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PJ Harvey — This Mess We're In (w/ Thom Yorke)
Album: Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3265









Released: 2000
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 3
Can you hear them
The helicopters?
I'm in New York
No need for words now
We sit in silence
You look me
In the eye directly
You met me
I think it's Wednesday
The evening
The mess we're in
And ooooh...

The city sunset over me
The city sunset over me

Night and day
I dream of
Making love
To you now baby
Love making
On screen
Impossible dream
And I have seen
The sunrise over the river
The freeway
Reminding of
This mess we're in

And ooooh...
The city sunset over me
Ooooh...
The city sunset over me

And ooooh...
The city sunset over me
Ooooh...
The city sunset over me

What were you wanting? / What was he wanted?
I just wanna say / I just wanna say
Don't ever change now baby / Don't ever change
I'd thank you / I'd thank you
I don't think we will meet again / I don't think we will meet again
And you must leave now / And you must leave now
Before the sun rises / Before the sun rises
Above the skycrapers / Above the skycrapers
And the city landscape comes into view / And the city landscape comes into view
Swell on my skin
Oh
This mess we're in
Ooooh...

And ooooh...
The city sunset over me
Ooooh...
The city sunset over me

And ooooh...
The city sunset over me
Ooooh...
The city sunset over me
Comments (351)add comment

i used to really like this, but i'm finding it really annoying today.


sounds like thom is trying to yodel.
and she likes her guitars

lots of guitar songs, she has
Top to bottom great album.  This song a dream combination with the singer of favourite album of all time Ok Computer
Has a little Patti Smith vibe....
Those masterful chord changes -- and the way their voices dance -- give me chills, especially coming after Ramasutra's "Kwaidan"... I love it; keep 'em coming, RP!
 pktinkler2984 wrote:


Who has received critical acclaim within the industry and whose work is bought by millions.  Some joke.



Millions bought the Vanilla Ice record too.

Not giving this a 1, but rather a 2, because I like PJ Harvey.
 handyrae wrote:

Seriously? Just because I hate Thom Yorke's whining enough that hearing it three times in a six hour period makes me raise an eyebrow, doesn't mean I would go find another station. Worse comes to worse, I'll hit the PSD button. RP is the only music radio station I listen to and I'm set up for an automatic monthly donation. 



I wish your whining would be as good as Thom's, at least it would be an enjoyable reading
Whenever two of my favourite vocalists join forces to create a masterpiece like this...
...you can be sure that the haters aren't far away. ;)

Now, do I have to worry? :P
 aspicer wrote:

Just read a box set is coming soon of unreleased tracks and B-sides across all her albums - tempting!



It's a 3 CD set and it's fantastic. 
This time round i chose to play the Jim White & Aimee Mann version of 'Static On The Radio' off my iTunes...
It's absolute bliss compared to this mess 

in my humble opinion, as always...

Simply terrible. I
Whenever this comes on, I wanna hear  the Jim White & Aimee Mann version of  'Static On The Radio'. I would sit through this track if i knew for sure that that was coming next. But it never has so far.
Hmm, to skip or to play the Jim White & Aimee Mann version of 'Static On The Radio' off my iTunes... 
Oh it's ok - 'This Mess' just finished, before i got this all typed in, and we're on to the next track (but it isn't 'Static On  The Radio'), boo!
Just read a box set is coming soon of unreleased tracks and B-sides across all her albums - tempting!
I'm sure Thom Yorke , respects your opinion of him 😂
 maboleth wrote:

Thom the whiny Joke. 



Who has received critical acclaim within the industry and whose work is bought by millions.  Some joke.
2 Legends = 1 great song!
this rocks

we need more pjs

her guitar playing is pretty good too
 kbs wrote:

I was listening away from my screen and heard the lyric 'Night and day I dream of Making love To you now baby' and thought that the dreary dude had no chance and should go back to listening to Radiohead in solitude - then found who was singing! True story. Not my bag at all, and not a marriage made in heaven for me, but then I have tried and failed to 'get' Radiohead. I'm probably too old and happy!



Good lord, this song was 20 years old when you wrote your comment and could practically be considered classic rock. "Too old." lol
 timmus wrote:

The over-the-top whining in this song pretty much soured me on Radiohead.  It upstages PJ Harvey, too.



But that's all Yorke ever does.
The over-the-top whining in this song pretty much soured me on Radiohead.  It upstages PJ Harvey, too.
 TheKing2 wrote:

Two remarkable vocalists in a mesmerizing song.




barf 
 SmackDaddy wrote:

I think you may find some disagreement out there



Rolling Stone awarded her 1992's Best New Artist and Best Singer Songwriter and 1995's Artist of the Year, and listed Rid of Me, To Bring You My Love (1995) and Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.




None of which is this album.  
Two remarkable vocalists in a mesmerizing song.
A lovely moody song. With two great singers.
Getting my minimum daily adult requirement of angst and alienation.  It's rather typical of any sounds associated with Radiohead. 
Thom the whiny Joke. 
Go...PJ...go.  Push them boundaries. 

It's rnr. Not top 40 poop. I mean pop.   
Mesmerisingly perfect album from beginning to end
is that a Selmer alto sax she is holding in the photo?

if so, she's got great ears in selecting a sax

especially if it's an older one, made in paris

I got a 1959 tenor. it's a beast. 

   
PJ Harvey just is like an apple on a tree.
A great haunting spooky song a good groove, a brilliant pairing of voices
They so hooked up
I wonder if this mess was between the two of them?
I remember when pj harvey was on sophisticated boom boom on WFMU, great interview
 SmackDaddy wrote:

I think you may find some disagreement out there



Rolling Stone awarded her 1992's Best New Artist and Best Singer Songwriter and 1995's Artist of the Year, and listed Rid of Me, To Bring You My Love (1995) and Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.




I’ve always appreciated PJ Harvey, but recently I’ve been watching YouTube videos of her live performances and appreciating her even more. 
Brilliant combo. Who would have thought?
We really need more people like PJ. 
Excellent arrangement and performance.

Damn.  I mistakenly forwarded past the ending with these new fancy headphones.  Once again, a victim of technology.
geilomat 
Gorgeous album since the day it came out! Stands the true test of time and artistry. LOVE THIS EFFING SONG. 
 Proclivities wrote:
 ace-marc wrote:
Let's face the facts: This was a weak album by a weak band.
Really no need to play it. 
Opinions - even when repeated verbatim for two different songs on the same day - are not facts.
 
I'd even go so far to say opinions repeated verbatim cannot be fact, cuz opinions change!
For instance, I've gone from a 4 to 6 to 7 and today to 8 on this one as my opinion (of PJ, & TY/RH) has changed...LLRP and changing opinions!!

Fantastic!
 cavemanleong wrote:
Fan-freaking-tastic! Love Polly Jean and everything she makes.
 

100% with you! I have to admit I have a bit of a crush...
Harvey no giv gitar
York
Not my favorite track from this excellent overall album. Check out:

The Whores Hustle And The Hustlers Whore
You Said Something - or
This Is Love
Better?

 ace-marc wrote:
Let's face the facts: This was a weak album by a weak band.
Really no need to play it. 

 
I think you may find some disagreement out there



Rolling Stone awarded her 1992's Best New Artist and Best Singer Songwriter and 1995's Artist of the Year, and listed Rid of Me, To Bring You My Love (1995) and Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea on its 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list.


In 1995, upon purchasing a 1942 Studebaker Champion 4 door ( suicide doors ) I christened her Polly Jean, in honor of Ms Harvey.  I still have her  -- the car, not
Ms Harvey.  
 ace-marc wrote:
Let's face the facts: This was a weak album by a weak band.
Really no need to play it. 
Opinions - even when repeated verbatim for two different songs on the same day - are not facts.
I was listening away from my screen and heard the lyric 'Night and day I dream of Making love To you now baby' and thought that the dreary dude had no chance and should go back to listening to Radiohead in solitude - then found who was singing! True story. Not my bag at all, and not a marriage made in heaven for me, but then I have tried and failed to 'get' Radiohead. I'm probably too old and happy!
Must be in special mood to enjoy this. I am in that mood right now.
There's a lot of rudeness directed to the artists with this one.  I don't like it, so I PSD it.  Both artists polarise opinion, but that's what makes them great.  My opinion doesn't count, but I don't enjoy the bile towards either.
 jonahboo wrote:
amazing


j/k
Thom is terrible
 
dude, you read my mind
 GerardVanDenBerg wrote:
I wouldn't call this music.
 

Can you hear sounds arranged in time?
amazing


j/k
Thom is terrible
Tough call...but this is probably my favorite Thom vocal ever.
My two favourite miserable singers, together :-)
Keine ist wie Polly Jean
great song, sounds like a sequel to street spirit (fade out)...
I wouldn't call this music. The voice and guitar don't seem to connect. I don't hear singing but moaning, terrible.
i love this song...great tune!

 kcar wrote:


You read my mind. Radiohead should leave him at a truck  stop in Pomona.
 
Luckily, PJ Harvey does not agree with you.
 jelgator wrote:
I think PJ Harvey is great.  Sorry she had to defile this song with Thom Yorke.  PSD.
 

You read my mind. Radiohead should leave him at a truck  stop in Pomona.
So I heard this song and immediately thought it was Radiohead, so had to look it up...aha, Thom Yorke. I actually find myself very drawn to Radiohead. I'm not sure why, but everytime they come up on RP I'm always intrigued--often it's not a song I've heard before.  Surprised to see so many displeased with them...as always, to each his own
I think PJ Harvey is great.  Sorry she had to defile this song with Thom Yorke.  PSD.
 lizardking wrote:
Can someone please help me find Radiohead or T. Yorke tunes that are a good intro to his style?  I'm not entirely opposed to the whiny voice once I "get it" and for instance on this track, not until he and she do a bit of harmonizing do I feel like I enjoy the song. 
 
fake plastic trees


great song, getting better each time i hear it...

Why would you ruin a song by inviting Thom Yorke and his painful rectal itch of a voice?
 Deadwing wrote:
Wow, just dreadful. That may be the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Makes "Boats and Hoes" from Stepbrothers sound like a sonata.
 
Yes, wherever I hear Thom's whining I go into panick mode to press PSD or >| as fast as possible.
Fan-freaking-tastic! Love Polly Jean and everything she makes.
Wow, just dreadful. That may be the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Makes "Boats and Hoes" from Stepbrothers sound like a sonata.
Is she P J Proby's sister?
                                  
Help :(
Can someone please help me find Radiohead or T. Yorke tunes that are a good intro to his style?  I'm not entirely opposed to the whiny voice once I "get it" and for instance on this track, not until he and she do a bit of harmonizing do I feel like I enjoy the song. 
that guy sounds like a real Creep
 MassivRuss wrote:

Thom Yorke - pitiful. What is the great attraction to his whiny horrible voice and meager musical talent?

 
Sure this song would gain some "power" if sung by James Hetfield. But then again...

Solid 9 for me. I can hardly imagine any song that fits better with Thom Yorke's whiny great voice and great musical talent (including even "Rabbit in your Headlight").
 Lazarus wrote: 
Thom Yorke - pitiful. What is the great attraction to his whiny horrible voice and meager musical talent?
Thom Yorke is not for me... RP redeemed by playing a nice cover of underrated Neil Diamond by Chris Isaak — Solitary Man 

maboleth wrote:

Absolutely. With his tiny pitiful voice. :)

 


 hanssachs wrote:
It doesn't get better with repeated listenings, does it?  Worse every damn time. 

hanssachs wrote:
Christ, not again again!

hanssachs wrote:
Christ, not again .... Thom Yorke's whining gets less interesting and more irritating every time it pops up.

 

 

 
No, your whining does not get any better with repetition.
It doesn't get better with repeated listenings, does it?  Worse every damn time. 

hanssachs wrote:
Christ, not again again!

hanssachs wrote:
Christ, not again .... Thom Yorke's whining gets less interesting and more irritating every time it pops up.

 

 


 MassivRuss wrote:
Way to ruin a song PJ: add Thom Yorke. Yeeesh.

 
Absolutely. With his tiny pitiful voice. :)
Way to ruin a song PJ: add Thom Yorke. Yeeesh.
Glorious stuff 💖 and I can't  stand her.
 adpucci wrote:

seconded.
 
third, fourth and fifth.  (I have multiple personality syndrome.)
great transition from suzanne vega, nicely done!  Remember my offer to be guest DJ with my wife...still stands!!!  Low price!
sounds like 'Static On The Radio' to me
(except i like that song better than this, i think)
just my tupence worth
 fifupoche wrote:
Play anything PJ, play anything Yorke!

 
seconded.
Match made in heaven
sorry, i like the song okay, but the visual of thom yorke and pj harvey gettin their nasty on is a bit off-putting.
Play anything PJ, play anything Yorke!
Love this...
This song is pure drivel, I have noticed lately a vast departure from the usually very interesting playlist into slow electronica type Brian Ferryish
and more ambient music..what happened to this station? it was everyone's favorite in second life and streamed onto many of the public sims.
Appears the whiners have taken control,  " Less confessin and more professin" 
 MinMan wrote:
 handyrae wrote:
Is this Thom Yorke's birthday or something? This is the third song with him singing that RP has played in the last 6 hours. That's two too many in such a short span as far as I'm concerned. 
Clearly this is not your Radiohead Paradise; maybe it's time to check out some other station.

For me, this is fine... just fine. Beats the pants off those "Spring Standards" (Gawd... what a relief).

 
Seriously? Just because I hate Thom Yorke's whining enough that hearing it three times in a six hour period makes me raise an eyebrow, doesn't mean I would go find another station. Worse comes to worse, I'll hit the PSD button. RP is the only music radio station I listen to and I'm set up for an automatic monthly donation. 
He can't sing. Fire him.
Christ, not again again!

hanssachs wrote:
Christ, not again .... Thom Yorke's whining gets less interesting and more irritating every time it pops up.

 


 railroadwail wrote:

Nice I like the talking part that PJ provides



 
{#Clap}   ...... and me
Christ, not again .... Thom Yorke's whining gets less interesting and more irritating every time it pops up.
Polly Jean's earlier work is pretty good too - perfect day for Eloise get the blood flowing...

Good to lighten up occasionally, not every part of every blog post is intended to taken entirely seriously.

 MinMan wrote:
 handyrae wrote:
Is this Thom Yorke's birthday or something? This is the third song with him singing that RP has played in the last 6 hours. That's two too many in such a short span as far as I'm concerned. 
Clearly this is not your Radiohead Paradise; maybe it's time to check out some other station.

For me, this is fine... just fine. Beats the pants off those "Spring Standards" (Gawd... what a relief).

 
You think RadioHead is the only reason to listen to RP?
 "You do not see Thom Yorke's genius!?! Begone!"  The closed world of the RH devotee seems yet another knock on the band, on top of  barren melodic noodling, pretentious artistic angst, and Thom Yorke's really dreadful voice.

And why would PJ Harvey want to do a song that's only going to sound like a hundred RadioHead songs? Why bother?
This sounds more like a Radiohead/Yorke song than PJ's (I quite like her work, btw).
 handyrae wrote:
Is this Thom Yorke's birthday or something? This is the third song with him singing that RP has played in the last 6 hours. That's two too many in such a short span as far as I'm concerned. 
Clearly this is not your Radiohead Paradise; maybe it's time to check out some other station.

For me, this is fine... just fine. Beats the pants off those "Spring Standards" (Gawd... what a relief).
Is this Thom Yorke's birthday or something? This is the third song with him singing that RP has played in the last 6 hours. That's two too many in such a short span as far as I'm concerned.
God, that warbling falsetto really cuts through the din of the workplace.  That's not a compliment.
Great song but I wish that whiny bastard Thom Yorke would get the fuck out.
 kaybee wrote:
I've put this up to a 6, (which is not bad, really) but I really wish PJ could have found someone else for this song.  I don't mind Thom Yorke's voice most of the time; I just find his falsetto objectionable.

 
Gosh, I do apologize. That warbling was my failure to get a firm grip on Thom's throat while I was trying to choke him. 

I'm stickin' with my "2" rating.  

Nice I like the talking part that PJ provides


I've put this up to a 6, (which is not bad, really) but I really wish PJ could have found someone else for this song.  I don't mind Thom Yorke's voice most of the time; I just find his falsetto objectionable.
Incredible song! Especially given it's release within a year of 9-11!  Made more significant b/c she went to NYC for the year prior to 9-11 to gain inspiration for this album....a bit of an omen album I believe, another song on the disc is Kamikaze.
Oh dear God make it end{#Headache}
I'm gonna listen to this album on my ride home from work today. Thanks RP. 
*My* very first PJ HArvey album. Also still my only one... but a couple of songs on it I do love!
As chance would have it, RP plays my favorite "You said something" on a regular basis!  {#Clap}
Hopeless fan of Radiohead, I remember quite well the surprise when Yorke's voice suddenly came out of my loudspeakers.{#Think} ...{#Mrgreen}
Great album.  
 lemmoth wrote:

HUH??  It's her bloody song.  Thom is just guesting.  here.
 
exactamente.
 oilydwarf wrote:
would be better without the cheesy repeated voiceover by ms harvey
 

yup
 oilydwarf wrote:
would be better without the cheesy repeated voiceover by ms harvey
 
HUH??  It's her bloody song.  Thom is just guesting.  here.
{#Daisy}
would be better without the cheesy repeated voiceover by ms harvey
sooo hot
 DigitalJer wrote:
Gets a strong 7 from me...

PLUS I get to interject on an otherwise negative string of posts.  Breaking the cycle, that's what I'm all about!!
 
{#Heartkiss} Thom Yorke!  and i like PJ Harvey a little better because of this song!