For almost four decades, Matt Johnson and his rotating cast of bandmates have fused optimism, despair and political prescience into a distinctive brand of existential blues
The Guardian
For almost four decades, Matt Johnson and his rotating cast of bandmates have fused optimism, despair and political prescience into a distinctive brand of existential blues
The Guardian
Why see The The?
The The Are Back
With the impending release of their first studio album in 25 years, post punk icons The The are back on stage with a world tour this fall! The brainchild of British frontman and remaining member Matt Johnson, the alt pop outfit achieved cult status in the 80s with their new-wave synth soundscapes, hypnotic grooves and iconic, darkly poetic lyrics. As well as songs from their first proper record in a quarter of a century, don't miss classics like Uncertain Smile, Heartland and Slow Emotion Replay.
Embracing their reputation as outsiders, Matt Johnson oversaw the creation of unique, candid songs that defied genres and fashion trends of the decade of decadence, using his music as a platform to fight against the banalities of manufactured MTV pop and the social injustices of the Thatcherite era.
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Customer reviews
1 reviews, average rating: (4.0 Stars)
Nick H.
The the - Definitely Worthwhile Experience
The the are a long-lived (1980- Burning Blue Soul-1st album) solo musical 'co-op' project helmed by British composer Matt Johnson. For 45 years he's made his own records with an ever-changing cast of talented London musicians, incorporating all kinds of elements from R&B to rock to funk to synth/techno. IOW, nothing is off the table and all of it is imaginative, intense, even catchy & always well played. But this isn't pop, and it isn't really date friendly unless you are already familiar cult fans of past albums. Johnson's subjects & lyrics almost wallow in male existential angst with a capital "A", and women don't come off too well in general. Think the late, great standup Sam Kinison as rock hero & you wouldn't be far off. I saw them back in '93 @Tweeter/Great Woods w/ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr & it was an excellent show (but a LOUSY venue for artistic events-it was like trying to appreciate an opera at a peanuts 'n hot dogs ballpark.) The Orpheum should be way better. ... Read more
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