With this continuation of my series on the Polaris Music Prize (up to the actual event taking place on September 21st, 2009), I will elaborate on just a few of the unforgivable snubs from this year's short list:
Japandroids - Post-Nothing
Canada's equivalent to Dinosaur Jr. Musically, this band is a powerhouse. Brian King and David Prowse comprise the entire ensemble and rip unfathomably powerful guitar and incredibly up-tempo drums into the skulls of all willing to listen. Their lyrical content is a little suspect, but as is any band still in university. Their sound is raw, thought-provoking and genuinely wonderful. Expect brilliant things for years to come.
Land of Talk - Some are Lakes
Canada's equivalent to Rilo Kiley. Principal singer Elizabeth Powell's voice is as tortured as it is captivating; think the alt-rock equivalent of Neko Case. Throwing out all these comparisons, Land of Talk still produce fresh, intriguing material with unbelievable lyrics. Every element seems emotionally broken, but you never turn away for a second. It's been a long time coming for this band, but that being said, expect far more to come.
The Dears - Missiles
Canada's equivalent to...nothing we've ever heard before, really. Already nominated previously for their third album, the also fantastic Gang of Losers, The Dears saw a phase shift on this work. By completion, most of the band had left due to creative differences That being said, they still deliver a brilliant effort, comprised of stellar lyricism and a grand diversity of sounds. The always intriguing Dears deliver once more.
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As this years nominees go, Canadian music is very well represented by each artist deservedly nominated. My hat is off to every musician who worked their hardest to achieve greatness in Canada's music scene, which is becoming increasingly tougher to break into these days. That being said, here are my top 5 selections from this year's prize, in no particular order:
1) Fucked Up, The Chemistry of Common Life:
Rarely has beauty in hardcore music struck me like in The Chemistry of Common Life. With moments of intense, almost frightening thrash in combination with moments of incredible beauty and clarity, there is something unfathomably captivating about this work. If you don't mind the edges, this is a masterful work.
2) Hey Rosetta!, Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and through your blood):
I strongly believe it's time for Hey Rosetta! to make that final leap into the hearts and minds of Canadians everywhere. This band is more than just an indie from Newfoundland at this stage of development: they are creating full-fledged music with enormous results. Beautiful album all around.
3) Patrick Watson, Wooden Arms:
Wooden Arms is nothing short of sublime. Patrick Watson has built his career on incredible musicianship and every facet of his already brilliant career shines even brighter on this work. Tracks flow perfectly, sounds escape from all angles of your mind and when it finally ends, you have to start it all over again. Well done.
4) K'naan, Troubadour:
Troubadour is Canadian hip-hop's best work this year, bar none. A combination of relevant lyricism and infectious beats make this album soar far higher than its predecessors. K'naan takes risks, has talent, grit, passion and, best of all, staying power on all facets of his craft. This listen is impossible to disappoint.
5) Chad VanGaalen, Soft Airplanes:
My dark horse pick in this year's competition. While I praised several of the other albums higher than Vangaalen's work on my list, it is difficult to find a Canadian music journal in this country that didn't place Soft Airplanes amongs its top 10 this year and for VERY good reason. That being said, everything about this album sounds personal and brilliant. Fantastic effort.
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