Joanna Newsom, "the Milk-eyed Mender"

San Franciscan Joanna Newsom was recently deemed the top crushworthy female in the Bay Area by one their local papers. And for good reason: Newsom, 21, has built up quite a resume so far, supporting tours for Will Oldham and Devendra Banhart, and opening for that other comely singer/songstress, Cat Power. But what's making listeners swoon isn't those endorsements but the level of soul baring that comes across in Newsom's debut album, "The Milk-Eyed Mender."

Unlike most singer/songwriters, Newsom's instrument of choice is the harp. That's not to say that other instruments don't show up. She plays the piano on a few tracks and also invites producer Noah Georgeson to play guitar on two cuts. But right off the bat what is distinct about Newsom is her voice, not the harp. To say it's high-pitched is an understatement. But it works -- she doesn't come off as childish as some might think. What helps are her hauntingly sober lyrics that speak in metaphoric prose, dissecting her seeming obsession with fairy tales and the reality that surrounds her.

Overall, "Milk Eyed Mender" bares a beauty that is infectious and raw, yet playful in a surreal sort of way.