Search - PJ Harvey :: 4-Track Demos

In many ways, a superior take on the songs from Rid of Me.

D. Mok | Los Angeles, CA | 11/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without producer Steve Albini and her band (drummer Robert Ellis and bassist Stephen Vaughan), PJ Harvey's music is stripped to its barest essence. Rid of Me was as raw as they came, but 4-Track Demos goes farther, leaving Harvey with only her guitar and voice. And thus was corrected one weakness about Rid of Me -- the vocals had been mixed back, obscured by clouds of effects (Albini has an alleged hatred for the human voice). Here on 4-Track Demos, Harvey's vocal work is right in your face, and what she lost in the gut punch of the excellent Vaughan/Ellis backbeat, she gained in expressive clarity and emotional impact. This is a rare glimpse into the making of a masterpiece, almost like Bruce Springsteen's Tracks boxed set. Sometimes what an artist gives up (or employs) en route to completing an album is just as fascinating as the finished product itself. In the case of Rid of Me and 4-Track Demos, the two are intrinsically linked, and make for essential Harvey listening whether separately or jointly."

I open up and you call me "devils gateway"!

deafeningwhisper | Chicago, IL. | 02/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is one raw album. Lyrically, vocally and instrumentally. It's also PJs best record as far as revealing that she has a sense of humor. On her other records, that humor is often difficult to see, even though it's there. It just takes time to notice it. Here, the humor is quite evident, all the while the music is still shaking your fillings and stomach content by it's stark, powerful and raw directness.One thing I've admired about PJ Harvey is her willingness to sound bad. That is, not always singing in a pretty or melodious voice. Sometimes her voice is used as an instrument of discordance. Wailing, shreiking, moaning, you name it, PJ does it.. and there is a lot of it on display here. It can be quite alarming if your listening tastes are a little more sedate. Certainly unlike most of what has been heard on the radio or MTV over the last 20 years. But if you are a Diamanda Galas fan? no sweat. Nothing will surprise you here! Of course, when PJ Harvey wants to she can sing with the sirens, but with this record, her prettiest singing is left elsewhere.

This record contains many songs that ended up on the 'Rid Of Me' of me record. Some people prefer this record to that one as PJ's vocals are more "there" here, as opposed to the studio 'ROM' record, which lowers the vocals a bit in relation to the instruments. On balance, I prefer the studio 'ROM' a little more, as there is a little more filler on this 4-Track Demo record. Still, lots of great stuff here, and a must for any major fan. For everyone else, unless my description appeals to you, I would suggest this be the last PJ record you explore. Check out some of her other ones first."

Polly Jean in the raw...

R. Walton | New Jersey, United States | 06/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of stripped-down demos is PJ Harvey's best record. Certainly not for everyone, but if you love Polly Jean for her more hard-edged, noisy, raw work, you'll be well pleased with "4-Track Demos." The versions here of tracks from "Rid of Me" are excellent, some (like "Rub 'Til it Bleeds") are better than the studio tracks.But I must say, the otherwise-unrealeased songs are even better...the raunchiness of "Reeling," the laid-back tension of "Driving"... "M-Bike" is a favorite, about competing with a boyfriend's motorcycle for attention. It would be funny if it wasn't delivered with such passion and anger -- such is Polly's power. The dirge-like "Goodnight" reminds me a bit of Mazzy Star (or is it the other way around?), and took a little growing on me, but is also an excellent track.In short, if you like PJ Harvey, this record is essential. I would also argue this is a good introduction to her. "4-Track Demos" captures Polly Jean's essence and, if you can swallow it, gives you an idea of the talent and intensity of this artist."