ok, so go out right now and buy the new pj harvey album, white chalk. that's pretty much all i need to write in this post because her new album is PHENOMENAL. and really you are on a need to know basis, and that's all you need to know at this point.
perhaps a bit more info would be helpful, yes? i think i can do that for you. anything for you. i'll start by saying white chalk is unlike anything she has done in well, forever. it stays true to harvey's dark side and at times the album is only that; dark and macabre. but it's haunting and lovely. she uses her voice in a way that we haven't heard often from pj; melodic and pitched. there is extensive use of piano on white chalk, which is an instrument we don't hear enough of lately, unless you're a ben folds five fan.
pj doesn't lose her rough side just the gnarly bits. she may sing a little bit higher these days. but we hear a softer, lovlier side of polly jean. albeit different, white chalk is definitely not refined. some of the reviews for the album have been a bit harsh...but the boys over at pitchfork always tend to be some tough nuts to crack regardless. i think it's a great album and well worth the ten bucks.
* when under ether by pj harvey.
** images gleaned from all over the web.
