'Stories' the best yet from P.J. Harvey

P.J. Harvey
Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea
(Island Records)

By David John Farinella
Special to CNN Interactive

(CNN) -- Way back when, in those days before punk rock became nothing more than an excuse for poor musicianship and lack of singing ability, artists like Polly Jean Harvey thrived. Her ability to offer brutally honest lyrics with earnestly aggressive, yet melodic, music -- hallmarks of the punk scene -- quickly made Harvey an icon.

A British singer/songwriter, Harvey debuted in 1991 in PJ Harvey, a trio that included bassist Steve Vaughn and drummer Robert Ellis. The trio broke up a year later, and Harvey has since released four solo albums. Her 1995 album, "To Bring You My Love," has been her most acclaimed.

That's all about to change.

AUDIO 'A Place Called Home' 592KWAV sound 'Big Exit' 400KWAV sound 'This Mess We're In' with Radiohead's Thom Yorke 384KWAV sound   MORE REVIEWS Read our latest reviews: Poe, Madonna, more...

For "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea" Harvey is reunited with drummer Ellis and joined by multi-instrumentalist Mick Harvey. The result is an impressive set that may grant Harvey the widespread accolades that she's deserved for so long.

With each release, Harvey has skated that thin line between cult stardom and mainstream success, and has been able to cross the two, back and forth, with ease. "Stories" might make it impossible for her to move back into the shadows.

The beauty of her newfound status is that she did not have to sacrifice a bit of creative freedom, nor trade any of her indie-pixie status.

Harvey blends punk influences a la Patti Smith and the gritty rock attitudes of the Velvet Underground throughout the album. Highlights from the 12-song offering include the rollicking, pulsing punk flavored numbers "Big Exit" and "Kamikaze."

Radiohead's Thom Yorke lends a hand while singing background vocals and playing keyboards on "One Line." He also joins Harvey in a duet on "This Mess We're In" -- a song that sounds vaguely Lou Reed-ish. "You Said Something" is a sultry and accessible tune that could easily make a "Sex and the City" storyline.

The emotional high Harvey hits during "A Place Called Home," the album's third song, is one she never relinquishes. And that makes "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea" one of this year's most enjoyable and engaging releases.

Review: PJ Harvey soars on wings of 'Desire'
September 25, 1998

Island Records

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