Notcast Ep 239 : The The's 2nd (or 4th) album, "Infected" was released in November 1986, and it is/was the best album released that year in a field of immense competition. The album, and accompanying film - which is still locked on dead formats - were essential and powerful explorations of addiction, morality and capitalism in a moribund decade where I felt trapped in a psychotic country run by cruel hypocrites. The album birthed four singles - "Sweet Bird Of Truth", "Heartland", "Infected" and "Slow Train To Dawn", and the period included the nearly-The-The single "Bible Belt". I also touch upon Friends, War, The Miners Strike, obsessive compulsive behaviour, and the balance of pleasure. 11 October 2022.