"When Under Ether" is a song written by PJ Harvey for her album White Chalk (2007). It was released as the album's first single in September 2007. This song was #32 on Rolling Stones list of the 100 Best Songs of 2007No byline (11 December 2007). "The 100 Best Songs of 2007" Rolling Stone. Retrieved 21 December 2007 and reached number 101 in the UK Singles Chart.
Release "When Under Ether" was released as the lead single for White Chalk on 17 September 2007, in both digital download and limited edition 7" vinyl formats. The b-side is "Wait", a song which Harvey composed and recorded in 1988, rumoured to be one of her first recordings."'When Under Ether' Out Now." (18 September 2007). PJHarvey.net. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
Composition Harvey wrote "When Under Ether" and produced it along with Flood and John Parish. It is set in common time () and composed in the key of F minor. Throughout the course of the song, Harvey's vocal range spans over one octave from C4-A♭4.
According to critic Joshua Klein, "the simple repetitive pattern that gently drives 'When Under Ether' drips with menace."Klein, Joshua (2007). "PJ Harvey: White Chalk Review", Pitchforkmedia.com. Joshua Klein, 24 September 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2008. Drums, autoharp, and organ accompany the main components of the song and are low in the mix.
One critic suggests the song is an account of a "harrowing" birth under archaic medical conditions,Hannan, Tom (2007). PJ Harvey: White Chalk "Review", Rockfeedback.com. 10 October 2007 3:02:52 PM. Retrieved 10 June 2008. while other criticsKeefe, Jonathan (2007). PJ Harvey: White Chalk "Review", Slant Magazine. Posted: 1 October 2007. Retrieved 10 June 2008.Mardles, Paul (2007). PJ Harvey: White Chalk, The Observer. Sunday 16 September 2007. such as Heather PharesPhares, Heather (2008). [ PJ Harvey: White Chalk] "Review", AllMusicGuide.com. Retrieved 9 June 2008. hint that they "quite possibly" refer to "abortion, since unwanted children are some of the many broken family ties that haunt the album". When asked directly during an interview in The Guardian, Harvey replied, "That's obviously what you hear, but for me it's not actually tied to anything specific, like an abortion. These aren't just words. They're songs. They inhabit themselves, really"."Songs of innocence and experience." (28 September 2007). The Guardian. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
Track listings UK 7" single (1747513) "When Under Ether" – 2:25 "Wait" – 2:17
US promotional CD (N/A) "When Under Ether" – 2:25 "Wait" – 2:17 Interviews – 14:32
EU promotional CD (WHENCDPRO1) "When Under Ether" – 2:25
Personnel All personnel credits adapted from the album's liner notes.
Musicians PJ Harvey – vocals, piano, acoustic guitar John Parish – drums, acoustic guitar Eric Drew Feldman – keyboards
Technical personnel Flood – producer, engineer, mixing John Parish – producer, mixing PJ Harvey – producer, mixing, additional engineer Catherine Marks – assistant engineer Andrew Savors – assistant engineer Ali Chant – additional engineer John Dent – mastering
Design personnel Maria Mochnacz – artwork, photography
Charts Chart (2007) Peakposition UK Singles Chart 101
Further reading Hogan, Marc (2007). PJ Harvey "When Under Ether", Pitchfork. Retrieved 10 June 2008. Klingman, Jeff (2007). PJ Harvey "When Under Ether" "Track Review", Prefixmag.com. Retrieved 10 June 2008.
References