Now would be just the time to launch a study into the effects on sixth-form classes of removing young women from the system. It is hard to believe that among the current glut of Kates, Adeles, and Lilys that there's a single girl taking A'level French in the southeast of the UK. Laura Marling's new single, Ghosts, puts her firmly at the top of the class of 2008.
The song is a simple tale of a young couple and the baggage of past relationships: "the ghosts that broke my heart before I met you". Marling deftly captures the mixed feelings of trepidation and hope that infuse nascent relationships without ever slipping into the trap of sixth-form poetry. And the weirdly reassuring refrain of "it's not like I believe in ever lasting love" suggests a world-weariness that far exceeds what you might expect from a 17 year old.
The deceptively simple lyrics and complex emotions are delivered with a hypnotic guitar line and understated vocal that swells to a heart busting orchestral and choral climax. Ghosts is a remarkably affecting song in every respect and a very early contender for single of the year.
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