Computers and Blues

Dear Mr. Skinner,

I am writing to say thank you for all of your stories, your insight, your opinion and for your willingness to share with all of us over the last ten years. I remember first being introduced to you and the sleepless nights I spent with "Has it come to this" stuck in my head. I was shocked at the realism behind "Turn the Page", and was elated the first time I heard "Weak become heros" on the dancefloor of my favorite Vancouver club.

I felt bad for you when you lost that thousand quid early on in your second record, but not nearly as upset or emotional as when I related to "Dry Your Eyes". Now tell me this Mike, how come even in quirky, garage, drum and bass with precursors to dubstep, does it take a heartbreak to really connect to the masses? Ahh the birds hey....where would we be without them!

Now I will admit I sort of left you to your own devices during your "Hardest time to make an easy Living". I know you were going through alot during that time in your life. We all remember the dutch festival fiasco. However you managed to really get to me again later on in that record when you professed that "You never went to Church." Once again you placed your heart firmingly on your sleeve and invited us all in to share with you. You know what though....I am pretty damn sure that he is just as proud of you whilst staring down as mine is proud of me. The reminders , the memories, and the little things like interruptions are what lead me to believe they are always watching out for us. Have you heard the one about the Priest, The Protestant, and the Clergyman?

During your time off away from all of us, there were minor threats that the next release would be the final as "The Streets". I must admit I wasn't buying it. I felt some of your strongest work was still to come. With Everything is Borrowed we started hanging out again Mike! "I think I love you more than you like me" was in high rotation, because damn damn damn was it appropriate in my current time. I still have my own little dance step i created while going the "Way of the Dodo". I mean seriously...it begs for innovation! "Never give in" made me think you were getting back to the dude I had come to know. Slightly cocky but not over confident. A stride in the step but not a bounce. And I can only imagine how hard it must have been for you to put "The Strongest Person I Know" on record. Mr. Skinner you really gave us all you had on that one. Although I feel the need to tell you i think you were a little flat on that last note.....haha...i have developed a cheeky side to my humor through your stories.

...and so my good friend, the one and only Juice was the one responsible for our introduction oh so many years ago. Its quite fitting as last night he presented me with "Computers and Blues". I know I know, i got a leaked copy , but I am sure you support that sort of stuff to some degree this day and age. You have assured us now though that as your friends, your fans, your family and your confidents that this will indeed be the final offerring as "The Streets". You and i hung out all day today as i spun through the new album , taking it in, absorbing ,swallowing and digesting. You helped me to clean my house today with a smile on my face. I also revisted all of our previous steps in our relationship that has now spanned 5 albums. I did put down the cleaning cloth during "Inside Outside" and "The Truth" cause honestly, sometimes you just gotta groove!
Befittingly I am still the guy who smokes one too many cigarettes, and i have had my fair share of gambles with this life i lead. "Lock the Locks", so damn good Mike, so damn good!

Anyways my english friend, I have rambled far too much already and shall sign off. Plus those that read my writings and follow my travels are probably wondering if i really do actually know you. Well truth be known we have never met, nor have I even seen you in concert before...but yes, I do know you, at least I sure feel as if i do. You are one of the most honest and sincere lyricists and artists i have had the pleasure of getting to know through the course of your five albums!
Thank you!

Craigers