Listen: Laura Marling - "Sophia"

When I saw Laura Marling last month, one of the songs that was without a doubt the most delightful to hear was "Sophia", and apparently Laura Marling thinks so to. Earlier today she revealed "Sophia" to the world in all it's recorded splendor on the airwaves of Zane Lowe's Radio 1 on BBC. And thanks to the always prepared Listen Before You Buy, non-UK-listeners can get a taste of the new song.

"Sophia", off her upcoming album A Creature I Don't Know, places Marling is almost startling new context. Her crystalline vocals are ornamented by bits of reverb and channels the wanton poppiness of Alas I Cannot I Swim, while still retaining the astounding mature lyricism of I Speak Because I Can. And yet regardless of what past work she's tapping into one thing remains the same: "Sophia" is just darn good. Enough to give my previously unchallenged Marling favorite "Ghosts" the good heave-ho. "Sophia" is my new favorite song. At least until Laura Marling one-ups herself again. Until that moment, enjoy the loveliness that is "Sophia":

Laura Marling - Sophia by ListenBeforeYouBuy


EDIT: Updated Non-Radio Rip from Laura Marling:


And this September Laura Marling embarks of a North American/UK tour.
9/17 Bimbo's 365 Club - San Francisco, California
9/18 Masonic Temple - Los Angeles, California
9/20 Troubadour - Los Angeles, California
9/22 Lincoln Hall - Chicago, Illinois
9/23 The Great Hall - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9/24 Corona - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
9/25 Brighton Music Hall - Boston, Massachusetts
9/27 Sixth & I Historic Synagogue - Washington, D.C.
9/28 Webster Hall - New York, New York
10/14 Exeter Cathedral - Exeter, United Kingdom
10/15 Winchester Cathedral - Winchester, United Kingdom
10/17 Guildford Cathedral - Guildford, United Kingdom
10/18 Gloucester Catherdral - Gloucester, United Kingdrom
10/21 York Minster - York, United Kingdom
10/22 Sheffield Cathedral - Sheffield, United Kingdom
10/24 Manchester Cathedral - Manchester, United Kingdom
10/25 Bristol Cathedral - Bristol, United Kingdom
10/26 Westminster Central Hall - London, United Kingdom
10/28 Liverpool Anglican Cathedral - Liverpool, United Kingdom
10/29 Birmingham Cathedral - Birmingham, United Kingdom