A recent conversation over more than a few beers led to the question being asked, what is the sexiest music video ever made? Fake Meg White sex tapes (that was so not sexy) excluded, a few people made a good case for this video, which—despite looking like a perfume commercial—is a pretty solid choice.

My vote was for something a little more subtle, “Henry Lee,” by PJ Harvey and Nick Cave. The sheer amount of touching, and sexual tension, is pretty compelling, as is the simple nature of the video. How they didn’t end up fucking on the floor after this was shot is beyond me.

Speaking of PJ, her new album White Chalk was released today to a minimal amount of fanfare (damn you Springsteen!). It’s a stark and very haunting record, and although it lacks the raw punch of some of her earlier recordings, the songs tend to stay with you a lot longer.

MP3:
PJ Harvey - Before Departure

Now if she would just tour. When was the last time she played Portland? Opening for U2 in 2001?