I’d be what you’d call a casual PJ Harvey fan tuning in only randomly. Actually when I think about it that should read very very randomly for all I can really call on is her early breakthrough song ‘Sheila Na Gig’ and the ‘Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea’ LP from way back in 2000. The thing that strikes me about Harvey is that she is unlikely to be swayed by what is going around her musically so her output often sounds stark, out on its own, always interesting but presenting a hard exterior that can be hard to love. Funny then how I’ve been suckered into falling for what appears to be an overtly political statement in her new album ‘Let England Shake’. Certainly not the sentiments (the futility of war) but this album appears to have a great deal of warmth to it, accessibility perhaps but from where I’m sitting it appears that Harvey’s experimental leanings have attained a certain sugar coated surface. None more so than closing track ‘The Colour Of The Earth’ which has a dominant male vocal (did you ever think you’d see the day?) with Harvey’s sounding as demure as I’ve ever heard her (genuine kettle putting on mood). A really pleasant surprise. KD
PJ Harvey – The Colour Of The Earth
More Info: Official
Buy Songs: PJ Harvey
Year: 2011
“dominant male vocal (did you ever think you’d see the day?)”
there is that song on “Stories from the City…” where Thom Yorke takes the lead vocal.
True, but Yorke is a shy flower really – well he was back then in his pre-dancing days anyway.