Chalk it Up to Growing Old
With her latest album, White Chalk, [PJ Harvey] has retired her guitar for far more minimal piano melodies and wispy vocals that require multiple listenings to absorb. Last night at the Beacon Theatre, she played a one-woman show to connect these new tunes to the rest of her explosive output and, although it was an incredible, beautiful evening of music, it only proved that we want our Polly Jean strapped to an electric guitar, not tinkling the keys.
Harvey took the stage in a white dress, poofy shoulders and flouncy hemline, making her look like a Victorian doll. She glowed under the heavy colored lights, quietly moving between the piano and her amps, keyboard, guitar and cymbal. Playing a mix of songs, including early fan faves (Rid of Me and Man Size) as well as her ethereal new tunes. It was during these transitions that it became more apparent: PJ is new to the piano and her simple melodies do nothing to match her vocal output or energy on the guitar. If you want great piano playing with poetic, confessional lyrics, [Tori Amos] is in town this week.
But what has always been special about PJ Harvey is that shes one of the few women who rocks. Now shes all subsiding tension and contained lovelinesstoo much Thom Yorke influence perhaps? The reality is that this album and songs would be chucked in the bin with the rest of the singer/songwriters with a voice and a message if it werent for her previous ballsy attitude. Hope by next time shes in town, PJ Harveys able to find some of that volatile, eruptive power that makes her so distinctive and unforgettable.
Photo by [Sean O'Kane]