Some questions for the more-musically-aware-than-me dopers:
Somehow the song “Long Snake Moan” made it onto my computer’s playlist. I quite like the song and realized that I don’t actually know of any other music by the singer.
Is that song a fair example of her usual style, or is it an anomaly?
If I were to buy one album of her’s, which would you recommend?
How sad is it that she’s apparently been recording for more than 10 years, and I’ve never really heard of her till now?
like you, I only know one song by PJ Harvey, but it’s “Down By The Water”. I like it —it’s kind of weird and creepy.
Hi,
I can’t give an album recommendation but I also like “Down by the Water” along with “Sheela-na-gig” and (I think its called) “Put On That Dress” or just “Dress” I think. My sister loves P.J Harvey, even painted a portrait of her.
[Beavis] Hey, look! It’s Mallory! [/Beavis]
I’ve heard a few different tracks by PJ and they’re all of the same high quality.
Go get yourself her album Rid of Me.
If you like that album, pick up Dry and To Bring You My Love (the one with Long Snake Moan on it).
PJ Harvey used to be fantastic…I personally don’t care for her newer stuff, myself, but it’s still better than anything out there.
But Rid of Me was the soundtrack for my high school experience, and it holds up. Amazing album, best played at ridiculous volumes.
And now, I’m off to listen to Yura-G.
“Hey I’m the king o’ the world, you better hear…” …Rid of me, an excellent record (if somewhat old). I think 50 ft. Queenie was something of a hit, but there are better songs on it (Yura-G and Missed).
To Bring you my Love is perhaps a more accessible album, but d/l Rid of Me first; I think you’ll appreciate it.
“A Place Called Home” is personally my favorite PJ Harvey song. I didn’t even realize there was video until I looked for it on YouTube.
I’m listening to a collection of recordings she did over the years for John Peel’s show (The Peel Sessions 1991-2004); I’d suggest it as a good first choice. It’s got plenty of material from Dry and Rid of Me, along with some other stuff that otherwise only appeared as b-sides. John Peel’s recordings always sound great, and I like a lot of these better than the original recordings.
I agree that To You My Love is probably her most accessible album. But once you’ve “learned” that one, the earlier, rougher stuff seems to stick with me more strongly. All of her abulms are worthwhile, though. Polly Jean Harvey is always the first artist that springs to mind when people wonder what present day artists are going to prove the test of time; which artists’ work will last the longest.
YouTube up the duet “Henry Lee” that she did with Nick Cave.
Also, she was a pretty cool Mary Magdalene in the Second-Coming satire The Book of Life.
No particular album suggestions because I don’t own any of them but I do recommend you listen to “Kamikaze” and “This is Love” if you can. I know the latter’s video is on youtube if you look. Not sure about the former.
I’m a big fan of Is This Desire? myself – I think it showcases the versatility of her voice very well, and I like how each song is in a different style. “No Girl So Sweet” is probably my favorite song on there.
I’m a huge fan. Rid of Me is my favorite of her albums. I recommend her to everyone who hasn’t heard her. I’m not really big on going to concerts, but she’s on the short list of singers I’d love to see live. She puts more emotion into her voice in one song than most performers will display their whole careers.
Several of her videos are available on YouTube. I think there’s also some live footage of her performing.
Definately check her out. You won’t regret it.
You ain’t kidding.
Thanks all for the album and YouTube suggestions. I love discovering good music.