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The Life and Times of Matt Johnson: The The's Enigmatic Frontman

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Long Shadows, High Hopes: The Life and Times of Matt Johnson & The The

by Neil Fraser

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Matt Johnson, the enigmatic frontman of The The, has been a fixture in the music world for over four decades. His unique blend of post-punk, alternative rock, and new wave has made him a cult figure among music fans. But behind the public persona is a complex and fascinating individual with a life story that is as captivating as his music.

Born in 1961 in Stevenage, England, Johnson was raised in a working-class family. He began playing guitar at an early age and was soon writing his own songs. In 1979, he formed The The with bassist Keith Laws and drummer Johnny Marr (who would later go on to join The Smiths). The band's early sound was raw and aggressive, but it soon began to evolve as Johnson experimented with different musical styles.

The The's breakthrough came in 1982 with the release of their second album, "Soul Mining." The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the band as one of the leading lights of the post-punk movement. Johnson's lyrics on "Soul Mining" were often dark and introspective, but they also contained a sense of hope and redemption.

The The continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "Infected" (1986),"Mind Bomb" (1989),and "Dusk" (1993). The band's sound evolved over time, but Johnson's distinctive vocals and songwriting style remained constant. He became known for his intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics, which often explored themes of love, loss, and social injustice.

In addition to his music, Johnson is also a talented artist. He has released several books of photography and paintings, and he has also directed several short films. His artwork is often as dark and introspective as his music, but it also contains a sense of beauty and hope.

Johnson's personal life has been as tumultuous as his career. He has struggled with addiction and depression, and he has been open about his experiences in interviews and in his music. In recent years, he has found solace in Buddhism and meditation.

Matt Johnson is a complex and fascinating figure. He is a talented musician, artist, and writer who has never been afraid to push boundaries. His music is often dark and introspective, but it also contains a sense of hope and redemption. He is a true original, and his work continues to inspire and challenge listeners around the world.

Discography

* 1980: Burning Blue Soul * 1982: Soul Mining * 1983: Infected * 1986: Mind Bomb * 1989: Dusk * 1993: Solpadeine * 1999: Emotional Tourist * 2002: Naked * 2005: The End * 2010: Tomorrow's Warriors * 2014: Hyena

Bibliography

* 1999: The Velvet Vampire * 2003: Odessa * 2008: Swimming with Strangers * 2013: Pressure Points

Filmography

* 1984: The Tube * 1985: The Soloist * 1986: The Secret Policeman's Third Ball * 1987: The World According to Matt Johnson * 1993: Patience * 1995: Dead Man's Walk * 2002: Naked * 2005: The End * 2010: Tomorrow's Warriors * 2014: Hyena

Long Shadows, High Hopes: The Life and Times of Matt Johnson & The The

by Neil Fraser

4.5 out of 5