Dear Jill Barber,

I have a crush on you. I have for a long time. Not a creepy “I love you and know where you live” kind of crush, but an “I have all your records and think you’re pretty” kind of crush. It started a long time ago here in Moncton. You’d play shows at the Paramount. Do you remember that? You would usually play with Wintersleep. One time I saw you, Two Hours Traffic, and Wintersleep all in one night for five bucks. That was pretty neat.

Every once in a while, you’d look at the wall behind me for a few seconds while you were singing, and me being 20 years old and smitten by the pretty girl on stage, I’d pretend you were looking at me. I know you weren’t, and that’s ok. Plus, that’s a bit creepy. Remind me to not tell you that part.

You were with somebody when I first saw you play, and then I got married before I found out you were single, so we don’t really have a chance now. I’m sure you’re terribly heart-broken. But I listen to your songs with my daughter, so that’s kinda cool. Your new record Chances is really good. We still go back to Oh Heart mostly, though. In Perfect Time is my favourite song. I’m not sure what my daughters favourite is, because she’s two years old and can’t speak very well. My son listens too, but he doesn’t have a favourite song. He likes Tegan & Sara though, so there’s still a chance for him yet. I’ll ask him later and let you know.

Anyhow Jill, I hope this didn’t seem too creepy or anything, but I wanted you to know that this late 20’s former hipster with kids thinks you’re very pretty and had a crush on you 7 or 8 years ago. Your shows have some great memories for me. Thank you, and keep doing what you’re doing. I’d like to take my daughter to see you someday.

Sincerely yours,

Joe Doucet

PS I may or may not have a burned copy of Oh Heart. I’m sorry.