good evening! so last night i was so lucky to attend pj harvey‘s (join her on myspace) only show here in los angeles – in fact it was only one of two shows she had planned for the states to showcase her new haunting album white chalk (she played NYC last week) i’ve been a fan of ms. harvey’s for over ten years now – i originally discovered her through a friend who convinced me that i needed to listen to her album to bring you my love – i was instantly sold upon first listen on the british girl who could be kicking it one minute – howling the next – then possibly reducing to a sexy whisper or growl – her ‘take no prisoners’ rock element was always there – that’s probably why her latest 8th studio album actually threw me for a total loop! it’s stripped down – bare – quiet & intimate – it wasn’t what i was expecting at all but after last night’s show and a number of listens today – i’m very impressed and quite like her latest outing – it just takes a little getting into!
she played completely solo – no backup band – employing a myriad of instruments including electric & acoustic guitar, piano, a cymbal, a harmonica, a mini-harp, plus she had drum loops! she was dressed in this white victorian style dress – which seemed straight of of wuthering heights (the same one on the cover of her latest album – probably not the most comfortable thing to wear while rocking out) lyrics to her songs were scrawled all over it which she joked about – through the evening she came across as confident, friendly but shy & timid as well – she ran through a bunch of new & old material playing about an hour and thirty minutes – her voice was stunning – and the vintage feel of the orpheum theater (built back in the 1920s) helped add to the overall classy – and a drop creepy feel – but creepy in a very good way – if that makes any sense at all!
pj reminded me of a lonely (but not sad) semi-mad scientist cooking up musical spells & potions on stage decorated with various odd knick-knacks (which would make the perfect diorama) yes she’s a little kooky but gosh what a talent – i could go on & on about her! at age 37 – she’s still in her prime – i know we’ll be hearing much more from ms. polly jean! many thanks go out to popbytes’ pals sam & penny for helping me secure an amazing seat to witness pj harvey‘s sheer musical brilliance in person! (special shout outs to euan & angel as well) below i’ve posted two pictures from the show – a video of her ‘down by the water’ performance – as well as a live performance of ‘white chalk’ from last month – an incredible track from her latest album! i’ve been loving going to all these shows recently and this friday i’ll be attending the ultimate guilty pleasure show…marc anthony & jennifer lopez – i’m so stoked! popbytes over & out for tonight…xxoo! (oh my gosh i almost forgot – when i left the venue i purchased this awesome hand silk screened poster made by ‘vox pop press’ commemorating the night for $10 bucks – which i’m so getting framed!)
PS you must read ann powers’ review in the los angeles times!
setlist -
to bring you my love
send his love to me
when under ether
the devil
white chalk
man-size
angelene
my beautiful leah
nina in ecstasy
electric light
shame
snake
big exit
down by the water
grow grow grow
the mountain
silence
encore -
rid of me
water
the piano
the desperate kingdom of love
