Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can

Somehow even though she's only 19, it's hard to use the term "precocious" when describing British neo-folk songstress Laura Marling, at least in terms of anyone thinking that this exceptionally reserved, bracingly intelligent young performer might have some kind of sassy cockiness in tow. Shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, Marling with her stunningly consummate '08 debut album Alas I Cannot Swim quickly became the darling the British press, garnering glowing accolades for songs that seemed wrested from a decidedly "old" soul. A subtle intensity burns at the core of Marling's songs, her clipped vocal style and somber storytelling presented in a style that borrows equally from the classic English folk of Sandy Denny and the melodies of Joni Mitchell while boldly following her own dark vision. This is, simply put, brilliant stuff.

Follow up I Speak Because I Can arriving March 23 (Virgin) in the U.K (April 6 U.S.) continues Marling's penchant for timeless sounding folk/pop but fleshes things out a bit thanks to some inspired production tweaking (and bevy of interesting instruments) from noted soundman Ethan Johns (Ray LaMontagne, Kings of Leon). Describing the process as "very organic", Marling notes that "it’s a very different approach to the first album. An approach that I prefer. I think it’s setting up a new sound for the future." First single - "Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)" - keeps things pretty basic, production-wise, but Marling promises a more "rootsy" sound along with some "bumps and lumps" when the album drops. Highly recommended.

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Laura Marling - "Devil's Spoke" (from the album I Speak Because I Can)

Laura Marling - "Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)" (from the album I Speak Because I Can)

Laura Marling - "Made By Maid" (live on the BBC, from the album I Speak Because I Can)