MATT JOHNSON’S THE THE HAVE ANNOUNCED DETAILS OF A SOUL MINING 30TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION BOX SET. IT WILL BE RELEASED ON MONDAY 30TH JUNE THROUGH SONY.
Originally released on 21st October 1983, this new expanded version of the band’s major label debut has been re-mastered at Abbey Road Studios and packaged in a lavish 12” box. The vinyl only release includes an authentic reproduction of the original release on 180g vinyl, plus an extra 12” gatefold vinyl featuring alternate versions and extended 12″ remixes. The newly re-mastered audio is also available digitally via a download code contained within the limited edition box, which includes a unique news-poster featuring extensive notes written by Johnson detailing the making of the album.
The recording of SOUL MINING began in spring 1982 when the then 20-year old, financed 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 a deal with London Records, were subsequently scrapped when The The made an audacious switch to label CBS and started the album afresh. Work reconvened at John Foxx’s Garden Studios in the then pre-gentrified Shoreditch area of East London, Johnson co-producing with Paul Hardiman. SOUL MINING was 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 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.
Pre-order the new box set edition of SOUL MINING here.

The track listing of the two disc box set is:

LP 1 – SOUL MINING

1. I’ve Been Waitin’ For Tomorrow (All Of My Life)
2. This Is The Day
3. The Sinking Feeling
4. Uncertain Smile
5. The Twilight Hour
6. Soul Mining
7. Giant

LP 2 – SOUL MINING RECOLLECTED

1. Uncertain Smile (New York 12” version)
2. Perfect (New York 12” version)
3. This Is The Day (12” version)
4. Fruit Of The Heart
5. Perfect (London 12” version)
6. I’ve Been Waitin’ For Tomorrow (All My Life) (12” mix)