Throughout the 80’s and 90’s the music of The The and Matt Johnson ,offered an intelligent observation of society both in the UK and also internationally with globalization and the influence of American culture throughout the world.
He documented the Thatcher Reagan years , the rise of misinformation ,religious zealots and hypocrisy ,global wars and environmental destruction of the planet ,via a series of albums that were critically acclaimed.
“Infected” from 1986 stands out and covers the aforementioned overbearing and damaging influence of the USA and Christianity globally- as well as the decline of Britain on the global stage, economic decline and becoming “ a 51st State “ of the USA and a staging post for American military involvement in the Middle East.
The subject matter is so prescient and the themes resonate to this day- even though “Infected” was recorded almost 40 years ago
Matt Johnson perceived The The (like John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band in the late 60’s)- as an artistic collective that would feature a changing lineup of performers and use different mediums in the 80’s such as the emerging music video culture and short films.
Hence the name : The The -meaning a creative vehicle to carry the art -versus a band with an individual and the associated burden of living up to expectations with a live show and tour every time.
Check out the accompanying “Infected” movie- filmed in various locations including Bolivia and Peru.
We see American culture and Christianity overshadowing indigenous culture.
The movie still stands up to this day and brings the content of the songs into sharp focus with shocking imagery and the real sense of tension and danger ,that was present during filming in South America at that time.
Musical collaborators would include ex Smiths guitarist and songwriter Johnny Marr ,notably on the “Mind Bomb” album from 1989.
I was fortunate enough to catch The The on the “Mind Bomb” tour at the Brixton Academy in London at that time -and was blown away by the intelligence and intensity of the songs and performance ,that would also include using a megaphone to sing through in some places!
Musically he embodies a New Wave Post Punk aesthetic but that’s too simple a description -as his sound is his own and does not follow trends- though you can hear the influence of Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground.
The The of course is Matt Johnson and his changing cast of musicians - as well as the album art of his late brother Andy Dog.
He has charted a very original career with long periods between releases when he has not felt there was anything to say musically.
A true artist ,a social commentator and a real original who has never been afraid to take chances.
Go check out his back catalog especially everything from “Soul Mining” in 1983 to “Dusk” in 1993.
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