I have been listening to PJ Harvey since I was fourteen. Her new album, White Chalk only solidifies my years of loyalty. PJ is notorious for writing music that is haunting and intelligent and layered with anchored language. She is, with one word, captivating. I managed to score a copy pretty early, so I’ve had a few weeks to mull over the delicate landscape of her new effort. Each song is valiant, running forward and never turning around to take stock. I love the freedom of her lyric, the movement of her harmonies, the abandon of her themes.  The album is remarkably hushed. Very different from her last few albums, where I felt the pitch was above the sky and her presence was demanded. White Chalk is a necessary ghost story - perfect for these gray days of autumn in Chicago.