Music Review~ PJ Harvey~ “White Chalk”
Being a fan of PJ Harvey, I am always interested when she has a new album out. My favorite album of hers is Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea. Her newest album, White Chalk, was released in September 2007.
Songs: The Devil, Dear Darkness, Grow Grow Grow, When Under Ether, White Chalk, Broken Harp, Silence, To Talk To You, The Piano, Before Departure, The Mountain
Produced by PJ Harvey, Flood & John Parish.
This album is a very mellow, raspy, almost creepy version of PJ Harvey. She seems to have entered a new stage with her music, minimalistic almost. An acoustic guitar and piano, along with Harvey’s solo voice make up most of the music, her voice is layered in some songs. Listening to some of the songs I feel tellaported back to the depression era or a more simple time. Her voice is as clear and beautiful as ever, and you feel like you are getting a glimpse into her private journal, full of dark little secrets. It is what I would call Gothic. The title track is one you will want to hear over and over. It is very sweet and sincere, and romantic. It has such an antique feel to it. Grow, Grow, Grow is another haunting song with layers of piano tracks, I envision a ghost walking through an abandoned house, howling about her missing loved ones, and a life lost too soon. The Piano has a video that is really interesting. The song itself is a tortured tune, about misery and missing someone so much bit hurts, while the video is composed of pornographic silhouettes cut out and collaged together, with the naughty parts covered with black tape or permanent marker. They move and morph into different images as Harvey cries out over them, “Oh god I miss you.”
This is definitely not an UPBEAT or FUN album, but it has so much intrigue and character. I love the creepy, pastoral feel of it. Not for everyone, but a lot of people could enjoy this album. It could have been made 100 years ago and you wouldn’t know the difference. Something you could listen to while sitting in front of the fire on a cold winter night, while closing your eyes and just playing out the songs in your head.
Rating~ 
1/2 (out of 5)
Rock'n'Nicco @ December 1, 2007