: Initial sessions began in New York City with producer Mike Thorne after a major bidding war led to a contract with CBS Records. Return to London
The 1983 original mastering is known for better dynamics compared to later, louder remasters. A 1983 FLAC transfer retains the punch of the drums and the subtlety of the quiet moments without artificial loudness enhancement.
| Release | Tracks | Notes | |---------|--------|-------| | 1983 original LP | 8 tracks | No "Perfect" (added later), different mix of "Uncertain Smile" | | 1983 CD / 1984 reissue | 8 or 9 tracks | Added "Perfect" as bonus | | 2014 Deluxe Edition (FLAC) | 2 CDs / digital | Includes demos, 12" mixes, B-sides | | 2023 (40th anniversary) | Possibly new remaster | Check for high-res FLAC | the the soul mining 1983 flac
The path to creating Soul Mining was as tumultuous and textured as the music itself. After a bidding war between major labels, a then-20-year-old Johnson, financed by London Records, decamped to New York in the spring of 1982 to record "Uncertain Smile" with producer Mike Thorne. A subsequent session in New York, featuring David Johansen of the New York Dolls, resulted in "Perfect". However, both sessions and the deal with London Records were scrapped when The The made an audacious switch to CBS Records and decided to start the album from scratch.
The creation of Soul Mining is a story of ambition, chaos, and creative rebirth. The album began in the spring of 1982 when a 20-year-old Matt Johnson, already a veteran of the music industry, decamped to New York City. Financed by London Records, he worked with producer Mike Thorne to record the first two singles, the muscular and brooding "Uncertain Smile" and "Perfect" (the latter featuring David Johansen of the New York Dolls on harmonica). However, in a saga of corporate upheaval, Johnson and The The controversially switched labels to CBS Records, and the original sessions were scrapped. : Initial sessions began in New York City
If you find a legitimate source, buy the CD (used copies of the 2002 remaster are affordable) and rip it to FLAC yourself. If you find the 1983 original, treasure it.
Released in October 1983, Soul Mining by The The (the primary creative outlet for Matt Johnson) is a masterpiece of early 80s alternative pop that defied easy categorization. It bridged the gap between post-punk angst, electronic experimentation, and melodic pop, all while harboring a raw, emotional intensity. | Release | Tracks | Notes | |---------|--------|-------|
Whether you prefer the or the later versions with bonus tracks like "Perfect"?
The album features a complex web of percussion, marimbas, and cellos. Lossless audio allows you to pinpoint the placement of every instrument in the stereo field, particularly the "found sound" textures Johnson favored.
Mastered by Matt Johnson himself at Abbey Road Studios, this release is excellent for high-resolution digital playback. Johnson went back to the original master tapes, carefully preserving the dynamics while cleaning up tape hiss and subtle dropouts. The FLAC files from this master offer a slightly punchier low-end and incredible vocal clarity without falling victim to the modern "loudness wars." Final Thoughts: The Soul in the Machine
Johnson later noted the album was heavily influenced by the early UK underground ecstasy scene, giving the music a bittersweet mix of euphoria and introspective melancholy. 2. Track-by-Track Breakdown: A Journey Through Soul Mining