PJ Harvey's new album White Chalk

[Stryker]

Has anyone else here heard it? I think it doesn't hit the US until next week but it was released here in the UK yesterday. Wow! It's the most beautiful album I've heard all year.

I don't know if there are many PJ fans here, but this is totally different to anything she's done before. It's a guitarless album, mainly just her voice and piano, but also with other interesting and unusual instrumental touches like banjo, harmonica, mellotron and even a wine glass, lol. It has a dark, gothic atmosphere but also a lot of lush melodies and beautiful, warm musical textures.

Not for all tastes, obviously, but I am always a sucker for these dreamy, wintry, ambient sounds.

 

[Pushyourluck]

I'm going to download it as soon as I can. I love P.J Harvey, I could listen to her voice the alphabet all day long.

 

[just_mills]

I've had it for a few days!
It's actually really good.
Definately worth it, if you're a fan of hers.

 

[justsimon]

It comes out here on October 2. I'm going to pre-order it tomorrow.

 

[iluvbenmckenzie]

It was supposed to come out on Tuesday, but was pushed back to October 2nd, like sinfulsimon said. I'm really excited. I only have two of her albums, but I love Rid of Me.

 

[syntax]

Looking forward to the release but expecting that it is not going to be "easy listening" I wish she would make a club tour of the US. Last time around she opened for U2 in big arenas- as much as I am a fan of PJ I couldn't do that.

 

[justsimon]

Looking forward to the release but expecting that it is not going to be "easy listening" I wish she would make a club tour of the US. Last time around she opened for U2 in big arenas- as much as I am a fan of PJ I couldn't do that.

I saw her open for U2 at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland. Most people hadn't shown up yet when she was playing, so my friends and I snuck down to the expensive seats. She managed to put on an amazing, intimate show despite the huge setting. I can't say the same for U2.

 

[Raybee]

I've been looking forward to this release. Glad to hear some positive reports. Thanks guys!

 

[G-Lexington]

I'll be the one who dissents. I listened all the way through today. A couple tracks I thought were good, but too many just struck me as boring (and annoying) piano noodling. Maybe your cup of tea, but not mine.

Lex

 

[syntax]

^^
I'm afraid that might be my reaction. Then again, maybe it's a "grower" and one listen is not enough. I have several favorite albums that I didn't really like at first.

 

[axlsergei]

“White Chalk” is almost all I’ve been listening for the last few days. I’m listening to it right now. I think it’s really good, and quite the departure from her previous work. I’m enthralled by it. It may have to do with the fact that it fits my mood quite well at the moment. Ok, I have to admit, the first time I listened to it, by the second song I was thinking, WTF!? …and had to put something else. But by the second listen I was hooked.

 

[kiklop]

good one!!

 

[iluvbenmckenzie]

It's different, but I like it. Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea is still my favorite, though.
Favorites on White Chalk:
Dear Darkness
Grow, Grow, Grow
The Mountain