CD Review: Marina V - Modern Fairytale

Marina V – Modern Fairytale
2007 Marina V & Nick Baker

Marina V has quite the back story: Escaping Russia through a music competition at the age 15 that afforded her a scholarship to study in the United States for one year. She returned home at the end of that year to find her life in upheaval, and worked to support her family while finishing high school. Marina V then returned to the US at the tender age of 17 to live. In the process she met Nick Baker, who encouraged her to follow her musical muse and try to build a career in music. She is a minimalist who believes in conserving the earth we live upon and who places a higher value on experiences and relationships than on possessions.

Back stories can help fans connect with an artist, but it’s the music that builds the connection and helps it to last. Marina V offers up her fifth recording, Modern Fairytale as a way to build a bridge between her past and the future. Modern Fairytale is interesting, offering a great deal of positive outlook even when the subject matter is relationships that haven’t worked out. The songs are pleasant to listen to. Marina V has a voice that can be captivating at times, with a texture and timbre that is reminiscent of Kate Bush or Tori Amos, but this recording doesn’t seem to inspire in the way it might.

Perhaps it is an issue of production, but the material here doesn’t quite come alive the way I wish it would. I do not doubt that there is tremendous energy and sincerity in these songs in Marina V’s live show, but some of that spark is lost on the CD. It is unfortunate, because there is some great material here. Hope, The Strength I Need and Sunshine Guaranteed all have strong radio potential, and I’ll Stand Up For You is one of the prettier ballads you’ll hear. Unfortunately the recorded media seems to put just a little too much distance between Marina V and the listener.

I will recommend that my readers check out Modern Fairytale, as I think the material and the artist are very noteworthy, but I do wish it could have felt a little more alive for me.

Rating: 3 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about Marina V at www.marinav.com, where you can purchase a copy of Modern Fairytale.