iTunes Originals – PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey · 2004
47 min · 20 tracks · alternative rock
A captivating blend of spoken word and songcraft that showcases PJ Harvey's raw emotional depth and distinctive storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Dress Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Down by the Water — This track exemplifies Harvey's ability to blend haunting melodies with vivid imagery, capturing her signature blend of vulnerability and strength.
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The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth — With its driving rhythm and provocative lyrics, this song underscores Harvey's knack for storytelling and social commentary, making it a standout piece.
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This Mess We’re In — Featuring Thom Yorke, this collaboration highlights the emotional complexity and atmospheric soundscapes that define Harvey's work during this era.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- introspective storytelling throughout
- emotional depth in short tracks
- haunting melodies for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification
- seek straightforward structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A retrospective album showcasing her work, but not a primary entry point or breakthrough.
- Career context
- By 2004, PJ Harvey was established as a leading voice in alternative rock, with this album acting as a retrospective of her career. Released as part of the iTunes Originals series, it encapsulates her evolution from her debut in the early '90s through to her more recent works, reflecting on her artistic journey and collaborations.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anna Calvi· Bat for Lashes· St. Vincent
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth
The narrative shifts to a confrontation where the protagonist directly addresses betrayal and disillusionment.
Tracklist
- 1 ‘Dress’ First Got People Interested in Me 0:49
- 2 Dress Start here 3:19
- 3 An Old Fashioned Fairy Tale 0:47
- 4 Fountain 3:40
- 5 Dark Things Happening 0:58
- 6 Down by the Water 3:19
- 7 The Perfect Band for a Perfect Day 1:34
- 8 A Perfect Day Elise 2:54
- 9 Why the Stories Album Was So Successful 1:02
- 10 Good Fortune 3:25
- 11 Collaborating With Thom Yorke 1:00
- 12 This Mess We’re In 4:01
- 13 Ugly Is a Good Start 0:34
- 14 The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth 4:35
- 15 Living in Fear of Comfort 1:41
- 16 The Letter 3:23
- 17 Two Ferrets in a Big Bag Trying to Get Out 1:51
- 18 Uh Huh Her 2:48
- 19 There’s Beauty in Darker Days 0:34
- 20 The Darker Days of Me & Him 5:12
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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