Nilüfer Yanya has released her first solo single post-PAINLESS with a cover of PJ Harvey’s “Rid of Me,” the roaring opener to her 1993 LP that shares the same name.
The London native’s new take opens up the song’s overbearing “you’re not rid of me” refrain into an almost endearing plea to stay together, but like its predecessor, the obsessive adoration comes undone with a crushing, distortion-heavy climax. The track’s typically spare production has always made it the perfect canvas for Harvey to impress upon her distinctive vocals, and Yanya fully embraces the opportunity with her own unique, soulful delivery.
It’s a warmer, yet wounded, interpretation, which fits perfectly considering Yanya’s read of the song as “very romantic despite what some of the lyrics get at.” In a statement, Yanya shared, “‘Rid of Me’ haunted me for many years after I first heard it, but in a comforting kind of way, like I knew it was always there for me. It comes across defiant, alien, and twisted, but it is a perfect song.” Check out Nilüfer Yanya’s cover of “Rid of Me” below.
In March, Yanya dropped her sophomore LP, PAINLESS, one of the best albums of 2022. Her single “the dealer” also nabbed a spot on our Top 50 Songs of 2022 (So Far) list. She has since performed the single “midnight sun” on Fallon and appeared on the new season of the revamped From the Basement series.
Harvey reissued the Steve Albini-produced Rid of Me in 2020 as part of an ongoing vinyl release project. She has a career-spanning box set called B-Sides, Demos & Rarities coming out next on November 4th. Pre-orders are ongoing. In June, she shared an update on her next album of new material, saying “at last I feel very happy with it.” It is expected to arrive in Summer 2023.