PJ Harvey - Dry
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Artist: PJ HarveyEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1997-06-10
Music Label: Island
Soundtracks:
- Oh My Lover
- O Stella
- Dress
- Victory
- Happy And Bleeding
- Sheela-Na-Gig
- Hair
- Joe
- Plants And Rags
- Fountain
- Water
Music reviews of Dry
Music Review: dry
Rating: 5 Stars
PJ Harvey was a musician I had heard *of* for years, but never actually heard any of her music until about a year ago. I started off with her first two albums, "Dry" and "Rid of Me". Both of them are raw, punky, aggressive, lo-fi, unpredictable masterpieces. However, if I had to choose one and only one to listen to for the rest of my life, I'd most likely choose "Dry". Here's a brief track-by-track review, just to give you somewhat of an idea of the album:
1. Oh My Lover (4:00)
A great kickstart to the album that introduces the listener to Polly Jean's bluesey/punk style. This one in particular lies more on the blues side, with a somewhat slow, but still heavy pace. When she sings the title throughout the song, you can really feel the emotion in her voice, which is a nice change of pace from a lot of the manufactured female singers you hear today. The song builds up to a great finale with some layered vocals.
2. O Stella (2:30)
A energetic little song about Stella Maris. Some biblical references I believe (not entirely sure though).
3. Dress (3:16)
I believe this was one of the singles from this album, and Kurt Cobain mentioned it as being a favorite of his at some point. Not surprising, 'cause it's a great song that becomes very infectious after you listen to it a couple times.
4. Victory (3:16)
Another bluesey song that references angels, god, etc. The chorus in particular is great, with Polly Jean energetically singing, "VIC-TORYYYY!".
5. Happy and Bleeding (4:48)
This is where things really start getting great. It's also the first song on the album that shows her early penchant for unusual time signatures. Whereas the first four songs are in the traditional 4/4 time, this one takes a 6/4 structure. The verses are slow, and only have a minimalistic guitar riff/drum pattern. Then, the chorus bursts out in a noisy fashion. Her vocal delivery throughout is incredible.
6. Sheela-Na-Gig (3:10)
I think this is the most well known song from the album, although I certainly never heard it on the radio or anything. The title, if you're curious, is a reference to a nude pagan female figure. Great lyrics, great song.
7. Hair (3:47)
Another song that takes a slow/minimalistic verse and loud chorus structure. Again, great vocal delivery.
8. Joe (2:33)
This one is built around a wild guitar riff in 6/4 time. I'm guessing Joe is an ex-boyfriend of some sort. Regardless, another standout in an album full of standouts. It's a heavy song with a hectic, sorta chaotic feeling. May take a few listens to appreciate fully.
9. Plants and Rags (4:09)
By far the most unusual sounding song on the album, and probably the best. The verses have a pretty simple accoustic guitar riff in the background, with an occasional touch of violin (another instrument that Polly is skilled at). The verses slowly build up into what I guess you could call the chorus, that being a barrage of really haunting, atonal sounding violin. She expanded on this type of sound with "Man-Sized Sextet" on her next album, the aforementioned "Rid of Me".
10. Fountain (3:53)
Cool for the fact that it's in 7/4 time if nothing else. It has a chilling bass line throughout the verses, and again, a full throttle rocking chorus. Another one with some great lyrics (which can be found on her official site if you're curious).
11. Water (4:32)
More weird time signature goodness - this one, along with "Hair" is in 5/4. This also follows the soft/loud template, which was very popular at the time (and still is today). The main guitar riff is memorable enough to the point where you'll want to learn it afterwards (assuming you play guitar). It also has some biblical references to Mary, and the obvious "Walking on water" thing. A really great closer to a really great album.
Okay, there you have it. I'm not very good at typing song descriptions, but I tried. There's not much more I can say other than: buy this album NOW! You may not love it at first (I didn't either), but give it 3 or 4 solid listens, and it'll most likely be a new favorite. It's not her most accessible album (I would give that title to either "Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea" or "To Bring You My Love", both excellent albums as well), but if you're new to PJ Harvey, I'd start here anyway, as IMO, it's her best work overall.
Best Tracks: Happy and Bleeding, Joe, Plants & Rags, Fountain.
Description of Dry
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