The The

The The is an English musical and multimedia group founded in 1979 with singer/songwriter Matt Johnson being the only constant band member. The group has no permanent group line-up, and Johnson has collaborated with a wide range of musicians, changing personnel from project to project. The band began recording in 1979/1980 and released their first single “Controversial Subject” in 1980. The first album release came in 1983, the critically acclaimed “Soul Mining", which featured guest appearances from Orange Juice (3) drummer Zeke Manyika, Jools Holland, Thomas Leer and J. G. Thirlwell.

Links To Peel
Peel played much of the band's material in the early 80's, when they were signed to 4AD and later to Epic. In 1986 when listeners voted the group's 'Heartland' single in the Festive Fifty at number 32, Peel commentated that he never played the track before on his show and wished he did.

Shows Played
1980 1983 1986
 * 07 August 1980: Controversial Subject (7") 4AD
 * 26 August 1980: Controversial Subject (7") 4AD
 * 24 August 1983: This Is The Day (2x7") Epic
 * 23 December 1986: 'Heartland (7 inch)' (Epic) FF #32 (JP: 'Maybe that's another one I should have played, I'm afraid.')