The The

I think it was reading the 35 Articles for impeachment of Bush and Cheney that put me in the mood to listen to a steady diet of Matt Johnson and The The.  I'm amazed that The The didn't make a bigger splash on this side of the world (U.S.) since every album produced popular singles in the U.K. He certainly deserved more widespread attention. My other thought is that The The is exactly the type of music that corporate-types would prefer we didn't listen to. And besides, Johnson lists The Residents as a major influence.

"... Islam is rising, The Christians are mobilizing, The world is on it's knees and elbows, It's forgotten the message and worships the creeds, It's war she cried, It's war she cried, This is war ... If the real Jesus Christ were to stand up today, He'd be gunned down cold by the C.I.A." from Armageddon Days are Here (Again).

Not bad for being written almost 20 years ago. Mind Bomb is one of those classics that seem eerily prophetic. Each song builds perfectly into the next, making a tightly wound concept album.  Matt Johnson doesn't shy away from tackling big subjects. If you haven't guessed, this is one of my top cd's of all time (someday I'll count them). Other notables are Sinead O'Connor on Kingdom of Rain, and Johnny Mar (Smiths). 

"But as silent as the car lights that move across the room, As cold as our bodies silhouetted by the moon, And I lie awake and wonder, Is it just me or this the way love is supposed to be?" from Kingdom of Rain.

The The: Mind Bomb (89)

Good Morning Beautiful

Armageddon Days are Here (Again)

The Violence of Truth

Kingdom of Rain

The Beat(en) Generation

August & September

Beyond Love

The The: Infected (86)

part 1

part 2

Infected

Out of the Blue (Into the Fire)

Heartland

Angels of Deception

Sweet Bird of Truth

Slow Train to Down

Twilight of a Champion

The Mercy Beat

Infected (single version)
Sweet Bird of Truth (single version)

Slow Train to Down (single version)

The The: Soul Mining (83)

I've Been Waitin for Tomorrow (All of My Life)

This is the Day

The Sinking Feeling

Uncertain Smile

The Twilight Hour

Soul Mining

Giant

Perfect

The Beat(en) Generation

Even if you don't think you agree with impeachment, the documents and the sources are a worthwhile read. These crimes deserve serious discussion and not just about politics.