel than rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds. In short, we made the right decision that day as young skate punks.

The the - the band that kept on giving - a great experience all the way through

I loved this at the time. I do not recall why

Ths is like Prince but not as good, but it's still pretty good out there synthy new wave. B

Pop, Rock, 1986 -> 3

Very 80’s. Loved the drums and instrumentals if not a rad repetitive at times. Best track - Heartland

Very good! Hidden gem and would rate 4.5. Like to listen some more

Album 604 of 1001 The The -Infected (1986) Rating : 3 / 5 Good album that certainly captures the spirit of the time it was released. The music is quite innovative. I think there is a lot more to the lyrics than I was able to capture with one listen. More New Wave than Post-Punk.

"We have Prince at home"

01) Infected - 7,5 02) Out of the Blue (Into the Fire) - 7,0 03) Heartland - 9,0 04) Angels of Deception - 7,5 05) Sweet Bird of Truth - 8,0 06) Slow Train to Dawn - 8,0 07) Twilight of a Champion - 7,0 08) The Mercy Beat - 7,5 TOTAL: 7,69 (77/100) Current ranking: 163/374 I'll be honest, based on the description and the album cover, I expected this to be another one star. However, to my surprise, completely decent and listenable songs started, some of which are even familiar to me (Heartland). In the end, it turned out to be a really good album and a really pleasant listen.

Liked a couple of songs but otherwise just ok

# 368 : I don't love it, I don't hate it. A couple of things stood out but I thought it was very ordinary and Quiet forgettable and I doubt I'll ever go back to this. It started off alright with Infected, but went downhill very quickly after that. Infected was probably the best track IMO

I loved this one and would definitely listen to it again.

It was ok....Not great but not terrible.

2/5. It started off strong but I really lost track of where it was going. The vibe was good but it wasn't great instrumentally. It seems like the kind of music I could dig but it was missing a little edge to push it over the top. I enjoyed it but it wasn't as memorable as I wanted it to be, so I don't think I'll be playing this one again. Best Song: Infected, Sweet Bird Of Truth, The Mercy Beat

fine?

Nice.

Not impressed

3-4

Really liked Twilight of a champion, im a sucker for trumpets or sax. Gonna run this by my dad bc he really likes Pet Shop Boys

Pretty good. Not my favorite, but vibed to some of the songs!

Excellent album.

Overall: 4/10 I really wanted something good today due to the STRESS I'm feeling about a certain election, but I really didn't like this. The title track is actually really good and there's a couple other tracks that have potential, but it was overall disappointing. The production is really off-putting and the vocal delivery leaves a lot to be desired. This may have actually added to my anxiety instead of calming me down. No thanks. Fav Song: Infected Least Fav Song: Twilight of a Champion

I remember the name of the band but not one of these songs was familiar. Not offensive but bothering especially grabbed me either.

80s synth rock, not my bag

A couple catchy tunes

Nice enough.

Why these morons have one album on this list, let alone 2 is beyond me. This one is better than the first one of theirs I had, but still just generic 80's post punk... Nothing too exciting going on at all Favourite songs: Infected, Slow Train to Dawn Least favourite songs: Twilight of a Champion 2/5

Alright, but would have expected the first album which has the bigger hit.

I can't see why this made the list - nothing stands out beyond standard 80s pop-rock. 2/5

Overall I didn't hate the sound of the album, it was equal parts lush and eerie. However, I think I'm saving just two songs and for that my love, my dearest Infected by The The, you get two stahs

Nope

Nothing that stood out

Poppy 80’s / light punk vibe

I have no idea how I feel about this. Is this the slightly more rock and accessible version of They Might Be Giants? I think if we assembled a band of Trent Reznor, Danny Elfman, Peter Gabriel, Tori Amos and John Lydon it may sound like this. Genius or shiite? Trash or Art? Is this an overindulgent 80s radio mess or the brilliant precursor to everything from Korn to the Yeah, Yeah Yeahs?? I cannot imagine myself putting it on of my own volition but then again…..

It’s like Rick Astley tried to create Industrial but couldn’t.

if they they had turned the production down a notch, this this might have sounded less like an explosion in an Eighties factory

Remarkably good. Loved it.

There’s a lot to like here but something about it, lyrics or vocals, just kind of put me out of it. I like the art pop elements and stuff.

Very 80s, very varied, very enjoyable, but not one that lives long in the memory (in my opinion). A worthy inclusion, but the sort of "filler" that I didn't think there would be room for

There are worse things to listen to on this list

Right off the bat, very 80's. It's giving John Hughes. Angels of deception is fun! Okay glad it's over. That was a rough 40 mns

I couldn't get through this whole album, not my style lol

i love 80s music but i've never heard of this band. idk if i know any of their songs before now.. i'm actually a little upset at my dad now. i need to interrogate him on this. that being said, my only frame of reference leads me to say this - so this isn't oingo boingo? ok so definitely by heartland - this is def the kind of album i can see myself listening to while driving down the 60 (freeway) or down Valley Blvd anywhere in the SVG. which i only say bc reminds me of my dad w the windows down in the Honda, 80s music bumpin and little me in the passenger seat just wanting to go for the ride to Fry's Electronics. i think this is the first album on our list so far that i actually don't want to end. no skips. very cohesive. can see myself actually listening to again on my own. update: my dad does knows a few of their songs.

I admittedly didn't listen to the whole thing so maybe I can't vote but i'm going to anyway. I enjoyed a few of the songs and one of them was giving some good 70s Queen vibes which was fun. A couple others I had to skip. Probably would not listen to this album specifically again but would pick one or two to take with me.

My only exposure to The The was "this is the day" which is a killer song that I sing in my head when anything important is going to happen. Like when we push Folders live -- that song will be the anthem for the day! I thought this was a weird album and want to continue giving it some time to process. It sounds very of it's time (the intense saxophone feels so '80s).

After track 1, it was all a bit blah..

Strange how I can't remember what I ate for dinner on Monday and yet I sang about 75% of all the words to this album. Quality album that stood out amongst it's peers at the time and still does.

Infected

I liked this, but I think I need to listen in a different season to really vibe with it. Rating it with that in mind.

Struggled to get through this. Not a fan of the electronic drum sounds not the vocals. At times it felt like listening to selected tracks from a musical such were the different vocal styles of the lead singer.

Hard work, no discernible redeeming features.

Bloody weird album. I found it interesting and impressive as a sound collage, but with the artificial tone and the songs not presenting anything I could cling on to, repeated listening is unlikely.

This palette of sounds just automatically turns me off. Sometimes i worry that this means that good albums pass me by, however i'm not too concerned in this case. The lyrics fell short of the cutting social commentary they intended i think: "This is the place where pensioners are raped; And their hearts are being cut from the welfare state" particularly stood out.

Strange, but good! 4/5

Started as it meant to go on, which was such a shame.

1980s UK post-punk. A dime a dozen inclusions on this list. At this point it all runs together to me and is all the same. This was whatever, just as you would expect.

Typical 80s album. Somewhat “edgy” for its time. They sound much more pop than their album cover would lead you to believe.

This didn't interest me at all. Uninspired, undistinguished.

Each side of this LP starts rather well, with Matt Johnson injecting relatively gruffy, messier sounds to the winning formula of previous album *Soul Mining*. "Relatively", because we're still knees deep into eighties new wave / synth pop here. But opener "Infected", "Out Of The Blue (Into The Fire), "Sweet Bird Of Truth" and "Slow Train To Dawn" (a duet with a not-yet world-famous Neneh Cherry -- not to say a "virtually unknown artist at the time") all have some of the trademark intensity and interesting intricate flourishes of The The, transcending the temporal context in which those tunes were written. The thing is (*the the thing is*?), the end of each side is quite a letdown, with a few bad choices production-wise, and some quite awkward moments in the songs to boot, either musically or lyrically. Those rather annoying features are exemplified by a dud such as "Heartland", which sounds both bland AND a little pretentious today. Matt Johnson's heart was probably in the right place, just as he tried to evoke some blurry, vaguely-defined social concerns through his lyrics. But maybe his copious intake of drugs at the time made him self-delusional about his real assets. Him telling that it took him months and months to write "Heartland", which he considered as a very important song, sounds a little weird given the half-baked end result. The man later admitted that he had lost his way on a personal standpoint in those years. But as a subjective listener first knowing nothing about that, it gave me a similar impression when it comes to the artistic intent behind half of the cuts in this album. So it's a mixed bag, to put it in a nutshell. Not awfully bad overall. But probably not worthy of this list (or my ideal version of it). 2/5 for the purposes of this list of essential albums. 7/10 grade for more general purposes (5 + 2). Number of albums left to review: 37 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 416 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 243 Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 307 (including this one)

80s and punk had a baby and this was the result. Unfortunately I don't love either enough to enjoy this album

art hoe billy idol! 6/10

I thought a few tracks had Midnight Oil vibes. It was ok.

One of those albums it is hard to be objective about because it was one of the relatively few I owned in my teens. Back then as a callow youth it always felt like it was more grown up and sophisticated than me. Now I can here the clumsiness. For a proper trip down memory lane I decided to do the video album experience on YouTube (you have to search a bit cos the playlist version includes a fan made video). Having a video album in the 80s (!) fitted with how grandiose it all seemed with the massive 80s production. Feel those gated drums! Matt Johnson's ego was massive too. I hope he now cringes a bit at the contradiction of writing passionately angry songs about American imperialism while imperially using South American people in his videos as backdrop or to communicate a sense of threat or arcane ritual. All that said I'm giving it 4 for old time's sake and because despite its flaws it has ambition and tunes. Also he was rare in being tuned into where western influence in the middle east might lead fifteen years later.

Fuck sake, this was a tough listen. Had its moments when the women's vocals were put to the front and atleast it was different to the usual intolerable listens on this list. Fav track: Heartland

A style I like, but maybe have heard too much of on this project that I’m getting a bit sick of hearing in ways that aren’t a full on blow away knockout of a record. I like the band, maybe I just wasn’t in the mood.

The the are one of the better 80’s bands in my books, but still a bit 80’s really.

Fun listen, not mind blowing

This album is almost as stupid as the name of the band.

I have never listened to an album by these guys, its not bad.

First impression is that this singer reminds me a lot of Billy Idol. I'm not a big fan of Billy Idol... I actually really like Sweet Bird of Truth. Kind of a goofy 80s sci-fi tone to the whole song, but I get a Les Claypool vibe from the vocal delivery and enjoy the "industrial" sounding 80s synth tones and clanging percussion. Slow Train to Dawn keeps things churning forward in the right direction. This is just some good clean cheesy 80s industrial-pop fun. Twilight of a Champion is definitely goofy, but something about it all is working for me. Lot stuffed into the production (horns, layered synth lines, fat synthd bass) its almost like a caricature of the 80s. This one grew on me as it went. Not something I'd go out of my way for, but as it went on it felt more self-aware and open. Unsure if it is just an effect of me warming to the album, but I found the back half to be much stronger. Solid 3 for me.

These songs kind of sound like they would be in the soundtrack to a 90s movie like Ferris Beuller's Day Off. 3 stars for me

This falls right into that Depeche Mode realm. Couple of cool bits, but has a darker tone to it. Hope that guy in the global review with AIDS is doing alright. 2 bordering on 3.

Not sure what I was expecting going into this album with all of the different genres listed, but that definitely wasn't it. That was such a unique album with the song structures especially the way the lead singer would sing. I learned that he is the only constant member of this band and there are about 15 past members. The horns were a very fun addition into all of these songs and worked extremely well. This was such an unexpectedly cool album.

I saw that The The is playing at the anthem soon while I was there last night! Maybe I'll go if I like this. Singer sometimes reminds me of the singer from Geese. Halfway through and I really don't like it. Second half was no better. Sounds like terrible 80s music that didn't even come out in the 80's. I will not be attending the show at the anthem even though it had its moments.

Enjoyable

Not quite sure what that was

A cracking album and a good example of the talented work of the time, with socially conscious lyrics.

Ah, The The! Several years ago, I bought a copy of Soul Mining because of the 1001 Albums book. I'm pretty sure I only listened to it once and didn't love it, so I've never checked out any of the band's other work. I don't have particularly high hopes that I'll enjoy this album, but I'm excited for the chance to check these guys out again. This was a really pleasant surprise. Musically, this album was great. I really enjoyed the guitar playing, the string arrangements, the horns, and the percussion. The guitar playing on the title track reminded me of some of the elements on Neneh Cherry’s “Buffalo Stance,” and low and behold, Neneh Cherry did the backing vocals on “Slow Train To Dawn.” “Out Of The Blue” had some really great synthesizers, and they sounded great with the horn playing. The ebb and flow to the energy of this album was really great too, and I felt like the whole album flowed really well and was very consistent. The best part of this album though was the songwriting. I loved the social and political commentary of these songs, especially on “Heartland.” Every song fit really well into the theme of ‘Infected’ as it pertains to the ills of society. Matt Johnson delivered his vocals in such a way that the message of this album didn’t feel forced or disingenuous. While I enjoyed this album, it’s not the type of thing that I typically gravitate towards. I’m giving it four stars, but it’s easily one of the strongest four-star ratings that I’ve given out. I’m really looking forward to revisiting Soul Mining soon.

My staple diet for 1986. Played to death. Still love it

The The literally has one song worth listening to and it on another album ... already on this list. The Teardrop Explodes is almost the same thing and its already here. Non-essential. Music is alright I suppose

I've had to recalibrate a bit for this, because I always thought "The The" were some kind of 70's noodly guitar group or something. Apparently I was way off! I kind of admire what they're doing here. It's got an interesting mood to it, and the songs are varied with different instruments and synths coming through. I even like the harmonica for crying out loud! Overall I quite like this, it's a nice vibe. 3.5 rounded down.

I can't believe Glee didn't have a bully character in a black leather jacket perform the opening track off this thing. Never listened to The The before but based on the title and album art, I thought this was going to be a little more badass. Seeing the group described as "English post-punk," I should have guessed it would be cheesy British theatre kid punk. This album is goofy, unfolding like a one-man musical where the lead actor is way too up their own ass to notice how goofy it is. I will give it credit: there's a vision being executed consitently here, and with an abundance of confidence.

Pretty Pretty good good album album.

The… the… the what??? Spit it out already!!

Another The The, another miss!

not for me!

Aww shit! Memory motherfucking lane again. Caught them at CBGB’s with Johnny Marr, back around ‘94. We snuck backstage so a friend could give Matt a letter. He was the nicest, kindest, sweetest man to her. Was truly human and decent. Absolutely had a positive effect on her. Matt Johnson is more fabulous than he has any right to be. Love this band, love this record as much as their others. 5/5

Some of Matt Johnson's melodies are good here, but I think he takes himself too seriously.

80's.

3 - I think this band has a lot of really neat sounds (especially evident when I listened to some of their most popular songs, and in Heartland), but often odd vocals or shifts mid song ruin it for me

Listened to this while doing homework. Kind of a nothing album for me. I don’t remember what I had listened to. Seemed fine for what it was. Standouts: Heartland and Sweet Bird Of Truth.

Lots of 80s for me lately, and that means that I'm starting to get a bit sick of the sound. Feels unfair to go into this album with those expectations, but I don't think it would've helped it much, any way, as the production is the culprit behind the murder of a lot of great melodies here. The songs have a good outline, a blueprint for something to be just weird enough to not appear on the top forty, but have more than a simple underground success, but decades later nothing pushes this over the mark for me. It just feels safe, and while Soul Mining was weird enough for its time, by '86 I think this album is just begging to enter the sound of a new era, but it must wait until the 90s to escape the fake sounding strings and repetitive choruses. It's an album with a lot of great moments, but they're buried, and you'll have to dig to get to them. Not to mention the fact that they're all in the A side, I wouldn't even bother with the back half.

Worst band name of all time, damn good tunes.

Good

Naming your group The The is almost as ridiculous as naming it Butthole Surfers. It’s so stupid it’s almost genius, and it totally makes sense that someone would think of that name at some point. The 80s were a strange time to say the least. There were a lot of bands making very regrettable and low quality music. And a lot of bands who were coming out and redefining the way that people looked at popular music of the 70s. This feels like one of those many groups. I expected an experience similar to that of The Birthday Party. A decrepit collection of songs that lack any of the redeeming qualities of “normal” music. But this was actually a surprisingly good album. They created a balance of very in your face and aggressive post punk, with super loud and over produced drums, and 80s pop funk rock. Some of these songs have some really punchy horn sections that just sound amazing on top of the guitars layered in effects. The best way I can explain the sound of this is like if someone traveled to the deepest and most grime filled corners of the 80s music world and put together a band. Imagine a singer that sounds like Tom Waits and Billy Corgan in one. I’m a big fan of the former’s music, and this puts a sort of new wave spin on it. This isn’t that well received, and it’s one of those ones that makes me wonder why people dislike it so much in comparison to the rest of their music. I guess I’d have to hear it for myself to understand why. Rating: 7/10

Very 80s. Reminds me of INXS at times and Nick Cave at other times. Not as foreboding, just similar vocals sometimes. I generally liked it.

Infected Heartland Sweet Bird of Truth

Kinda lame

There's nothing inherently spooky about this album, and yet, it feels like it'd fit in well on a Halloween Playlist

Reading previous reviews, I see a lot of people not getting this record at all. I presume they did not live in early 1980s UK. Upbeat jazzy pop accompany bleak lyrics of alienation, political, social, and personal. Which, apparently, I can still remember.

I like the weirdness of this guy/band. But not as good as the other album on this list, Soul Mining

All over the place. Felt like I was listening to several albums at once. Too many unfocused ideas that sounded like a hot mess to me.

..

I... don’t like this. How can you be so close to being cool, but miss so hard?

Quite an enjoyable listen. Listened to one of the songs off the album yesterday and had this pop up as my album of the day. Feels like a more energetic Simple Minds.

None for me thanks.

I honestly didn't remember what I had just listened to five minutes after the album had finished. Maybe I missed the best album that ever was, but I'll never know.

personally not a fan, but not unbearable 3/5 not my taste

If you're unfamiliar with The The, start with Soul Mining. Infected is their second LP and the first with a full band. Its eight tracks explore various musical styles, with the title track and singles like "Out Of The Blue" and "Heartland" addressing themes like England's status relative to the USA. "Sweet Bird Of Truth" resonates during Middle Eastern conflicts, and "Slow Train To Dawn" features a duet with Neneh Cherry. The album, though ambitious and intelligent, feels somewhat unsatisfying due to its effort to showcase versatility. The accompanying video for all tracks improves the experience. Matt Johnson returned more focused with Mind Bomb.

STANDOUTS: none. OVERALL: 1.5/5; unnecessary. Why.

This was to date the first and only album by The The that I have listened to. I didn't mind it but did find it a little bit repetitive and kind of lost interest in it half way through although I do admire the talent and work that Matt Johnson puts into his music.

wasn’t looking forward to this based on the cover and it wasn’t THAT bad but did I like it? ultimately no

Fun fun

p549. 1986. 2 stars (just) Angry but average 80s Brit synth band that wanted to be Heaven 17. No memorable tunes, and the production has not aged well. No idea why this is on the list.

Similar sound to Howard Jones as well as Kajagoogoo. Strong 80s vibe that can be used as ambiance music. High3

Скажем так... Я ожидал большего. Странным образом, несмотря мою большую любовь к овердраматизации и театру в музыке, конкретно здесь чувствуется перебор. А в сочетании с этим отвратным звуком восьмидесятых... Лучшая песня - Twilight Of A Champion.

Well, THE! Pretty mundane stuff, actually. I listened twice and nothing caught my attention.

Disco-inflected new-wave

The The definitely have something. I liked it

Finaally another 80s banger yessss

Alternative without the Rock, grooves grooveless, vocals occasionally amusing.

I knew this one. A couple of great tracks at the start of the album

Big sound, fun music. Certainly 80s, sometimes borderline cheesy, but it saves itself with thoughtful song composure and unique appeal. Strong 3

Meh

So I found The The’s “Infected” album, to be standard fare for the mid-80’s British pop… Think I’ve seen that they considered themselves “post-punk” – okay, still sounds pretty poppish to me… Nothing really exceptional here – though nothing really sucked either, so just kinda there for me… Certainly didn’t so a deep dive on the lyrics, but those that caught my attention weren’t anything consequential to be honest… Best songs IMO were “Heartland” & “Slow Train To Dawn” – as both were catchy and fairly well-done… Seemed like an average British pop album for 1985, so not sure what it’s doing on the 1,001, but okay… Solid 2 for me…

Sounds like nick cave voice, first song is a bit of a banger rest seems alright

A bit of a surprise that it sounded nothing like their tracks I was familiar with. Nothing really grabbed me though

actually unbelievably indifferent towards this. its like the flavor of water for my music taste

Vanaf de eerste seconden weet je: dit is een jaren tachtig-plaaaaaat... Grappig dat je dan zo'n LP kocht, en dat je dan tussen alle digitale zuurstokkeyboardklanken steeds de zachte kraakjes van het analoge vinyl hoorde. Hoe dan ook, deze trendvolgende gasten zetten een strak mopje muziek neer, maar er beklijft allemaal vrij weinig van. Wat een middelmaat... Hierna krijgen we hun tijdgenoten U2, die tenminste nog eens wat memorabels maakten.

Postpunk lees ik. Dus de moed zakt weer in mijn schoenen. Moet ik ook helemaal niet lezen. Want ik ervaar weinig punk. De nummers lijken hun aandacht gekregen te hebben. De zang is natuurlijk niet het sterkste in deze lijst. Maar hij doet zijn best, lijkt het toch. Ik lees (luisterde niet echt naar de tekst) dat de zanger wil waarschuwen dat de interne economie niet zo sterk is als mensen willen geloven. Het lijkt mij niet echt een punk-boodschap. Er is niet zo heel veel op aan te merken. Maar een dag later, als ik dit schrijf, moet ik toch behoorlijk graven in mijn kop. Dan moet ik concluderen dat het behoorlijk 'vergetelijk' is.

Ik wist eigenlijk niet zo goed wat ik bij The The moest verwachten. Als ik de info bij het album zo lees, dacht ik in eerste instantie aan wat rauwere punk, dan wat ik nu te horen krijg. Het is meer new wave, een soort kruising tussen New Order en Billy Idol. Ik moet zeggen, het heeft zoals gewoonlijk alles om een hekel aan te hebben, maar ik vind het op een bepaalde manier best intrigerend om te luisteren. De songs hebben wel alle elementen van normale nummers, chorus-verse-chorus etc zeg maar. Naast de typische jaren 80 drumcomputer en de typische jaren 80 synths zit er ook een typisch jaren 80 pianootje in regelmatig en typisch jaren 80 baslijntjes. Je zou hieruit kunnen concluderen dat het typisch jaren 80 is, en dat is het ook wel, maar het is toch niet zo voorspelbaar als ik zou verwachten. Na een paar nummers ken ik het wel en ben ik er wel weer klaar mee. De nummers zijn ook lang, 8 nummers van 5 minuten. Het wreekt zich waarschijnlijk dat ik er geen 1 van herken. Nog even opgezocht: het top2000-hitje is uncertain smile van een eerder album. Maar dat maakt me nu niet direct enthousiaster. Het begon als een 3+, maar aan het einde van het album zit ik eigenlijk op een redelijke 2.

Very 80s! Not in a good way.

'Heartland' is one of the best songs of the Thatcher years. When it was released I was 18 and becoming more politically aware so it really struck a chord. If I was a history teacher covering the 80s I would play it to bored students, along with 'Ghost Town' and 'Between The Wars'. Britain was not a fair place and greed dominated. 'Angels of Deception' continues the theme. I like the opening track too, really cool through headphones and cranked up loud. Aside from that it's ok, some good lyrics but not great songs, the production is very mid-eighties so it hasn't aged well. I had to listen to 'Dusk' from '93 too, a very different and far better album. Johnny Marr lifted them so much musically. Give it a go!

Not much to note here on my end - great band name though 😆

Thought the first half of this album was very good but it tailed off a bit. Still an enjoyable album from a band I’ve never listened to before. Good stuff!

Without looking at ratings, I’d guess this is averaging like 2.2 stars but I kinda didn’t hate it. It had fun moments.

Feels very long for how little happens

I found it very confusing and noisy

Cool 80s

It reeks of the eighties, listenable but I’m not sure ill revisit it