Originally released on 21st October 1983, the recording of Soul Mining began in the spring of 1982, when the then 20-year old Matt Johnson, financed at this point by London Records, de-camped to New York to record 'Uncertain Smile' with producer Mike Thorne. A subsequent session, again in New York with Thorne, and featuring David Johansen of the New York Dolls, resulted in 'Perfect', yet both sessions, and the deal with London Records, were subsequently scrapped as The The switched to CBS Records and decided to start the album afresh. Work on the album was reconvened at John Foxx's Garden Studios in the then pre-gentrified Shoreditch area of London with Matt co-producing with Paul Hardiman - the album was subsequently mixed at Martin Rushent's Genetic Sound studio. Featuring a host of talented musicians, including JG Thirwell (aka Foetus, Manorexia and Steroid Maximus), Zeke Manyika (Orange Juice), electronic DIY pioneer Thomas Leer and Jools Holland, Johnson set out with a clear vision in mind - to produce an album that felt cinematic; a record of width, depth and texture and one which avoided the mundane line-up of two guitars, bass and drums. The aesthetic of The The was also something Johnson was very conscious of, assembling a supportive and talented team of creative individuals to help him refine his vision - his then girlfriend Fiona Skinner designed the type-face of the unique and enduring logo and his brother Andrew, working under the moniker Andy Dog, created the album artwork, a painting of one of Fela Kuti's wives. Not a song less than excellent here - from the tour-de-force opener that is "I've Been Waiting For Tomorrow (All Of My Life)" to the truly giant closer that is "Giant", plus the additional 12" with the much-loved slower version of "Perfect" (again the title justifying the means) along with two experimental pieces recorded at the time (the rumour has it, these were to form part to The The's abandoned "Pornography Of Despair" album, along with many other b-sides that appeared on other singles from the "Soul Mining" era). Simply, a masterpiece screaming GOLD all over its course of (seven) songs. This draw is conducted in a secure enivironment selecting an identifier which can not be used to access your account and the data is deleted as soon as the draw has been conducted.

a b Loder, Kurt (10 May 1984). "The The: Soul Mining". Rolling Stone. No.421. p.55. Archived from the original on 9 February 2010 . Retrieved 23 July 2017. Matt Johnson and his unusually named "The The" remain the uncrowned heroes of the underground music scene. Such songwriting and musical talent is rare and hard to match, let alone to compete with - delivering one of many magnum opuses throughout his eclectic music career. "Soul Mining" is a call-to-arms, one of the truest in terms of expanding the view of the world around. Introspective as always, but not hard to respond/relate to according to our personal life experiences. There is just something that stays forever enigmatic, brutally honest and pleasantly egocentric about it. Featuring a host of talented musicians, including JG Thirlwell (aka Foetus, Manorexia and Steroid Maximus), Zeke Manyika (Orange Juice), electronic DIY pioneer Thomas Leer and Jools Holland, Johnson set out with a clear vision in mind – to produce an album that felt cinematic; a record of width, depth and texture and one which avoided the mundane line-up of the day of guitar, bass and drums. The boxset also includes a unique ‘news-poster’ containing extensive notes written by Johnson detailing the making of the album.This Record Store Day release marks the beginning of a new exploration of THE THE’s timeless catalogue.

The relationship between Thorne and the visitors deteriorated as a result of Johnson and Stevo's actions, and disagreements over the songs' production. Thorne wanted to use his new Synclavier unit, but Johnson preferred the sounds of his far cheaper Omnichord. [9] Eventually a mutual decision was made to abandon the recordings, and Johnson returned to London in November. Originally released on 21st October 1983, the recording of Soul Mining began in the spring of 1982, when the then 20-year old Matt Johnson, financed at this point by London Records, de-camped to New York to record ‘Uncertain Smile’ with producer Mike Thorne.Mulholland, Garry (2007). Fear of Music: The Greatest 261 Albums Since Punk and Disco. Orion. p.161. ISBN 978-0-7528-8243-7.