Search - John Parish, PJ Harvey :: Dance Hall at Louse Point

Harvey stomps merrily (?) across another sonic wonerland

07/26/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a PJ Harvey fan, you already have this album. You were thrown off by the order of the credits on the cover, but would not be fooled into thinking that this was any less than a new stomping ground for Polly Jean's neverending talent for the subversive, passionate, and darkly comic music to which you are addicted. Guitarist John Parish, who supplied much of the multilayered musical texture in the masterpiece, "To Bring You My Love," was supposed to make a breakthrough with this album, demonstrating a wide range of sounds---from avant-garde blues in "Rope Bridge Crossing" to heavily theatrical "Un Cercle Autour de Soleil." Just to remind us that this is his album, we get 2 instrumental pieces---the simple, utterly sublime "Girl" and the uneventful garage-style title track. However, the real treats come when PJ throws her weight around against the sonically rich backdrop. The guttural wail of "City of No Sun" sounds like the product of demonic possession, and "Urn With Dead Flowers in a Drained Pool" is a multilayered bloody valentine worthy of "Rid Of Me." However, her immense talent has never before been demonstrated so well in one song as in "Taut," an oddly affecting and hilarious epic theatrical piece that Harvey sings in a variety of characters, the nature of which is a perversely delightful surprise. The entire album is one of the most grounded art-rock collaborations to date, with all the dynamics of a performance piece. Its loose form is both very liberating (it sounds as if both artists have accomplished exactly what they set out to make without interruption) and somewhat frustrating (PJ's dismal cover of "Is That all There Is" wilts after multiple listenings, and the album ends very abruptly with the loud, compact "Lost Fun Zone.") Nevertheless, it is an incredibly original piece of work from two of the most consistently compelling and versatile artists around, and promises an uncompromising musical journey."

A gem of a find for PJ fans

meltingyellow | Hawaii | 12/13/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Dance Hall at Louse Point" is an overlooked gem. I am a big PJ fan, and after hearing this cd, I've become an admirer of John Parish as well.Granted, it's not for everyone, but PJ's solo music isn't for everyone either, is it? Therefore, anyone who appreciates PJ will surely appreciate this collaboration. Parish's music has a raw, bluesy sound that mixes with PJ's soulful singing perfectly. There are some extraordinary, haunting tracks that I love, like "Rope Bridge Crossing" and "Civil War Correspondent". "That Was My Veil" is an exceptionally beautiful song and is a little easier to swallow than the rest.As I listen to this, I imagine sitting in on a private session between Parish and PJ. They're free to play whatever they want, whichever way they want, and that music, unrefined and unrestrained, is what you get in "Dance Hall at Louse Point." The result is stunning."

A scrappy winner

K. Hernandez | Chicago, IL United States | 11/29/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album floated under my radar until the singer in our band brought it to practice one night. She wanted to start opening the band up to more a more improvised feel that this album has. It injected new life into us but the feeling was hard to sustain. On this album there are many songs i feel the same about. There are incredible beautiful sonic and lyrical moments but they move on before you can grab them. Not that it's a bad thing. It is just unconventional and takes a little getting used to. The songs have a loose improvised feel. Listen to the wonderful off drumming on "Taut" as PJ rants. "Rope Bridge Crossing" is reminiscent of songs on To Bring You My Love, with it's bluesy base, but it is more ethereal and elusive. John Parish has to be commended for the music. As her right hand man on recent albums and tours he is certainly a kindred soul to PJ Harvey. This is an album of two souls playing around with each other."