A newly released demo of PJ Harvey’s “Let England Shake” offers a rare look into her songwriting process.
The track begins with a loop of the vocal group the Four Lads’ 1958 novelty hit “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” which runs underneath her entire song. Although the song’s influence echoed in the studio version of the track, which became the title track of her 2010 LP, it was mostly in the rhythm of the percussion and guitar line. But here on the demo, you can hear Harvey singing along with the sample at the end. Another revealing moment comes when she starts playing along with the sample; it’s in a different key, adding to the chaos she’s singing about, and it foreshadows some of the dissonances of the album version.
The track will appear on Let England Shake – Demos, which contains early versions of the 12 songs that appear on the LP version of Let England Shake, which is also getting a vinyl reissue. When the album came out, it was a critical success. It won the Mercury Prize and Album of the Year in the Ivor Novello Awards. Both reissues will come out on Jan. 28. The demos’ release will also be available digitally and on CD.
The release is the latest installment of a reissue campaign Harvey kicked off last year with the demo of “Sheela-Na-Gig,” a song that later appeared on her debut album, Dry. She has subsequently offered vinyl reissues of each of her albums, as well as companion LPs of the demos.
Hit-Boy stepped into a more energetic and party driven sound on his latest single "Franchise Boy," released exclusively through YouTube. The record leans on a smooth and stripped back soul sample while also nodding to Dem Franchise Boyz and their classic track "White Tee." Hit-Boy rides the production effortlessly, delivering confident bars packed with flexes about his success and high end lifestyle. The song blends hints of Jersey club rhythms with touches of Miami bass influence, giving the track an addictive and upbeat feel. "Franchise Boy" feels like a strong preview of what could be another exciting run of music from Hit-Boy.
Release Date: Monday, May 18
Genre: Hip-Hop
Album: N/A
N***as had said it was love,
But it wasn't love, I'm really above
The s**t you be talking, I'm floating and walking
In Margiela runners, you won't see them often
