PJ Harvey – Spinning Platters

Single of the Week: “A Child’s Question, August” by PJ Harvey

I mean, new PJ Harvey is generally cause for celebration in almost any situation. “A Child’s Question, August” is not quite what I was expecting, but it was a happy surprise. The song opens not with her deep, powerful, blues-inflected alto that we’ve known to expect from her but a tender, quiet, almost fragile soprano. The song builds like a classic shoegaze anthem- raising in emotional intensity and volume slowly. There’s an Elvis-referencing chorus that flips “Love Me Tender” on its side and a chilling, baritone harmony from the modern voice of Paddington Bear, Ben Wishaw.

“A Child’s Question, August” is the first single from I Inside The Old Year Dying, Harvey’s first album of new material in seven years, coming your way July 7th. I will also note our honorable mention for Single Of The Week- a surprisingly spare and dissonant track from Kesha, “Eat The Acid.”

A Reflection on PJ Harvey’s Dry

Twenty eight years ago PJ Harvey released her debut album. Dry is a vital part of the collective howl of early 90s feminist punk, a subgenre defined by women with loud guitars who demanded a seat at the musical table. Bands like Bikini Kill, Le Tigre, Hole, Babes in Toyland, Sleater-Kinney and L7 pushed against the erasure of women in punk and changed the landscape of popular music forever. Continue reading “A Reflection on PJ Harvey’s Dry“

Show Review: PJ Harvey at The Warfield, 4/14/11

PJ Harvey is simply an artist. It just so happens her medium is music. Every tour for each new record is an engrossing sensory experience, completely different than the last. Having seen her perform at the Warfield for every record, minus White Chalk, (she left SF off the tiny tour), since 1998, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to experience more than my share.

All of the shows up until now, have been full of the energy, gusto, and a hauntingly excitable sound that had left fans floored. Every show ends with just about the biggest display of genuine applause I’ve ever seen or been apart of for an artist. PJ Harvey fans seem to connect with the music fully in both a primal, intellectual, and emotional level, which doesn’t always happen with most artists.

Continue reading “Show Review: PJ Harvey at The Warfield, 4/14/11”

Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/14/11 – 4/21/11

barb rare tube CROP — Duran Duran will be at The Fillmore on Saturday. Jane Fonda is not as likely to be there.

Are you looking for an incredibly busy week? Because we’ve got one brewing!!!!!!!!!!!!! There are way too many things happening in the bay this weekend. Fauxchella for the win! (See, I spelled it out!)

Continue reading “Spinning Platters Weekly Guide to Bay Area Concerts, 4/14/11 – 4/21/11”

PJ Harvey and John Parish at The Warfield, 6/19/09

The spotlight was on PJ for much of the night, as seen in this shot.

It’s been almost five years since PJ Harvey has graced San Francisco with her electric energy. Without a tour in the States for her previous release, “White Chalk,” the barest and probably quietest of all her records, she reemerged alongside old writing mate John Parish, with guns blazing and a fire simmering in the belly. Continue reading “PJ Harvey and John Parish at The Warfield, 6/19/09”

Spinning Platters Official Weekly Tip Sheet For the Week of June 15-21

Bay Area show tips for the week of June 15th to the 21st.

Performing June 21st & 22nd at The Fillmore

Another Installment Of Our Continuing Series In Which We Control Your Social Life!

Continue reading “Spinning Platters Official Weekly Tip Sheet For the Week of June 15-21”