Reading-based songstress Laura Marling has been likened to veteran folksters Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Despite such hyperbolic accolades, her entry into the crowded world of young female singer-songwriters has been remarkably hushed and wonderfully organic. Having started writing songs at the age of 15, Marling's success has been achieved not by shouting, but by whispering her way through the ranks. Perhaps because of her youth--she turned 18 just before releasing this Alas, I Cannot Swim--Marling has an understated yet accomplished manner that just doesn't grate like some of her peers. Plus her songs are good--very good. Backed by imaginative arrangements from leftfield acoustic outfit Noah and the Whale, the tracks here are often coyly charming, though far from naïve. Marling digs impressively deep into all kinds of universal topics, from religion and parents to love and romance. Lead single "Ghosts" introduced to many her soft, alluring vocal style, and other songs here share the same sense of intimacy, even if they differ thematically and musically. Things are kept simple throughout (think acoustic strums and a homespun delivery), but there are subtle and beautiful contrasts throughout; the Beirut-esque carnival aura of "Crawled out of the Sea" and the brooding "Night Terror", for example, which provide darker counterpoints to airier fare like the folksy title track and the compelling "My Manic & I". Disarming yet deep, provocative yet peaceful, Alas places Marling head and shoulders above the bawlers and wailers. --Paul Sullivan
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
This is a lovely album which grows on you. I have heard this album a number of times now and each time I find something else to like about it. She is a very young lady with an old soul. Great stuff.
Alas I Cannot Swim
Neverending magic... I'll admit that I shyed away from this album initially since it's not the genre of music I'd usually listen to but after one listen I couldn't have been more impressed. The lyrics are clever and original; the melodies catchy and her voice is simply stunning. Not a day has passed where I have failed to give at least one track on this album a listen and it's hard to stop when the songs are just so magical and captivating!
I love each and every song on the album but I think "Ghosts", "Captain... more info
Talent to burn I usually try to be cool, focused and objective in my reviews but, for Laura Marling's debut album, I'll make an exception. 'Cool, focused and objective' can all take a backseat while their more emotional cousin 'dribbly wide-eyed adoration' takes the wheel, puts his foot down and heads for the sunlit hills. "Alas I Cannot Swim" is gorgeous, clever, moving and absolutely packed with the most exquisite melodies. If there has been a better album released in the past twelve months then, well, I for one haven't... more info
"The real deal" Although Laura Marling is not courting the public or mainstream media (like other singer/songwriters see Adele, Lily Allen or Kate Nash), her voice is so strong and unique that hopefully it is only inevitable that she becomes better known and doesnt just dissappear under the tide of comercialised female singers that all sound the same and demand attention and fame. For the people who have heard her and know how good she is, it is worth having a listen to "Noah and the whale" where she adds backing... more info
