"this is very much my stepping stone"

i cannot even begin to explain how much i love laura marling's second album, 'i speak because i can'. randomly though, one of her most fascinating features must be that even though she never falters or disappoints (much to the contrary), you know as you listen to her that there is more to come.
it seems so simple. that's something else, isn't it? quiet confidence. very youthful yet timeless. i wouldn't call it a coming of age record, she's always sounded this focused. the message hasn't changed - this here is a reinforcement. i love how 'rambling man' starts with oh naive little me and goes on to let it always be known that i was who i am.

well i own this field, and i wrote this sky,

and i have no reason to reason with you.
- blackberry stone

there's so much more to say obviously. [hope in the air] absolutely blows me away.

and btw, because i find the album artwork and cd cover to be so fitting and beautiful : the girl who did the illustrations is called sophie milner and you can learn more about her [here].