Why PJ Harvey is Amazing

Musician and songwriter Polly Jean Harvey deserves our respect. Here's why:

PJ Harvey is dedicated to her art. Over the past eighteen years, the English rock star has released no less than ten albums. While these works have seen a varied response from the public, Harvey has never backed away from the opportunity to share her creativity with the world. It is very clear that in a time when many musicians are pre-occupied with monetary issues, this particular musician is recording for the sake of her art and supporters.

PJ Harvey is innovative. Not only does this artist record many albums, but she also concentrates on keeping them fresh and interesting. Each collection represents an original approach to music. In addition to this, the vast versatility of Harvey's talent is on show in her many collaborations. Her work with Josh Homme, Mark Lanegan, Nick Cave and Thom Yorke has produced some wonderful songs that augment her already rich back catalogue of music.

PJ Harvey is a constant in my life. As life goes on, it seems to get more complicated and fraught with potential pain. But with any issue that I face there is also the knowledge that Polly Jean will be there to play her music and soothe my soul. Her melodious voice and beautiful music secures me in a place beyond reality and for that I am in her debt.

An artist who can achieve one of the previous feats is impressive. But by achieving them all, PJ Harvey should be celebrated as the amazing muse that she is.

-The English Student

Evil Music

“Sweet soft and low, I will poison you all” - Joshua Homme

With the variability of music genre that we are exposed to regularly, there is one that transcends time and artist. An inescapable feeling of dread is thrust forth by musicians concerned with this style. When they record, they do so firmly within the realm of evil music.

Artists such as Josh Homme, Radiohead, Trent Reznor and The Mars Volta all engage with the darker aspects of life. Death, despair and depression become the basis for these musicians as they endeavor to create an investigation of a human nature tainted with evil.

The sharp stab of a piercingly malevolent lyric resonates with that string of malicious essence found in us all. The resonance that can ring out from the depths of one’s soul often seeps through when assaulted by these dark undercurrents of vice.

Listen to this music, enjoy and understand it, but most of all: fear it.

-The English Student