Dry

I came to P J Harvey via "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea", then was puzzled by "Uh Huh Her" and "White Chalk". A musician not afraid to ditch formula, though for me the rocky side - of which there is plenty here - is more accessible. I was captivated by "Dress" after seeing a video of a great live performance, so bought this to seek it out in context.It's over 20 years old and to my perhaps ageing ears still sounds fresh. It's got real conviction, both musically and lyrically, with PJ sounding incredibly strong and in control (and only 23 when it came out!). Even if that conviction does including putting the dirge-speed "Oh My Lover" at the top of the album - it's hardly a barnstorming opener! Some interesting themes in the lyrics too - the dynamics of relationships and how desire can misfire or be misunderstood. "Dress" - we've all been there.While slightly alarmed at how old this is (and, therefore, how old I am), I'm really enjoying it.

This is a truly fantastic PJ Harvey album. Not easy to get into at first, but my experience with this artist and many other 'difficult' artists, is that the immediate inaccessibility is rewarded (by and large), with repeated listening and patience. As a PostScript to what I have just alluded to, any serious music fans who are not familiar with Miss Harveys back catalogue, I strongly recommend 'stories from the city, stories from the sea'. Excellent album with the perfect balance of classic PJ Harvey introspection interspersed with some 'rock' highlights. This incredibly talented lady can rock with the very best. Getting back to 'dry'. Strongly recommended, but only if you are of a patient persuasion. Radio friendly it is not!

I'm happy to report that this is one of the most lovingly put together remasters and vinyl pressings I own. The drums have never sounded better and the whole mix has been handled perfectly. It has made me fall even more deeply in love with how the trio of the first two albums originally sounded together. If the same level care is put into the rest of these re-releases, it'll be another thing to add to the list of reasons why PJ Harvey is one of the all time greats.

If you like your PJ grungy, you got it here in abundance.

A brilliant album by an artist who is constantly reinventing herself. Like most of her stuff, it can be quite a challenging listen at times. But it is truly worth it. 'Dress' is one of my favourite songs ever.

I have this on cd but have wanted the vinyl for ages, I hear does say the rerelease isn’t great but I love it. This is my favourite PJ Harvey album.

Fantastic album. Although when mine arrived it looked like they'd played football with it in the warehouse (or the back of the van). Naughty boys (or girls).

First heard this album soon after its release and have been a fan ever since. It's raw and broody and every track is excellent.