Classic British Rock at its Best
Garnet Newton-wade | Wiltshire | 04/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If Matt Johnson's recent release Best Of album, 45 RPM, wasn't definitive enough for most of you, then this beautifully presented 5 CD set should satisfy the appetite of even the most fanatic The The fan.In addition to most of Matt Johnson's single releases, London Town 1983-1993 boasts The man's finest album tracks, culled from the rich, decade-long creative period which defined his career and includes the lovingly restored, re-mastered and re-packaged versions of 'Soul Mining', 'Infected', 'Mind Bomb' and 'Dusk' plus a very special bonus CD.This means that, along with his most notable tracks such as Uncertain Smile (featuring a wonderful piano outro from Mr Jools Holland late of Squeeze) and the sing-a-long, anti-global capitalism piece, Heartland, we're treated to the deceptively chipper This Is The Day and an X-rated tale of lust and bodily fluids, in the shape of Out Of The Blue (And Into The Fire).There are many highlights from Johnson's catalogue featured here, including his Mind Bomb album's tender, grey-hued ballad, Kingdom Of Rain, featuring Sinead O'Connor, which is definitely a welcome inclusion, as is Armageddon Days (Are Here Again), a raging, apocalyptic prophecy which nods its turban to 70's hit makers Mud's, Tiger Feet.Intensely cynical, insanely melodic and possessing a wry wit, Johnson is one of the few artists who's been able to disguise desolation, misery and impending doom with uplifting music and there's plenty to get your teeth into here.
The surprise package with this set is the fifth and final CD containing the obligatory out-takes, mixes and radio edits of his most well loved songs and singles and the odd video thrown in for good measure.
Tim Pope's brilliant new film of 'Pillar Box Red' as well as Gavin Bush's mini video of TheThe's career to date featuring Johnny Marr interviewing Matt Johnson are also included here. The CD also features Benn Northover's 'In The A.M.' with Ian Peel's ambient sound collage of TheThe music over the last 23 years.
This is a worthwhile package for any serious The The fan and would make an ideal introduction for the newbie of one of Britain's finest musical talents. If there were an option to add a sixth star, this Box Set would warrant it."
Fan since 1983
David G. Lewis | Eugene, OR | 01/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For anyone looking for the best of the The this is the collection to buy. While I already had all of the previous the The CDs I bought this release set anyway just because I wanted too! Thanks to the The for 20 years (for me) of great non-pop, thoughtful and inspiring music."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1