Son Lux

If your sister is dating a guy and he is entered in your family's secret santa program and if you select his name and he isn't going to be at your family's Christmas celebration do you have to get his present to him on time? Well the answer to this rhetorical is no, no i didn't get Zach his present by Christmas. But the magnitiude of the greatness makes up for the timing. I gave him the Son Lux album At War With Walls And Mazes.

From some reason I've been into really haunted music recently (see upcoming Bonnie "Prince" Billy post). This is right up that alley but instead of being lo-fi like Beach House or Bon Iver this is a very polished album with walls of sound and empty halls stillness. The way lyrics are repeated while the score increases in intensity then drops to a whisper give the two lines incredible meaning. The classical themes hybrid with truly artist performance manipulations make this CD a must have (well please preview).

The album is great it's been in my player for 4 months.

The Streets-The Edge of a Cliff

I think I've always liked the Streets, at least since his A Grand Don't Come for Free album. I'm not sure exactly why I like him so much. It could be the unpretentious introspection or the frankness. Either way if you aren't a fan of rap per se you need to spend a little time with Mike Skinner

Some notables-
Blinded by the Lights
Dry Your Eyes
and on a less serious tone
Fit but You Know It

The reason for the post is the leading track for a new album released a few days ago. The Edge of a Cliff may be abrasive at first but is very well crafted lyrically and shows growth from the english songsmith. Visually- well let's just say I'm jealous of the man's rapid beard growth.

Enjoy the streets, add him to your list of white rappers that aren't Aesop Rock.

Sky Larkin

Dear Annie Cluff, Nicole DeSouza, Natasha Ploeger, Katherine Fiet & Lisa Hannigan,

Let me just say it's been a pleasure and you all have meant a lot to me throughout the years. As you probably know I have at some time in my life (and possible currently) had a crush on you. It had been very fulfilling for me and I whole heartily thank you for your unwitting service.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you my newest crush. She's super sweet and I think you two would really get along. She does match the standard Paul crush criteria

• Tall'ish
• Wears flats
• Has bangs
• And is cute

Her name is Katie Harkin and she is the lead singer and guitarist in the english band Sky Larkin. I saw her Tuesday night at a show. Her band opened for Los Campesinos and she was charming and gracious and I think I'm in love.