It is quite hard to distinguish between my love for P J Harvey and this biography of her. First, I need to acknowledge what other readers said about the book. Other people have said that Blandford shows no insight whatsoever, that he has simply done an (admirable) literature survey and summarised 17 years of interviews with and articles on Polly. Admirable, yes. Worth a published biography, maybe not. I’d be more inclined to set up a website, perhaps an information resource for fans.
I honestly have doubts as to whether Blandford has ever met Harvey, or whether he ever listened to any of her music. (I try not to be influenced by the fact that he first wrote a biography of Britney Spears). Given his frankly obscure comments on some of Polly’s music, as well as that of her contemporaries, I honestly have doubts as to whether he has in fact bought an “alternative” album in his life. And if he has met her and he has listened to her genre of music his entire life, why is it not showing in his writing?
One small point of contention: He waxes lyrical about the Glastonbury set where Polly used a staff to beat out the rhythm to “Goodnight”. I was there, it wasn’t only one song. She did it during “To Bring You My Love”. My intention is not to “pull rank” or anything of the sort. However, if you’re going to mention something in four different places in your book, get your facts right. Better yet, try not to depend so heavily on other people’s reviews if you weren’t there to experience it first-hand yourself.

Am I glad I purchased the book? Yes. It is a nicely packaged reference manual of all her songs, collaborations, interviews and bootlegs. Am I enthusiastically awaiting the “authorised” biography whereby I may just learn a sliver of information about this intenseley private and brilliant woman? Of course.