There are very few musical artists out there that can invoke such wonder in me it takes my breath away. One of the only is P J Harvey.
My first taste of her occurred some time in 2001, when I picked up the Crow: City of Angels soundtrack. The track, Naked Cousin. What struck me most about her was her voice, who's description I still can't muster, as it's ethereal, stark yet full-bodied quality mystified and still mystifies me to this day. Needless to say, I was hungry for more, so several years later, when I had the chance, I picked up Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea.
I can't remember much of the album. I do know I gave it many spins and enjoyed what I heard. There's a duality to it, simple as it is complex, rough as it is soft-edged. I won't say it's my favorite by her, but it was the first full set of songs I heard, and I couldn't help myself from experiencing more.
In 2004, after seeing it in a BMG guide, I ordered To Bring You My Love. It was released around the same time as The Crow soundtrack, I noticed, and I'll admit, that was one of the reasons I purchased the cd - to lavish in vintage Harvey (if you can call it vintage). The songs on TBYML, I found, were stronger, more realized and more interesting than Naked Cousin, shaped with a true artists craft. And that's what Polly Jean Harvey is, an artist. Her songs are spellbinding, irresistible stuff.
Well....I can't resist them. They tickle something inside of me nothing else has before, if that makes sense...That's why I'm gushing about her. I've rediscovered why I was obsessed with her in my teenage years, and the best part about her is that she only gets better as the years go on, unlike some of the material I've listened to...
Okay, that felt good to write. Lol...I was bursting with lots of excitement and energy, and I can still feel the hum of it.
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