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Alas I Cannot Swim

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Artist: Laura Marling
Label: Astralwerks
Category: Music

List Price: ~~$12.98~~
Buy Used: $4.85
You Save: $8.13 (63%)

New (40) Used (12) from $4.85

Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5

EAN: 5099922935823
ASIN: B001BGTWNI

Release Date: August 19, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand new, never played. Not in the shrink-wrap, small mark on back cover. In stock and ready to ship!

Tracks:

•	Ghosts
•	Old Stone
•	Tap at My Window
•	Failure
•	You're No God
•	Cross Your Fingers
•	Crawled out of the Sea (Interlude)
•	My Manic and I
•	Night Terror
•	The Captain and the Hourglass
•	Shine
•	Your Only Doll (Dora)

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.co.uk
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 iAlas, I Cannot Swim/i--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 naive. 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, iAlas/i places Marling head and shoulders above the bawlers and wailers. i--Paul Sullivan/i

Album Description
2008 debut album from the young British Folk singer/songwriter who will appeal to fans of Kirsty Maccoll, Linda Thompson and Kate Nash. Although not legally old enough to buy a drink, this darling of the Art-Folk circuit has been selling out clubs and garnering critical acclaim. Her gentle Folk songs are haunting, cool and personable. With talent to back up the critical hype that is just beginning, Marling is savvy enough to have released an album that stands tall above the other female singer/songwriters on the scene today. 12 tracks including the single 'Ghosts'. Virgin.

Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

raw gorgeousness November 14, 2008
I happened to read about this wonderful musician and yesterday, i happened to stumble upon this precious cd in the record store cum bookshop in my place. So happy(!), rushed to get it and waited patiently for the right time to listen to Laura's songs while sipping mineral water.br /Not disappointed at all. A true gem for those who like their music a little folksy with meaningful, deep lyrics.

4 out of 5 stars

Alas, I cannot swim. September 29, 2008
Here in Australia Laura Marling recieved national exposure through Triple J radio a couple of months ago . A interview on 2008, and Alas, I Cannot Swim was also the featured Album of the week. If it was not for Laura Marling's appearence on Triple J TV doing a cover version and interview, I would have passed by the Album. br /Also Amzon's Review (recommended) nailed my decision to buy the Album. br /Since the Postcard era of the 80's, British folk/pop has always found a place in my music collection . Alas, I Cannot Swim fits in perfectly, and between my secound and third listen became my most enjoyed new release of this year .br /

5 out of 5 stars

Understated, honest, consitently good. September 21, 2008
It took me a few listens for this album to really grab me, but grab me it has. I listen to a lot of music, and this is the kind of album I'm always searching for. Something that makes me stop what I'm doing and just listen.br /br /Im not sure there's a great deal of point in telling you what she sounds like when you can listen to the samples. The best thing I can say is to at least give it a few listens, as with most really good music, it usualy takes a few listens to get to you. br /br /The stand out track is Night Terror imo.br /

1 out of 5 stars

Banal at best September 1, 2008
0 out of 12 found this review helpful

Just another folk singer, nothing special here. The album is poorly recorded and mixed and in some places poorly produced. Might have been OK with just a guitar accompaniment, but the nasal vocals don't move me. br /br /I honestly can't understand all the hype over this girl, when you can hear similar music just as good for free in front of every wannabe hipster coffee house in the country.br /br /Save your money.

5 out of 5 stars

Laura Marling rules August 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This is the best album I have heard in a long time. I am looking forward to seeing Laura in San Francisco soon. Check this album out, you won't be disappointed. It is great. Look into Noah and the Whale too, a band she is in.

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