PJ Harvey - On Tour:  Please Leave Quietly
"I've always hated live shows, hated live albums," claims Polly Jean Harvey. So, she set out to put together something that recreates the "ramshackleness" of the concert experience. The good news is thatOn Tourcaptures Harvey, Rob Ellis, Josh Klinghoffer, and Dingo in all their intensity while on the road in 2004. With few exceptions, like the slinky "Down by the Water," the fiery British quartet brings the noise. The not-so-good news is that the editing is often too busy, offering more quick glimpses than lingering gazes. (With a performer as dramatic as Harvey, a few close-ups would also be welcome.) To make up for this detached, attention deficit-like approach, the 16 songs are inter-cut with interview snippets and insights into the touring process. Further, it's never clear where the band is playing as they move from venue to venue (and Harvey segues from tube dress to punky gown and back). Only London’s Hammersmith Apollo is identified. Mostly they're in dark theaters; except for a brief festival shot and rehearsal run-through of "A Perfect Day Elise" (the house lights are up and the bleachers are empty). The rest of the repertoire ranges fromDry's rollicking "Dress" toUh Huh Her's feisty "Who the F**k?" About the DVD, Harvey adds, "I want it to be a real patchwork quilt of what it's like. I don't want some smooth, slick concert." It's an apt description of this tuneful, if discursive document.--Kathleen C. Fennessy