I was sitting in a meeting Monday afternoon and it suddenly came to me, the difference between early 90’s alt-heroines Liz Phair and PJ Harvey. They were both universally known for passionate romanticism gone awry, and both held the hearts, however dismembered they may be, of many, many men.
My exact note, as it sits here before me reads “Liz Phair - PJ Harvey would never be suitable - tones - not willing to sacrifice art.” The explanation: I was sitting there, moments from falling asleep and then the sometimes-60s to 80s pop/sometimes pop country station that we listen to every day blew Phair’s “Why Can’t I?” from the speakers. It’s not that I haven’t heard the song a hundred times before, but this time it really made me feel sick. Not only did I have to listen to words that I didn’t believe in, but I had to listen to music that proved a gross sell-out, questioning profitability over artistic freedom. I was not a music fan when both Harvey and Phair peaked in popularity (unless by music you mean House of Pain…because in that case, I was a huge fan of music), but both I held in high esteem. That was until Phair released her 2003 self titled album; I didn’t listen to it, nor have I, and probably wont. But, I have heard the album’s single far over a hundred times - fact. And I’ve seen her subsequent Got Milk? ads bakers dozens of times - fact.
I’m not sure whether it was an act of a Gen X superstar turning a proven formula into a recapitalization of fame or what, but I’m pretty sure you’re not going to hear anything from Harvey’s upcoming Peel Sessions release on The OC. Well, actually I can see that happening, if not for street cred alone, but there’s no way she’s going to be a whore to milk. Cows are bitches, you know it and I know it, and hopefully Harvey knows it. Hey, if John Peel thought she was cool, chances are - she’s cool.
PJ Harvey “Sheela-Na-Gig”
PJ Harvey “You Come Through”
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