The 2010 Polaris shortlist:
- The Besnard Lakes
- Owen Pallet
- BSS
- Radio Radio
- Caribou
- The Sadies
- Karkwa
- Shad
- Dan Mangan
- Tegan and Sara
Does it reflect badly on the prize when the same bands keep showing up on this shortlist every year? I'm all for the concept of the Polaris, awarding artistic merit. And to the prizes credit, the winners have often been smaller bands grinding out original sounds (Miracle Fortress, Fucked Up) but, seriously, every year there are the same 4-5 bands on this short list. Metric is missing because they didn't release anything this year. Stars missed the cut because... uh, well, because their new album is kind of awful.
But the Besnard Lakes are repeat nominees. As are BSS, Final Fantasy/Owen Pallet, Caribou, Shad, Tegan and Sara. That's 6 out of 10!
Maybe the issue is there simply aren't 10 prize-worthy albums released in Canada every year. Let's be honest, if Forgiveness Rock Record or Tegan and Sara when this year's prize, people would be pretty shocked. So why are they even on the list? Another personal complaint, but where's Sarah Harmer? Her new album is wonderful.
On the bright side, I love that the Polaris sheds light on some great, less publicized Canadian artists -- which, let's be honest -- is really the whole point of this exercise.
I'm personally rooting for Dan Mangan's Nice, Nice, Very Nice. Great folk-pop album, strong from start to finish. Mangan's voice comes off as a happy version of Glen Hansard (of The Frames) minus the accent. The songs are tightly written and there isn't much to complain about as Mangan manages to jump from twangy to dreamy without batting an eye nor unsettling the flow of the album.
2 comments:
I see your point and I agree... for the most part. Tegan and Sara, however, have never been on the list. Which is odd, considering how successful they are and are also still not considered a mainstream band (fits your criteria, kinda?). They deserve at least a nomination in my opinion... You're right though, the money should be invested in fostering growth and developing new Canadian music. New bands should be recognized instead of just giving money to the already successful ones.. Fucked Up's win last year was good though? They put it to a good cause too...
My bad stranger commentator. I thought they were nominated for The Con but alas, that's what I get for writing off the top of my head and making assumptions.
I agree, the winners by-and-large seem to be good choices. But the shortlisted nominees always are littered with the same big(ger) names who you kind of know really have no chance of winning.
Seriously, who's expecting BSS to win the Polaris this year? I don't even think it's one of the top-ten Canadian albums, but, oh well. The prize is young, hopefully it evolves along with the country's thriving musical landscape.
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