She did it again! PJ Harvey released her eighth album, “Let England Shake” on February 15, 2011 in UK. The title’s simple message is the political situation in England, PJ’s homeland. The topics are as bleak and violent as most of her previous works. However, this time the subjects are soldiers falling in battle and land torn up, both physically and spiritually. Her fourth track, ‘The Words that Maketh Murder’ sings that the soldiers fall like lumps of meat/blown and shot out beyond belief, painting vivid images of today’s battlefields and the masses of dying soldiers on the ground. The rest of her songs continue on the theme of England, war, and the political downfall. The Great War continues to remain a resonant subject for art because it briefly caused the world to step back, afraid to think or even picture what it had done. The trauma from World War I shook England and for that artists continue to portray this epic war in their work. Though the tunes in Harvey’s new album are happy and melodic, the lyrics are filled with agitation, despair, fear, and sadness. The theme is further supported by Harvey singing in her higher register. Overall, the album is depressing but the subjects are factual and bring listeners to light of the events of The Great War in England.

As stated by Pitchfork, when PJ Harvey debuted in the early 90’s, her “gravelly voice, outsized personality, and often disturbing lyrics gave the all-rock world a crucial shot of excitement.” By listening to her eight albums, one thing is clear: she does not like to repeat herself. Throughout her musical career, she has experimented with diverse musical styles from rock to pop to folk. She is also known to change her appearance and mode of dress or hairstyle from album to album, incorporating herself into the album’s artwork, music videos, and live performances. Her major music influence is American musician, singer-songwriter and artist Don Van Vliet, best known by his stage name Captain Beefheart, active from 1964 to 1982.

PJ has received many awards. She had been nominated five times for a Grammy Award. Rolling Stone named her “1992’s Best New Artist” and “Best Singer-Songwriter” as well as “1995’s Artist of the Year.” She was rated the number one female rock artist by Q Magazine in a 2002 reader poll, and was awarded “Outstanding Contribution to Music” in 2011 at NME Awards. There is no doubt in my mind that she would win any awards for her recent album. She speaks her mind through her music, and that is one talent that cannot be silenced! I hope she continues her music career and I hope to hear more from her.
Track List
1. Let England Shake
2. The Last Living Rose
3. The Glorious Land
4. The Words that Maketh Murder
5. All and Everyone
6. On Battleship Hill
7. England
8. In the Dark Places
9. Bitter Branches
10. Hanging in the Wire
11. Written on the Forehead
12. The Colour of the Earth

Image Courtesy:

http://causeequalstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/let-england-shake-pj-harvey.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/greenplastic875/

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About the author

Eisha Vatsal
I enjoy a range of music and love to learn about different artists from all over the world. I love to read. My favorite season is a mixture of late spring and early summer (before it gets too hot).

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