Polly_Jean_Cave wrote:
http://maisonneuve.org/pressroom/article/2010/jun/22/music-we-hate-pj-harvey/
Well, personally I find this more comical than offensive. This woman calls herself a music jornalist? More like a prepubescent Bieber or Britney fan! Look at how informal the language is (not to mention the grammatical errors, lack of knowledge (common and sonic) or intellect but we won't go there; and the vague vague vague description of the music ! ) There's nothing really supporting her argument. I know PJ is not for everyone, and if this was a well written negative review with some proper emphasis on what makes her music so intolerable that would be fathomable... but please!..this is not well written!
Thanks, Polly_Jean_Cave. I've just noticed Skinned has left a comment!
'In the UK, if you’re an indie musician trying to make it big, mentioning P.J. Harvey in your interview is about as common and blasé as saying “I do it for the music, not the money.” Basically, everyone skims over it. Because it’s bullshit. No one really listens to her—her publicists have created such a false indie-icon image around her that to admit nothing comes to mind when you say her name seems faux pas.'
Does the writer really think that all of those indie musicians just mention her without actually liking some of her stuff? I can't imagine Polly letting publicists create an image for her, but maybe I'm biased.
'Harvey slipped into the woodworks on the coattails of other successful female musicians, thanks to her fortunate timing. The early nineties were filled with powerful women unafraid to strap on guitars and tell men to fuck off. Alanis Morrisette, Liz Phair and Shirley Manson led the decade with sounds that are staples of kick-ass female rock today. Florence and the Machine, Bat for Lashes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric—none would exist without the women of the nineties.'
Well, Shirley Manson admires and loves Polly. I'm pretty sure Bat for Lashes has cited Polly as a big influence and a favourite singer of hers; and - but I'm not sure - Florence has done the same. Is the writer a fan of theirs or are they having a 'dig' at them considering what the writer wrote about certain indie musicians mentioning Polly to look like artists rather than mercenaries in it for the money?
'Harvey’s follow-up album Dry...'.
Follow-up album? No more comment needed there!
'...2006’s “White Chalk...'
A bit out there!
'I am not alone in my distaste for her music—or my belief that few are listening anyway. While standing in line for a gig a few weeks ago in London, I began discussing my decision to bash P.J. Harvey with a friend. The response from the woman in front of me: “I thought P.J. Harvey was a man.”'
No-one's music is for everyone - don't get me started on Scouting for Girls! I think Polly may just relish that last paragraph; reminds me of seeing Laura Marling at the Bestival last year. She mentioned Polly and a woman in front of me turned to her friend and asked, "Who?". Made me smile after all these years. For some odd reason I'm glad that some people don't get it or don't even know her.
I had a conversation with someone around a couple of weeks ago who saw Polly live - a few years before me, which made me very jealous and still 'kick myself' after all these years - in Newcastle, England (1992 or 1993?); she remembered seeing this very slight, young woman come onto the stage, then get taken aback by that voice and what came out of her when she started singing. I could tell by the look in her eyes that it was still a cherished memory...Rock on, Gudrun! :-)
Shirley Manson. In it for the music or the money?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVnlhhEGQXI