PJ Harvey
My friends are always telling me that my taste in music is very raw and intense. Perhaps. And perhaps I am raw and intense. So, that would just explain my taste in music, I guess. We arrive at PJ Harvey. Now, PJ Harvey is the name of the band, and the name of the girl behind it all is Polly Jean Harvey. I just want to make that clear because my adoration for this singer runs very deep. She doesn't like to be called PJ. And I want the full respect that she deserves noted.
The first single introducing her to the world was called, "Sheela-Na-Gig." Looking back it is not my favorite song, but it was that song that confirmed that in the 90's, a female from England was about to set a new standard. Polly's arrival upon the music scene was like a supernova that took up tenancy in the galaxy and shines with the flare of brilliance onto all that has the ability to gaze upwards and inwards. It is pure rock coming from the voice and an era believed to be quite forgotten. This girl, the mastermind behind ALL the songs, began to invite us into what was her interpretation of the conglomerate we call rock music. The chords, melodies, progressions are standard and catchy, but add a singer who has the ability to not only catch your ear, but your full attention. She is not the most intense of singers, but she is definitely up there in the rankings as raw and powerful. I will love this one until death.
DRY
Debut 1992
Not quite the later masterpieces that were to come, but now she had her shot-her audience. The beginning of what was to become a musical dynasty.(3+albums that are stellar workings of a true artist) The last song on this album entitled, "Water," in my opinion is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. After listening to it in its entirety, I remember saying, "I think that is the best song ever written." I didn't just think it-i said it out loud. It was a true awakening.
Rid of Me
Good God, woman. Polly's sophomoric effort. On a scale of 1-100, this one is about 1,000. Each and every track reeling with the essence of a songstress on a mission. Although, difficult to describe what gives these songs their oh je ne sais quoi, for any rock musician or fan of, listening is imperative. Could be a broken heart, a crushed dream, or a simple burning with the fuel of sheer soul.
4-Track Demos
An album of acoustic outtakes from the recording of "Rid of Me." Also, with a couple extra songs-one of which I think happens to be my favorite only able to surmise after these last years-"Goodnight." Polly paints this album with invaluable strokes of a genius. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics, etc. You can gauge the authenticity in the acoustic versions as where she saw her music going and as always what a polished studio rendition of an idea will produce. I, personally believe if done correctly, studio management is itself an artform. There are few "studio artists" on the scene anymore with all the latest technology seemingly taking over the touch or the ear of an actual human.
To Bring You My Love
Alright people, put whatever it is you are holding in your hand at the moment down and sit down. This album is one of those that will lift you up, bring you down, break your heart-rip it right out of your chest, stomp on it on the ground and then kiss you goodnight. On our scale of 1-100. 1,000,000. Polly's finest. It did, however, sort of break away for a moment from her down and dirty guitar and voice twanging pre-efforts lending itself to a more tightly knit page of prose if you will with smoother edges. Regardless, this album catapulted her into a cult icon. Thank Goodness.
Dance Hall At Louse Point
Beauty, beauty, beauty. She reverts on some of the tracks to the harder edged-Polly that we were first introduced to. She collaborates on this one with friend, John Parish. It is special because it would be the last album that quite frankly was more good than bad. Oh, Polly, where hast thou gone? Pick it up-it is worth the listen.
Technicalities:
Vocal Range:
Diffilcult to gauge, mezzo-soprano-contralto
Projection:
Your insides
Style:
Pure rock-n-roll
Difficult to gauge
