PJ Harvey: Rid Of Me (Island)

THE FIRST time, it gave me third degree burns. I was driving when the title track's soft murmur exploded into a rocket-thrusted motorcycle roar and I damn nearly crashed the car. I could only manage the one side. Better wait for sanctuary before tackling Side Two. In the silence of a room, in its entirety, Rid Of Me is harrowing, uneasy listening; back-grind music. By God does it provoke reaction. By Jesus and Mary too...