#23 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
“Steve Albini recorded it. Harvey screams, whispers, and claws through songs about desire and power. 'Rid of Me' is one of the most visceral opening tracks of the decade.”
PJ Harvey (Polly Jean Harvey) emerged from Dorset, England in the late 1980s with a raw, blues-influenced sound that challenged indie rock conventions. Her debut album 'Dry' (1992) established her as a distinctive voice, featuring sparse arrangements and emotionally intense vocals. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, she released critically acclaimed albums including 'Rid of Me' (1993), 'To Bring You My Love' (1995), and 'Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea' (2000). Harvey's career reached new heights with her 2016 album 'The Hope Six Demolition Project,' which earned her widespread recognition and commercial success. She became the first female artist to win the prestigious Hyundai Mercury Prize twice, cementing her status as one of Britain's most significant contemporary artists.
Style
PJ Harvey's sound spans art rock, blues, post-punk, and alternative rock, characterized by dark, atmospheric production, her distinctive vocal delivery ranging from whispered to raw and primal, and poetic, often cryptic lyrics exploring themes of desire, violence, and loss.
Significance
Harvey is essential to vinyl collectors interested in alternative and art rock history, with her albums representing crucial moments in post-punk and independent music evolution. Her work demonstrates how experimental songwriting and uncompromising artistic vision can achieve both critical acclaim and cultural relevance.
Rid of Me, PJ Harvey's second studio album released in 1993, marked a dramatic sonic shift from her debut. Recorded primarily at a converted church in Devon, England, the album showcased Harvey's increasingly aggressive and visceral approach to songwriting. Working with producers Flood and Steve Albini, Harvey crafted raw, guitar-driven arrangements that emphasized distortion and intensity. The recording process was deliberately confrontational—Harvey used her voice as an instrument alongside the guitars, employing screams and whispers to convey emotional extremity. Key collaborators included bassist Ian Oliver and drummer Rob Ellis, who provided the thunderous rhythmic foundation that drove tracks like 'Rid of Me' and '50 Million'.
Historical Context
Released in 1993, Rid of Me arrived during the height of alternative rock's mainstream breakthrough, though Harvey's approach stood apart from grunge trends. The album received critical acclaim for its fearlessness and artistic ambition, establishing Harvey as a major voice in rock music. Critics praised her willingness to explore darker emotional territory and her rejection of conventional song structures. The album solidified her reputation beyond her cult following and positioned her as an innovator within indie and alternative rock circles during a period when female artists were increasingly challenging genre conventions.
Pressing Notes
The original 1993 Island Records pressing is the most sought-after edition among collectors. Early pressings featured different mastering and pressing plants, with UK and US versions exhibiting subtle sonic variations. The album has been reissued multiple times, including remastered deluxe editions. Collectors should note that the original vinyl tends to have limited dynamic compression compared to some later digital masters. Original copies in good condition command premium prices, particularly UK pressings. The album is relatively available in the secondary market, making it accessible to collectors seeking a crucial 1990s alternative rock record.
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