Laura's Mercury Magic

>>>This year’s Mercury Music Prize nominations are, as usual, something of a mixed bunch in attempt to showcase the most exciting albums from across the whole musical spectrum. In the mainstream, Radio 1 favourites (and alleged bitch flight specialists) Adele and Estelle have both received a nod from the panel. Alex Turner completes a hat-trick of nominations, this time for his efforts with The Last Shadow Puppets, adding proof (as if we needed it) that his 2006 Mercury success was no fluke.

Some familiar old faces were welcomed back to the British music scene this year and Radiohead, Robert Planet (with Alison Krauss) and (former Super Furry Animal) Gruff Rhys returning with new act Neon Neon were recognised for their efforts.

The biggest surprise for me however came upon learning that my favourite album of year had actually made it into the Mercury’s top twelve. It’s been nearly two years since I headed to a (then) local pub in a run-down suburb of Southampton in order to watch a young singer that I had such high hopes for. Laura Marling, not old enough to order a pint, stood on the tiny stage with acoustic guitar at hand, looking like a rabbit caught in headlights. Yet in spite of her nervous performance, I felt sure that this girl had talent and kept a keen eye on her MySpace page for further news.

Returning home from Africa in late March this year, one of my highest priorities (after having a long hot bath and eating lots of chocolate) was to buy a copy of Marling’s debut album 'Alas I Can Not Swim'. Finally I found the spare cash to make my long awaited purchase and I’ve been hooked ever since. Although it wasn’t love at first listen, once on to my fourth or fifth turn, I suddenly realised that I was listening to something very special.

Wise beyond her years, Marling mixes gentle folk inspired guitar music with clever, witty and touching lyrics. The sheer classiness of her songs marks her out as unique amongst the plethora of mediocre female singer-songwriters who’ve been launched over the past few years on the back of KT Tunstall’s success. If she can keep her feet on the ground, Laura Marling has the talent to still be in the limelight once the one-album wonders around her have long disappeared. Worth mentioning too is Charlie Fink’s (of Noah and the Whale) beautiful production of each song. His talent helps to made the album truly stunning.

>>>I had to smile when I saw that the sublime Rachel Unthank and the Winterset had received a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize. Remarkably I only discovered this Northern folk quartet last week when they played at the Lovebox Weekender. It has to be the first time (and probably the last) that I’ve ever seen a band playing a mainstream music festival incorporate a traditional clog dance into the set. Pure class!


Until next week, Charlotte x