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Alas I Cannot Swim | 
 enlarge | Artist: Laura Marling
Label: Astralwerks
Category: Music
List Price: $12.98
Buy New: $5.29
You Save: $7.69 (59%)
New (35) Used (13) from $4.85
Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 1738
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: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: *FACTORY SEALED!! FAST SHIPPING!!
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| 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 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 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, Alas places Marling head and shoulders above the bawlers and wailers. --Paul Sullivan
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.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Ancient Heart November 27, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
It's hard to imagine she's only all of 18, when she can expound such old world wisdom about life and love... Can be depressing to sit through the album in its entirety, but who can resist that lilting voice that's at once fragile and defiantly strong...
Be Reborn November 24, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Laura Marling's "Alas I Cannot Swim" burst out of the speakers for me, a delightful discovery. While one of my favorites is ironically titled "Failure," many tracks sparkle such as "You're No God" with its sweet shuffle, "You've never needed someone to comfort you." On "Cross Your Fingers" Marling combines a sunny melody with a darker lyric, "I jump into your grave & die; In your words, you'll give up your whole life for me & be reborn bigger & stronger." "My Manic & I" spins alluring with a heavy layer of sarcasm in the lyric, "I don't believe him; Morning is mocking me; Oh the gods that he believes never fail to amaze me; He believes in the love of his god of all things, but I find him wrapped up in all manner of sins." The opening track "Ghosts" is another sparkler that bounces with its bubbly melody and world-weary lyric, "Lover please do not fall to your knees; It's not like I believe in everlasting love." "Alas I Cannot Swim" has amazing buoyancy, marrying excellent songwriting and performance. Bravo!
raw gorgeousness November 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
Not disappointed at all. A true gem for those who like their music a little folksy with meaningful, deep lyrics.
 Alas, I cannot swim. September 29, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
Also Amzon's Review (recommended) nailed my decision to buy the Album.
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 .
Understated, honest, consitently good. September 21, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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.
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.
The stand out track is Night Terror imo.
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