It's difficult to think of a less likely 'singles artist' than Polly Jean Harvey. She doesn't really 'do' singles - her work is designed to be listened to in album format, especially her latest opus White Chalk.
So don't expect The Piano to be a heart-warming Christmas single - an opening line of "hit her with a hammer, teeth smash in" should put paid to any festive thoughts. The Piano is an eerie, stark ballad, with Harvey's voice becoming more and more distraught as the song goes on, ending with an anguished cry of "oh God I miss you".
It's disturbing, unsettling and quite brilliant. Of course it will untrouble the winner of the X-Factor in the race for Christmas number 1, but that won't trouble Yeovil's finest in the slightest. Buy White Chalk though for the full majestical effect.
