Let England Shake

[goodguy]

The British photographer Seamus Murphy has made a series of short films to accompany all songs on PJ Harvey's new album Let England Shake. "The 12 films will feature still and moving images from a 5,000 mile road-trip Murphy undertook around England. He has worked similarly with still photography on journeys through America and Russia." (pjharvey.net)

The first one was published today:

[Najemikon]

That is wonderful. Thanks for posting, Matthias, because I've never really paid attention to P.J. Harvey. I don't know if that's what Murphy used, but suddenly I understand why proper photographers would want HD video capability in an SLR. It's not about creating video, but about movement within a still frame. The shots of shadows moving are stunning.

[goodguy]

... because I've never really paid attention to P.J. Harvey.

That's a shame because she is one of the few true artists in the rock music scene. Yes, I admit I'm biased, but still... For more traditional (but only a little) music videos, take a look at the website of her long-time collaborator Maria Mochnacz. You will also find a lot of live stuff on Youtube.

I don't know if that's what Murphy used, but suddenly I understand why proper photographers would want HD video capability in an SLR. It's not about creating video, but about movement within a still frame. The shots of shadows moving are stunning.

I don't know either, but I agree. And although it doesn't answer this particular question, his website gives an in-depth look into his previous work as a photographer.

[goodguy]

The second short by Seamus Murphy for PJ Harvey's new album.

[goodguy]

The third one is up.

Photographer Seamus Murphy on the making of the video:
http://www.newsweek.com/2011/02/15/the-making-of-pj-harvey-s-let-england-shake-video.html

PJ Harvey premiered an early version of the song in a completely off-kilter performance on the Andrew Marr Show (political Sunday morning show on BBC) almost a year ago - in front of then still prime minister Gordon Brown, no less:

[Najemikon]

  I bet the typical audience of that show wondered what the heck was going on! You don't normally see such things and you can tell Marr's studio is not regularly used like that. Still I wonder if Brown picked up on the politics of the song? I'm guessing not.

[goodguy]

Fourth and fifth one are up.
All of them are available in HD (720p) now. I updated the links in the previous posts accordingly. Or you can use the channel link http://www.youtube.com/user/letenglandshake#p/u

[goodguy]

Number 6 and 7:

[goodguy]

Number 8:

[goodguy]

Number 9. Three more to go.

[goodguy]

Number 10:

[Najemikon]

P J Harvey was on Later With Jools Holland last week. I didn't see it myself, but I can almost guarantee it's worth looking up. That music show is probably the best one there is, because Jools is a serious talent himself and doesn't discriminate between genres or have people on to fit an agenda. Everyone is arranged in a huge circle and watch each other perform several times. It's very easy to see Aretha Franklin, perhaps, dancing while Jay Z performs a rap, or something! Random, made up example, but entirely possible.

Here's one of the tracks at least, but it's worth seeking out more because she'll have done several and probably an interview too.

[goodguy]

Thanks for the clip, Jon. I only found another one, no interview. Maybe there wasn't one.

[Najemikon]

Ah, I've been a bit quick off the mark! I thought it was odd you only found one other clip. As she's been visiting the show since 1993 and the album is so tailored, I would have thought there was an interview, however, it's entirely possible there wasn't. But the artists always perform about 3 songs.

I'd forgotten though that 'Later...' is broadcast in an odd way. They do a half hour live show, but then an extended edition is shown on another day continuing where the live broadcast left off. The extended edition of this episode isn't on until tomorrow night (Friday)! 

Do your search again over the weekend and a couple more may appear. I like the show anyway, so I'll try and remember to watch it and let you know for sure.

[goodguy]

And here are the final two: