Damn, this is by far the best thread on Audiogon!
@slaw: Steve, I have yet to hear PJ Harvey sing (gotta fix that), but when Pearl Harbor debuted her new style and band at The Lava Lounge on Sunset Blvd. about twenty years ago, I was her drummer and harmony singer. Ms. Harvey was there, and Pearl brought her over before our set and introduced us. She was as sweet as could be, not a trace of attitude.
I think I have always perceived PJ as an East Coast-style singer, in the Patti Smith mold, which I don't care for. Only one way to find out, right? I've been feeling adventurous lately, with some hits (Kasey Chambers---whom I already like---with Shane Nickolson. Very good.), some misses (Ys by Joanna Newsom. Cool orchestration by Van Dyke Parks, but that's about it.).