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The The — The Whisperers
Album: Naked Self
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1337









Released: 2000
Length: 3:17
Plays (last 30 days): 2
A lonely silhouette
Smoking a cigarette
Hoping for the phone to ring
Though she's sick of the sound
Of people's mouths
Winding her up
And putting her down

Don't get sad
When people that you trusted stab you in the back
So, you thought they were your friends?
Now you know (now you know)
There's one thing in life that holds

And now she wants to cry
Staying in on Friday night
Lying in her birthday suit
And listening to the bickering
From the room above
And wondering if it's fear of loneliness or love
That keeps people like that together
Forever...

Don't get sad
When people that you trust stab you in the back
So, you thought they were your friends?
Now you know (now you know)
There's one thing in life that holds
You're on your own (you've gotta grow)
Comments (132)add comment
Coming for a US tour soon in 2024! I've need seen him and can't wait. Such a talented artist and songwriter.
Still feel RP could use more The The - so many amazing tracks.
go Matt go!
 tee_dee wrote:

This is some of the best music that most people never heard.  As my buddy said, his publicist should have been fired!



Well their name is problematic for people. Easy to remember but looks like a typo.
 vandal wrote:

8 => 9 




9 => 10
 chyk5 wrote:

For those interested, i just started this biography that was published late last year and i am hooked. 


I imagine this would be fascinating - his lyrics are deep, reflective and restless (needless to say), doesn't happen by accident!  Thanks for sharing.
 vandal wrote:

7 {#Arrow} 8

 
8 => 9 

This is just a test to see if I can post comments. Like The The. I gave this song a 9.
 scott_bruce wrote:
I was deeply engrossed in writing an interim flight clearance for a substitute main landing gear tire for a KC-130J when the music snatched my attention away from calculating the reducing in allowable braking force.

When music does that to me, I usually end up bumping it a point - in this case from a 7 to an 8. I love RP!!!

 
At first I thought you meant bumping up the allowable brake force! I was imagining the smell of hot brakes on the ramp...
 scott_bruce wrote:
I was deeply engrossed in writing an interim flight clearance for a substitute main landing gear tire for a KC-130J when the music snatched my attention away from calculating the reducing in allowable braking force.

When music does that to me, I usually end up bumping it a point - in this case from a 7 to an 8. I love RP!!!

 
I hope the fantastic music on RP doesn't ever distract you enough to accidentally clear any sub-standard aviation gear! ;-)
 chyk5 wrote:

For those interested, i just started this biography that was published late last year and i am hooked. 
 

He just had to have emergency throat surgery due to an infection. It's explained in his instagram account

https://www.instagram.com/officialthe_the/

I was deeply engrossed in writing an interim flight clearance for a substitute main landing gear tire for a KC-130J when the music snatched my attention away from calculating the reducing in allowable braking force.

When music does that to me, I usually end up bumping it a point - in this case from a 7 to an 8. I love RP!!!

Seen them 3 times, on this tour, on the Dusk tour, and the recent Comeback Tour. Three of the best shows I've ever seen.
The guitar intro made me think it was gonna be a Knopfler tune... which is  a good thing.

For those interested, i just started this biography that was published late last year and i am hooked. 
 thewiseking wrote:
do i detect an unsung RadioHead influencer?
 

 
Never heard this particular The The song - I thought it was RH too.
Yep, I'm with Meg on this one. 
{#Arrowd}
 thewiseking wrote:
do i detect an unsung RadioHead influencer?
 

 
Me too? Yeah, in the chorus
do i detect an unsung RadioHead influencer?
 
Matt Johnson = god-like
 tee_dee wrote:
This is some of the best music that most people never heard.  As my buddy said, his publicist should have been fired!

 
+1
This is some of the best music that most people never heard.  As my buddy said, his publicist should have been fired!
 MToschi wrote:
Pretty difficult to find a more profound song writer than MJ. Word has it he is working a new album. Although his brother Andy Dog just died and I imagine some time will be taken reflecting before more writng. 

 
So sad about his brother - who did all the original art work for the albums up to Mind Bomb including the singles. Not sure why the label changed the covers overtime. Makes no sense.

It's been a real shame he's had such a hard time with his record label. He delivered an entire album (Gun Sluts) but they didn't think there was a radio-friendly hit so they shelved it. A big FU to his fans.
Pretty difficult to find a more profound song writer than MJ. Word has it he is working a new album. Although his brother Andy Dog just died and I imagine some time will be taken reflecting before more writng. 
first time in Liz
Mr Kcar, let it not be forgotten that the lady who said "I'll have what she's having" immediately after that iconic scene was Rob Reiner's mother.
A stripped-down Radiohead. (Not a bad thing.)
8 > 9 Fabulous!
Matt close to his best here - great track.



 
Stingray wrote:
FINALLY - YES-YES-YES!

THIS IS ROCK'N'ROLL of the true eclectic kind!

GREAT BAND of mastermind Matt Johnson!

LIVE they are an unforgettable experience!

My first 10 in month!!!

 

 

Gif of Meg Ryan having a fake orgasm in "When Harry Met Sally"


Really want more! - any word on new material? Ready to push the "buy" button.  :-)
The The best at what they are and a league of their own. When will they produce another album?
Delicious song. Thanks.
Seriously jangly guitar. I bow down.
I heard this on RP and bought it off Itunes lickety-split.
Maybe I'm too late, but I'm starting to think Marr is a kind of Midas. Everything he touches turn into gold.
First listen to this....thanks so much Bill for turning me onto so, so much music that I love. {#Good-vibes}
 Stingray wrote:

GODLIKE IS NOT ENOUGH!!!

 

2 suspicious folks rated the song to be a "1"

Floyd-fans, I bet!

I'm a Floyd fan and I like The The...

 

Matt Johnson is one of the greats and our favorite artist. This song like so many of his is just outstanding. Time to stop the soundtracks Matt and reward all your loyal fans with some new music and a tour - its only fair :) Search for matt johnson on our website www.qtrax.net.au for our full opinion!
Awesome Matt,just wish there was a new offering from you!
Excellent. Period.
 justsomeone wrote:
Oh Matt, where art thou?
 

Does anyone know if this guy is ever going to record again? I've been unable to find anything.

GODLIKE IS NOT ENOUGH!!!

 

2 suspicious folks rated the song to be a "1"

Floyd-fans, I bet!


CAN WE ALSO GIVE 20's.....?
Oh Matt, where art thou?
 htowncoog wrote:
Still a 9. Love the lyrics, I can relate.

So glad I was able to see The The on the Mind Bomb tour with Johnny Marr on gtr.

 
I saw the same show in Toronto. Two of my rock idols on the stage together. Matt is an unbelievable songwriter - Dusk is definitely a top-three album for me! This is a good tune, and a nice groove. Keep it up, RP. 
 htowncoog wrote:
Still a 9. Love the lyrics, I can relate.

So glad I was able to see The The on the Mind Bomb tour with Johnny Marr on gtr.

  I caught them on tour a number of years ago, possibly the Mind Bomb tour.  It was before the internet, and I had to call Ticketmaster to buy the tickets — and it took sooooo long for the agent to even FIND "The The" in the system!!  And /or she wasn't understanding what I was saying the name of the band was (and she had never heard of them).  Arrrgggh.......I was getting so frustrated worrying they would sell out by the time she would find them for me!  Great show though — I was blown away by how many musicians playing such a variety of instruments he had on stage at one time (not being a "classical orchestra").

Awesome!  Could really stand to hear more The The here - incredible band (aka Matt Johnson)!

This sounds pretty cool!


 chyk5 wrote:
Anyone know what this guy is doing now? I haven't been able to find out if/when he'll put out another record.
 
He's still going - see his website This is the Day. There's also info on Wikipedia

12 For me!!!!!  Stingray wrote:
11
 


Can hear more than a little influence on, at least, Porcupine Tree.  Smart guys...
11
I NEVER (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) say so - NEVER EVER!

But this song is a clear "11"

 LastChance wrote:
Must you yell so loudly?

 
Stingray wrote:
FINALLY - YES-YES-YES!

THIS IS ROCK'N'ROLL of the true eclectic kind!

GREAT BAND of mastermind Matt Johnson!

LIVE they are an unforgettable experience!

My first 10 in month!!!


 
 
I can hear a bit of Acoustic as well ...


Still a 9. Love the lyrics, I can relate.

So glad I was able to see The The on the Mind Bomb tour with Johnny Marr on gtr.

 lattalo wrote:
 Concrete Blonde

tzzzz...!!!
10 !


Edit:
quote Last Chance : "Must you yell so loudly?"

You forgot  "But..."

How to ruin a good riff with an horrible vocal melody.
Must you yell so loudly?

 
Stingray wrote:
FINALLY - YES-YES-YES!

THIS IS ROCK'N'ROLL of the true eclectic kind!

GREAT BAND of mastermind Matt Johnson!

LIVE they are an unforgettable experience!

My first 10 in month!!!


 




 ROCK'N'ROLL of the true eclectic kind!




Amazing....
Anyone know what this guy is doing now? I haven't been able to find out if/when he'll put out another record.
Nice!!
I feel like the vocal in this one has shades of one of the Buckleys (though I can't decide if it's Tim or Jeff).
freakin awesome. love the texture of the vinyl transfer, but the the is still timeless.

7 {#Arrow} 8

CLEAR 10!
Thanks Bill!

PS
together with Graham Parker the most underrated band of true CLASS!
And who played the guitar here...?

A solid 9! Matt Johnson has moments of extraordinary song writing.
 Misterfixit wrote:

No!  He meant the Chinese Cover Band, Sushi and the Leechees.

 
No she meant Siouxsie and The Banshees.

 bronorb wrote:

I think you mean "Siouxsie and The Banshees".

 
No!  He meant the Chinese Cover Band, Sushi and the Leechees.

The The / Matt Johnnson universe had an incredible effect on me as a teen... Today many years later the music still stands strong - also the NakedSelf stuff...
Wow yeah..... ** 7 **
 shanester wrote:
Like the The.....

This song....
 

You could have saved a key stroke {#Sealed}


Like the band..... This song....
lattalo wrote:
Some of the best music from this period, wouldn't mind hearing some Concrete Blonde or Susie and The Banchees old stuff.
I think you mean "Siouxsie and The Banshees".
Love it!!
I was looking at Irish band names and thinking "many of them are The Something", then naturally The The came to my mind. But the thing is, apart from the name, I knew nothing about this band. I can't remember hearing anything from them before. Then a few minutes later, there you are, The The on Paradise! Can you read my mind? That's freaky.
Some of the best music from this period, wouldn't mind hearing some Concrete Blonde or Susie and The Banchees old stuff.
ambliance wrote:
Well at least tell me what his restaurant is called, then I can sneak in, in a beard or something. It's called The La Trattoria. You mean La Trattoria. No. The La Trattoria means The The Trattoria. I know. Interesting. Look I have to go to the La Bathroom, and I'll be back in a sec.
Eat the fucking cookie!!
Well at least tell me what his restaurant is called, then I can sneak in, in a beard or something. It's called The La Trattoria. You mean La Trattoria. No. The La Trattoria means The The Trattoria. I know. Interesting. Look I have to go to the La Bathroom, and I'll be back in a sec.
fretman wrote:
Hmm... I thought they were an eighties band that disappeared by the '90s. Not that they should have, but this is no "Uncertain Smile".
More ignorance, heaven forbid an artist should evolve from the one song you know from them that's 25 years old. NakedSelf is quite good and has some real gems on it and if you had followed Matt's development over the years it makes perfect sense and yes it is a bit darker than some of the earlier stuff, but then again his earliest stuff was quite dark.
eastcoast wrote:
Another one of those 90's bands that disappeared in the pop culture.
Not to insult you, but this statement is incredibly wrong. Matt Johnson/The The have been growing strong since the eighties and have done nothing less than put out one fantastic album out after another. He/They were never "in the pop culture", you would know this if you paid attention to the culture outside of the "pop" world. He's just one more in a long line of excellent artists that get ignored by pop media primarily because his work goes over the heads of the masses.
DrLex wrote:
Yeah, Bill is actually an advanced AI with plans for world domination. The webcam images you see are rendered 3D models of a virtual Bill. Some day, RP will emit a signal that will turn all listeners into mutant killer zombies.
mmh, mutant killer zombies. Maybe we ARE already and no one noticed??
Uncertain Smile was a great song - best Jools Holland ever did
This is pretty cool. Doesn't sound a thing like what I remember The The sounding like from the 80s. Which isn't meant to knock the 80's The The--just pointing out the difference.
dwhayslett wrote:
Oh, geez, be serious, will ... BRAINS
Hmm... I thought they were an eighties band that disappeared by the '90s. Not that they should have, but this is no "Uncertain Smile". eastcoast wrote:
Another one of those 90's bands that disappeared in the pop culture.
d-mac wrote:
Should this be catalogued as: "Whisperers, The The The"?
I'm falling asleep from this subdued, quiet, slowwwwwwwwww music set. I'm at the office, for godsakes, I need some PEP!
great follow up to Long TIme Traveller!
This is one of my favorite tracks off this CD! Great lyrics, great depth to the arrangement which has always been one of his strengths! If you don't have NakedSelf, I highly recommend it!
Another one of those 90's bands that disappeared in the pop culture.
Should this be catalogued as: "Whisperers, The The The"?
DrLex wrote:
Yeah, Bill is actually an advanced AI with plans for world domination. The webcam images you see are rendered 3D models of a virtual Bill. Some day, RP will emit a signal that will turn all listeners into mutant killer zombies.
Oh, geez, be serious, will ... BRAINS
Bravo! Keep The The coming.
DrLex wrote:
Yeah, Bill is actually an advanced AI with plans for world domination. The webcam images you see are rendered 3D models of a virtual Bill. Some day, RP will emit a signal that will turn all listeners into mutant killer zombies.
NewHorizons wrote:
Wow... Exact same set a month and a half later... Is Bill a computer?
Yeah, Bill is actually an advanced AI with plans for world domination. The webcam images you see are rendered 3D models of a virtual Bill. Some day, RP will emit a signal that will turn all listeners into mutant killer zombies.
NewHorizons wrote:
Wow... Exact same set two months later... Is Bill a computer?
No, he is not, but how are you supposed to make a 24/7 program alone if not be recycling some playlists? :-) This happens regularly if you liten a lot, but the variety is still large enough for my taste.
NewHorizons wrote:
Wow... Exact same set a month and a half later... Is Bill a computer?
The easy answer is 'Yes'.
JokesandJokesandJokes wrote:
don't feel bad they don't know a damn thing about you either?
Shesdifferent wrote:
Divine! Goes great with this last set of songs! The The - The Whisperers Feist - Mushaboom Cesaria Evora - Sodade Jesse Cook - Fall at Your Feet (w/ Danny Wilde) Mazzy Star - Be My Angel George Harrison - Here Comes The Sun (Live)
Wow... Exact same set a month and a half later... Is Bill a computer?
Divine! Goes great with this last set of songs! The The - The Whisperers Feist - Mushaboom Cesaria Evora - Sodade Jesse Cook - Fall at Your Feet (w/ Danny Wilde) Mazzy Star - Be My Angel George Harrison - Here Comes The Sun (Live)
It's not the "Mind Bomb" but good none the less.
excellent. haven't heard much from The The since the late 80s but maybe should pursue this one...
Matt Johnson is an excellent lyricist. "You gotta grow..." An obvious, straightforward message, but the way he builds towards it is very well done.
I have to disagree with some of the other commenters. This is the only really good track on the album, the rest is pretty much aimless. Thematically (loneliness) this song fits better on Dusk.
Bought this album after listening to The The here. It's an excellent CD.
kmh wrote:
I NEED TO BUY THIS!!!!!!!!
Yes you do - this is a great album and the kind you can listen to over and over. Great lyrics. Looking forward to his (their) next one
I NEED TO BUY THIS!!!!!!!!
nice intro
Leslie wrote:
I know I live under a rock. I really know nothing about this band but I really like this song.
don't feel bad they don't know a damn thing about you either?
Leslie wrote:
I really know nothing about this band but I really like this song.
One of the better tracks of his/their last album... Matt Johnson is the singer/writer and consistent factor in The The
Nice and simple. Enjoye the smooth beat.
Oops, I accidentally started really diggin' this...
I know I live under a rock. I really know nothing about this band but I really like this song.
BTW, the song title misses an h...
Platypus wrote:
same here
Yup, I found the version of Hanky Panky (The The Vs. Hank) with the originals and the the the ;) versions alternatively together on one CD... nice...