Search - The The :: Infected

Coming up to 20 years old...

J. D. Bobin | London, E1 | 01/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...and this is still an incredible album. This and 'Soul Mining' have to rank amongst the best albums of the 1980s. It still burns with intelligent anger 20 years on. Incredibly prescient (Sweet Bird of Truth), historically valuable (Heartland) and musically flawless. A classic."

High School classic

Simon Walker | CT United States | 01/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! We must have been so dark and broody at 17. This remains an album of such quality, I have been desperately searching for a copy since 1999. Takes me back to the days of my youth. Matt Johnson we salute your melancholic view of the US and political foresight. In the true British style of a Floyd he takes you on a ride of cynicsim and despair. Please listen to it all in one go, and then repeat."

Everyone Should Be Infected

dandurand | detroit | 12/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Matt Johnson, aka The The, seems to eschew fame, which is a good thing because this most seminal 80's band is largely unknown outside of those who came of age in that era. Johnson's ennui notwithstanding, this is a crime; the double miracle of 1983's "Soul Mining" and 1986's "Infected" are among the most prescient and timeless works of the decade. "Soul Mining" is magnificent, make no mistake, and songs like "Uncertain Smile" and especially the caustic anthem "This Is The Day" (recently used without irony on a car commercial) are peerless. It is "Infected" however that fully showcases Johnson's startling talent, both as a songwriter and a musician. This is angry work, but not self-pitying, and it anticipates much of what the world is angry about right now, the plight of the regular guy most of all ("Heartland", "Sweet Bird of Truth", "Slow Train to Dawn"). "Infected" isn't a mere political rant, however; it is also quite personal. Relational dysfunction and disease (AIDS?) are addressed most effectively in "Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)", and the title track. It is consistently moving and varied throughout, more so than "Soul Mining"; the addition of the female vocal counterpoint in "Slow Train..." is particularly effective. The The has continued to release splendid work at Mr. Johnson's own peculiar pace; "Mind Bomb" and "Dusk" are other gems as well as more recent work, but "Infected" stands alone as a timeless testimony to adult alienation."