The PJ Harvey Tribute show served up some major sassiness on Monday night at Springwater, compliments of several local ladies, including, but not limited to, Murielle Rae of The Grayces, Thelma & The Sleaze, and The Deli’s own Erin Manning. The show was organized by Taco Party owner, Lauren Gilbert, in order to raise money for the new local art store at the Little Hamilton collective. Unsurprisingly, the show was successful, just like Gilbert’s previous shebangs, such as the Nashville Femme Vegan Cupcake Calendar show, benefiting Planned Parenthood. Even for people who wouldn’t be considered “die-hard PJ Harvey fans,” the songs and performers were wildly entertaining.
Decked out in all black and strutting their stuff on stage, the girls had the common sense and decency to showcase a wide variety of Harvey’s expansive material, opening with favorites such as “Big Exit,” (click the links to see some low-quality iPhone videos) and, “Down By The Water,” before barreling into some deep tracks, such as the Nick Parrish collaborative, “Black Hearted Love,” which was sung by Murielle Rae. The girls clearly specialized in garage/grunge, judging by the downright raunchy renditions of “Rid of Me,” “50ft. Queenie,” and “Long Snake Moan.” Lauren Gilbert and Amaretta from Pushy Lips took turns with lead vocals, and were backed by Jackie Mackree and Emily Zimmer of Thelma & The Sleaze, and JoJo Jackson from Xpia. Things simmered down a bit during the middle of the set with some PJ Harvey ballads, including “Grow, Grow, Grow,” and, “The Devil,” which were performed by Erin Manning on keyboard/vocals, as well as an acoustic-guitar-accompanied, “C’mon Billy,” sung by Olivia Scibelli.
Seeing such true fans engaged in the on-stage exploration of the in’s and out’s and eccentricities of PJ Harvey’s sick-ass songs was a sight to see. Rumor has it that the gals might go for round two of the tribute show because it was that good. This would be quite fortunate. (Let’s hope they do).—Deli Staff