PJ Harvey: Siren Rising: A Biography

by James R. Blandford

Polly Jean Harvey has won worldwide recognition for her raw, bluesy music while remaining one of rock's most enigmatic and private figures. Starting out as PJ Harvey, the first female artist to win the prestigious Mercury Music Prize has spent more than a decade creating a series of scorching albums and collaborating with musicians including Nick Cave, Radiohead, Tricky, Marianne Faithfull and Queens Of The Stone Age.

This groundbreaking biography traces Harvey's personal and artistic development from her childhood in a small Dorset village, through her recordings with Too Pure and Island, right up to her headlining World Tour of 2004.

Featuring both new and archive interview material with Harvey herself as well as those closest to her, this book will be a real revelation for her fans all round the world.

This is the Updated Edition of PJ Harvey's biography, and features a full discography, including bootlegs and rarities.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2004

Reviews

[Miriam Kumaradoss-Hohauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually read biographies, but I picked this one up because I've been a huge fan of Polly's music for years (but am horribly lazy when it comes to following an artist's work closely). The writing was mediocre at best, but the interviews in chronological order saved me the trouble of Googling them. Blandford's writing, as I mentioned, leaves much to be desired, but the copious interview excerpts were very satisfying. I'm unlikely to read anything else by James Blandford, but I'm now more of a PJ Harvey fan than ever. I did feel that the book was, for the most part, as respectful of her privacy as any biography could be (I was pleasantly surprised to see no sensational details about her relationship with Nick Cave, though I didn't enjoy that line that suggested that Vincent Gallo and PJ Harvey had been more than just close friends), and didn't feel horribly guilty about reading it, though the writing was certainly too subjective on several occasions.

The one thing I did come away with was a comprehensive list of all her projects, and I found that extremely useful. So yeah, this is pretty much a book for the lazy fan then.
I agree that the choice of the cover image was off the mark, but then again I'm not certain which image, from which era, would serve to represent who Polly is (not unlike David Bowie). But then again, I suppose that's only to be expected from someone as phenomenal at evolution and innovation as Polly Jean Harvey.

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

To the lady herself, I award five out of five stars. The actual book provided a wealth of information, yet due to the oft subjective nature of the writing and the lazy editing, it was difficult to determine how much of it was accurate. Polly’s reclusive nature was mentioned on more than one occasion in this book, and I could not help but possess a constant underlying feeling of trampling on her privacy. Still, it was my own decision to read it, and I do feel enlightened about certain aspects of her personality, yet I understand that no biography can be comprehensive.

[Christopher McQuain · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5. Useful recap, from beginning through 2004, of the greatest rock artist of our time. But the writing that strings the quotes and anecdotes together is asinine, of third-rate critic/rote press release quality.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was okay. Being an enthusiastic fan of PJ Harvey I've done pretty extensive research on her and know a lot about her background. This book provided me with 90% of information I already knew. The pictures were a nice touch and I did enjoy reading about her childhood but the rest of the book was the same song and dance about her music career and life.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I need to give biographies a rest. Well, horribly written ones. I did not need to be reminded how wonderful she is as an artist. I guess I was hoping for something MORE than what I already know? I am inspired by this woman and this book just made me feel like I was reading some OTHER fan's notes about her life.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very well written collection of articles from other places and lot of conjecture .. unauthorised biography etc.. however still found it fascinating to read as polly is one of my favourite singers etc and there’s a natural inclination to want to know more about her ! Also being from Dorset too was fascinated by that !

[Pauline Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the frequent references to works and artists who have had a bearing on Polly Harvey. Plenty of food for further exploration. It’s fascinating to learn about the many collaborative ventures and exchanges between the singer and other musicians. The book manages to reveal interesting information but PJ Harvey always eludes labels and pigeonholing which I’m glad about.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

once again, shed hate that this exists but I love her and want to be her

[Killian · Rating 3 out of 5]

An account of the rise of PJ Harvey, finishing up in early 2004. Not the definitive PJH book

[Mandy · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is quite hard to distinguish between my love for P J Harvey and this biography of her. First, I need to acknowledge what other readers said about the book. Other people have said that Blandford shows no insight whatsoever, that he has simply done an (admirable) literature survey and summarised 17 years of interviews with and articles on Polly. Admirable, yes. Worth a published biography, maybe not. I’d be more inclined to set up a website, perhaps an information resource for fans.
I honestly have doubts as to whether Blandford has ever met Harvey, or whether he ever listened to any of her music. (I try not to be influenced by the fact that he first wrote a biography of Britney Spears). Given his frankly obscure comments on some of Polly’s music, as well as that of her contemporaries, I honestly have doubts as to whether he has in fact bought an “alternative” album in his life. And if he has met her and he has listened to her genre of music his entire life, why is it not showing in his writing?
One small point of contention: He waxes lyrical about the Glastonbury set where Polly used a staff to beat out the rhythm to “Goodnight”. I was there, it wasn’t only one song. She did it during “To Bring You My Love”. My intention is not to “pull rank” or anything of the sort. However, if you’re going to mention something in four different places in your book, get your facts right. Better yet, try not to depend so heavily on other people’s reviews if you weren’t there to experience it first-hand yourself.

Am I glad I purchased the book? Yes. It is a nicely packaged reference manual of all her songs, collaborations, interviews and bootlegs. Am I enthusiastically awaiting the “authorised” biography whereby I may just learn a sliver of information about this intenseley private and brilliant woman? Of course.

[Maddie D · Rating 1 out of 5]

I must say i was quite disappointed with this book. My expectations were set high as she is an incredibly talented artist. i also felt uncomfortable about the fact that this book was un-ortharised by pj. his attempts to pry into her background proved shallow.i did enjoy the details of her background and home life but it was missing the depth i would have hoped for. any one could have pieced this together with the internet and mediocre writing abilities. Pj Harvey deserves better.
And one more thing, what the hell was he thinking with the cover? there are far better pictures of Polly that show her character. that picture looks fake and bares little resemblance

[Mira · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm rating this book so highly because I like PJs music so much. The book itself is pretty straight down the line, reeling off the facts. Some amusing moments and bits and pieces I wasn't aware of (played a show at the TATE in London, art school moments, etc.). I read a tiny tiny book based on the lyrics to "rid of me" and that was just irritating. In the end, I'd rather just listen to the albums.
I think she should write a book of comedy. One wry sentence per page. In true dada fashion. It'd be great.

[Ming · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has interesting excerpts of PJ Harvey interviews. Blandford's writing style is rather annoying, however, and he often makes rather unwelcomed comments about other artists when telling PJ Harvey's story (e.g. how Mel B is a Z-list celebrity, how so-and-so is inferior to PJ Harvey in such-and-such a manner). Somewhat irritating but it's a nice resource to have if you're interested in getting some insight behind PJ Harvey's artistic journey.

[David · Rating 1 out of 5]

You could write this book with google searchs. I think thats what this guy did.

[S.P. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book about a very enigmatic individual. Doesn't do much to reveal the mystique of the woman, but then that would probably ruin the whole experience of the music.

[Jenna Emens · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of PJ Harvey's it's a must read.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love Polly's work. But this book leaves a LOT to be desired. This guy is a visitor in Polly~land and it shows...