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Friday, March 18, 2011

PJ Harvey - 'Let England Shake'


Vagrant/ Island Def Jam; 2011
Our Take - 8.2


I already want to kick myself for giving this album a "low" review.  "8.2?? How is that a low review?" Well, let's hear what some others have to say about PJ Harvey's latest.  For his CoS review Nick Freed wrote, "I have never given a full five stars to any album I’ve reviewed on this site—not even albums by some of my heroes—but this is one of the best albums I have heard in a while... PJ Harvey has created an album that will be at the top of everyone’s “Best of” list come December." A reviewer over at Popwreckoning has this to say, "Nothing is going to top this anytime soon. It’s an album for the ages, one I will be dissecting far into the future."

Alright. Basically, people like this record.  I do too, in fact it is great.  I do wonder however, how much of the hype and acclaim surrounding this record is based on the music as opposed to the figure (it's fucking PJ Harvey, got it?).

Let's talk about what we know about PJ-- woman has got unparalleled stage presence, she is brutally honest, self-reflective, and she wears her heart on her sleeve.  Now let's talk about the album-- this is unlike anything PJ has done before.  Her lyrics, a highlight, turn from introspection and extend outward toward England particularly around the time of the Great War.  Her images are vivid and linger.  How about the sound on the album-- epic at times, exasperated and emotional at others, tragic, triumphant, heavy and... umm.. British?

The record is a joy to listen to and this is miracle despite the heavy subject matter.  It is a piece of artwork, but it is also simply enjoyable to listen to.  For whatever reason you pick it up, you shouldn't be disappointed come first spin.

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