40 Years of "Soul Mining"
October 21, 2023
This week we’re spinning tracks from the era-defining debut studio release from British post-punk/synth-pop band, the The.
Released 40 years ago on October 21, 1983, “Soul Mining” reflects the musical aesthetic of the early 80s New York club scene – with pounding, pumping adrenalin-rushed sonic waves of rhythm and block-rocking beats – combined with frontman Matt Johnson’s probing and provocative lyrics, tiptoeing that fine line between the light and dark sides of the human soul. Upon its release, “Soul Mining” received significant praise from critics yet saw only modest sales. But thanks to a 30th anniversary re-issue a decade ago, today “Soul Mining” is considered one of the best albums of the 1980s, and often called Matt Johnson’s musical tour de force. Let’s revisit an album that many call a musical masterpiece.