The Polaris short list is being released this morning at 11 am EST. But, if you are reading this, you probably are already aware of this and I've just made myself redundant. I don’t care, though. The great thing about the Polaris is that it is the first award that represents the true music talent in our beautiful country. (For a great read on the music award scene in Canada, check out Chris' article here). Because of this, it is finally something us music geeks (read: lovers) can get excited about and discuss ad nauseum.
So, of course I have to put my opinion out for discussion. Please, though, keep in mind I—despite my most valiant of efforts—was unable to purchase and listen to all 40 long list nominees. So, take it easy on my predictions for the short list. I guess they're not really predictions, but more what I think should make the cut, based on what I have heard.
In no particular order:
Chad VanGaalen, Soft Airplane
Junior Boys, Begone Dull Care
Wolf Parade, At Mount Zoomer
Pink Mountaintops, Outside Love
Bell Orchestre, As Seen Through Windows
Hey Rosetta!, Into Your Lungs
Land of Talk, Some Are Lakes
Just a quick note to inform you all that The National's new album "High Violet" is streaming on NPR until its release on May 11th.
I will admit that my knowledge of the Maritimes is severely lacking. It is the one area of Canada that I have never been, but have always wanted to go. Until recently, I had not paid much attention to their music scene either. Sure, like most music lovers, I knew Sloan, Eric's Trip and Thrush Hermit/Joel Plaskett. But that was pretty much where my knowledge ended.