I’m little frightened by PJ Harvey. Always have been. But the fear is mixed with a healthy obsession. A good combination to be sure. Her new record, White Chalk, is out next month on Island, and the first single is an extremely stripped-down affair. Harvey pushes her voice almost to a high-pitched whisper, and she is accompanied by a menacing piano line…and a naked woman, lying on the bed next to her, which is a win/win for everyone. She has two US dates planned in October, but they’re in New York and L.A., of course.

PJ Harvey – “When Under Ether” – mp3

White Chalk track listing:

1. “The Devil”

2. “Dear Darkness”

3. “Grow Grow Grow”

4. “When Under Ether”

5. “White Chalk”

6. “Broken Harp”

7. “Silence”

8. “To Talk to You”

9. “The Piano”

10. “Before Departure”

11. “The Mountain”

US dates:

OCTOBER 10 AT THE BEACON THEATRE IN NEW YORK

OCTOBER 15 AT THE ORPHEUM IN LOS ANGELES