There are some songs credited solely to “PJ Harvey” (as the performer) where it’s conceivable she could have played everything, but I know for sure something like “This Wicked Tongue” features Mick Harvey on bass and Rob on drums.
I love the demos for “Highway” and “Me Jane,” especially the former. Goodness! Right away I noticed she got her Telecaster to feedback like it does on those early solo performances of that song, from 92-93 (White Horse Tavern 1992; McGabes Guitar Shop ‘93, post-ROM tour). I’ve never been able to achieve that with my Telecaster, just not enough gain, especially not from the neck pickup like she used. What a treat that demo is— so wild.
Another thing, I really
really wish the version of “30” here was the “Live from the Fallout Shelter” version with the full band and not the lifeless, slide-guitar demo. The difference between the two versions is like night and day. Glad I have the CD-ripped file of the full band version.
Overall very happy to have these all on my phone via Apple Music until I get the vinyl box, and I hope the availability will facilitate more people discovering hidden gems like “Angel”, “The Falling”, “Kick It To The Ground”, and that pair of sick UHH demo outtakes, “Evol” and the title track. Bad-ass!
In case anyone missed it, here’s what was posted in her Instagram story today:
Quote:
Of the track 'Evol', Polly says,
"I wrote this in a hotel in LA on a tiny 4-track
and drum machine and a guitar I borrowed
from Moris Tepper along with one of his
fabulously strange guitar tunings. Thank you
Moris! My 2004 band and I enjoyed playing
this song a great deal but it never made it onto
a record.