Topic: Polaris Music Prize 2007 (Read 11602 times)

Scarychips · « **on:** 13 Jul 2007, 09:49 »

The Polaris Music Prize is a canadian prize given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales or record label.
Last year was the first edition, it was won by Final Fantasy.
2006 list
Final Fantasy with He Poos Cloud
Broken Social Scene with Broken Social Scene
Cadence Weapon with Breaking Kayfabe
The Deadly Snakes with Porcella
Sarah Harmer with I'm A Mountain
K'naan with The Dusty Foot Philosopher
Malajube with Trompe-L'oeil
Metric with Live It Out
The New Pornographers with Twin Cinema
Wolf Parade with Apologies To Queen Mary

This year list was announced Tuesday, July 10th.
2007 List
The Arcade Fire with Neon Bible
The Besnard Lakes with The Besnard Lake Are The Dark Horse
The Dears with Gang of Losers
Julie Doiron with Woke Myself Up
Feist with The Reminder
Junior Boys with So This Is Goodbye
Miracle Forstress with Five Roses
Joel Plaskett Emergency with Ashtray Rock
Chad Van Gaalen with Skelliconnection
Patrick Watson with Close To Paradise

I want to know your impressions about the list, who do you think will be the winner

barnacle · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 11:19 »

i have only heard two of them.

i didn't like the feist album that much. it has a few songs i like, but meh.
ashtray rock is awesome.

Luke C · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 11:20 »

Arcade Fire FTW.

Though I should declare I havn't heard of any of the other bands though I am a big fan of Arcade Fire. Can't wait to see them later this year.

TheFuriousWombat · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 11:22 »

I agree. Arcade Fire with Besnard Lakes in second. Neon Bible has sadly lost a bit of its novelty but whenever I go back to individual songs I like them a lot. And Luke, they put on a really great live show so you should be very excited for that. I didn't even know they were still touring so I may have to check that out.

Scarychips · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 11:47 »

Obviously, The Arcade Fire might win but I have a feeling The Dears or Junior Boys could be Runner-ups

Beren · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 12:11 »

Seems a close race between AF and Feist. I'm going to predict Feist with a slight win.

Will · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 12:50 »

I'm saddened to see that last year's list didn't include Fucked Up for their masterpiece "Hidden World"

RyanT · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 20:24 »

Am I the only one here who doesn't like Arcade Fire? And TV on the Radio, for that matter? Probably.

Ishotdanieljohnston · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 22:07 »

Correct- you are the only one.

Why the fuck isn't Handsome furs on this list?

I haven't heard of the vast majority of these bands but I sure would like to see Arcade Fire win.

Johnny C · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Jul 2007, 22:13 »

Quote from: Scarychips on 13 Jul 2007, 09:49

2007 List
Julie Doiron with Woke Myself Up
Feist with The Reminder
Miracle Fortress with Five Roses
Joel Plaskett Emergency with Ashtray Rock
Chad Van Gaalen with Skelliconnection

These are the best albums on this list, and, hm. Let's see if I can rank them in order of which should win.

Plaskett
Doiron
Feist
Miracle Fortress
Van Gaalen

Yeah, that looks about right.

Tommy might have it pegged but at the same time looking at the previous list I don't think the fashionable part of it really enters in. Final Fantasy's record was an oddity in comparison to the BSS record, the New Pornos and Wolf Parade, and certainly wasn't as high-profile as those other three. Likewise, while Feist is higher-profile I wouldn't be particularly shocked if The Joel Plaskett Emergency or Julie Doiron won, perhaps even Van Gaalen.

It's nice to see that Five Roses got a nod. And beyond that I didn't realise how good a year it has actually been for Canadian music.

Luke C · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 02:57 »

Quote from: TheFuriousWombat on 13 Jul 2007, 11:22

I agree. Arcade Fire with Besnard Lakes in second. Neon Bible has sadly lost a bit of its novelty but whenever I go back to individual songs I like them a lot. And Luke, they put on a really great live show so you should be very excited for that. I didn't even know they were still touring so I may have to check that out.

Sweet, I do look forward to it. They are touring the UK this Autumn (or Fall as you may call it) which is when I am seeing them.

Win Butler for the Win.

Beren · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 08:08 »

Quote from: tommydski on 14 Jul 2007, 07:55

Quote from: RyanT on 13 Jul 2007, 20:24
Am I the only one here who doesn't like Arcade Fire?

I thought the latest album was piss poor but I can appreciate how it would appeal to a wider audience than the first one.

Without a doubt.

Their judging rules do seem really.. interesting, looking at last year's list and the winner picked out of it.

Johnny C · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 10:14 »

Now I am seriously thinking that if Plaskett doesn't win I'll be really confused and irritated.

RyanT · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 19:44 »

Quote from: tommydski on 14 Jul 2007, 07:55

Quote from: RyanT on 13 Jul 2007, 20:24
Am I the only one here who doesn't like Arcade Fire?

I thought the latest album was piss poor but I can appreciate how it would appeal to a wider audience than the first one.

Yeah, I have to agree. Although I have never listened to either album completely through, my roommates last year were really into Arcade Fire and I heard it a lot. Their first album wasn't bad, but this second one just sounds so stereotypically indie to me. Just one example of how the rising popularity of indie music bugs me.

Johnny C · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 20:43 »

I've honestly been thinking about the results since I first peeked into this thread. The frustrating thing about it is, while the Arcade Fire record sold an insane number of copies, the only one out of those five that I said deserve to win that sold anywhere near that number of copies is Feist. The others don't have the name recognition that they really deserve. Doiron, for example, did an absolutely stunning split with Okkervil River since they're both on Jagjaguwar. Van Gaalen did a decent tour with The Constantines and toured with Feist this year showing considerable improvement to a point where his live show's brilliance is on par with that of his songs'. Miracle Fortress' record is positively astounding.

What I'm saying to you is that I don't like Neon Bible but that these records come with the highest recommendation you can get from me.

fish across face · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 21:19 »

I'm pretty sure I've heard all of these, the only one I like is Junior Boys. 'So This Is Goodbye' was my favourite album of last year, even if it wasn't as good as their first. Although it's now 2007 I'd like it to win.

I also agree with Tommy's summation of why Feist will win.

Inlander · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Jul 2007, 22:36 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 14 Jul 2007, 20:43

Doiron, for example, did an absolutely stunning split with Okkervil River since they're both on Jagjaguwar.

I saw that in my local record store a little while ago. I was intrigued, because I'd never heard of Doiron. Maybe I should buy it, hmn?

Johnny C · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 01:42 »

Inlander · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 02:10 »

I had a look at it when I was passing by there this afternoon: special import, A$35. I'll leave it 'til next the next pay-cheque come in a few weeks from now.

Anyway, right now I'm too holed up in the eighties to listen to any recent releases (I whim-bought Prince's Dirty Mind and Talking Heads' Speaking in Tongues today).

Johnny C · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 02:57 »

Inlander, while those are both good records, I strongly suspect that neither Julie Doiron nor Okkervil River appear on either of them.

Inlander · « **Reply #20 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 03:16 »

Quote from: tommydski on 15 Jul 2007, 02:29

I never particularly liked 'Speaking in Tongues', I thought it was the start of the decline. I think it shows that shorn of Eno, the sound collage approach was laborious to listen to. Only when they went back to the pre-Eno days on 'Little Creatures' did they succeed in creating anything to compare with earlier records. If you don't like it, try the first four records.

(Assuming you aren't already a fan).

I've owned and adored a copy of Remain in Light ever since I was a teenager. As I said, it was a whim-buy (a bit like an impulse-buy, only a little more planned): I saw the video for "This Must Be the Place" on T.V. last night and decided to go out and buy the album. Also, because I felt I ought to have "Burning Down the House". I mean, I've already got both those songs and more on the (expanded) Stop Making Sense album, but I'm something of a completist when it comes to getting the original versions of songs.

Are Talking Heads up for the Polaris award this year?

Scarychips · « **Reply #21 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 09:27 »

Quote from: Inlander on 15 Jul 2007, 03:16

Are Talking Heads up for the Polaris award this year?

Well actually they can't cause to be eligible, half of the members must have canadian citizensip and the album must be released between June 1srt of the year before and May 31srt of the year the award is given

I heard some Joel Plaskett songs and some Julie Doiron songs and I think they have a chance to win

I like The Arcade Fire, the second album was good but not as good as the first one.

Here are my predictions of who should win:

Junior Boys
Joel Plaskett Emergency
Julie Doiron
Feist
The Dears

Inlander · « **Reply #22 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 16:41 »

Quote from: Scarychips on 15 Jul 2007, 09:27

Quote from: Inlander on 15 Jul 2007, 03:16

Are Talking Heads up for the Polaris award this year?

Well actually they can't cause to be eligible, half of the members must have canadian citizensip and the album must be released between June 1srt of the year before and May 31srt of the year the award is given

Yes, that was my attempt to get the thread back on topic without being so dull as to actually have to say something like "Let's get the thread back on topic."

Ally · « **Reply #23 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 17:21 »

Owen Pallett should win.

Again.

kablaaamo · « **Reply #24 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 17:57 »

Quote from: Ally on 15 Jul 2007, 17:21

Owen Pallett should win.

Again.

Yes.

Barring that.....the nominees this year are pretty amazing. I've listened to every record on the list now; Junior Boys and Julie Doiron less than they deserve, but a quality chunk of my time has been spent on all of the others. Last year's list wasn't anywhere near as solid. That Metric album was terrible.

Anyhow, the top five that I think are most likely to win (that I also think SHOULD win) are, in order:

1. Chad VanGaalen
2. Joel Plaskett
3. Besnard Lakes
4. Miracle Fortress
5.

Actually, that's it. No fifth. Those are my favourite four, far and away.

Arcade Fire and Feist don't have a chance, as far as I'm concerned. Nor do the Dears. Last year I had a pretty solid feeling that they weren't going to give it to Broken Social Scene, the New Pornographers, or Wolf Parade simply because they WERE so fashionable and doted on, and the AF/Feist/the Dears are their equivalent this year. I was betting (literally) on either Malajube or Final Fantasy and I was right on the latter.

Haha....I've spent way way way too much time analyzing these lists and the process involved but there's my take.

Joseph · « **Reply #25 on:** 15 Jul 2007, 23:37 »

Last year I'd heard pretty much all the list, except one. This year I've heard maybe half of them. I need to get on this. Pity I'm stuck in a place with no decent record stores or a reliable internet connection at the moment.

Joseph · « **Reply #26 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 06:59 »

So, Patrick Watson won. I haven't heard the full album, but the songs I have heard haven't really done much for me at all. He'd have been along the bottom of my list of these artists, along with the Dears. It's a pity, I was really hoping the award would go to Joel Plaskett, or, failing that, The Besnard Lakes or Miracle Fortress. I would've even been much happier with Feist, who I think put out a wonderful album, though she certainly doesn't need the award.

Johnny C · « **Reply #27 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 10:29 »

How utterly disappointing. Watson's record isn't bad by any means but Ashtray Rock is a masterpiece.

michaelicious · « **Reply #28 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 11:30 »

Quote from: Ally on 15 Jul 2007, 17:21

Owen Pallett should win.

Again.

They should just change the name to the Owen Pallett Music Prize.

I'm glad Feist didn't win.

tania · « **Reply #29 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 14:56 »

it was a pretty weak list this year imo

Scarychips · « **Reply #30 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 15:41 »

It would've been a better list if we did it

I was really disapointed when I heard he won, Joel Plaskett or Junior Boys deserved it more

Joseph · « **Reply #31 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 16:28 »

I dunno, I thought the list was pretty strong. Joel Plaskett, Miracle Fortress, Besnard Lakes, and Feist all had incredibly strong albums. I still need to track down the Julie Dorion album. Last year had Sarah Harmer, Metric, and K'naan, none of whom I would have put up there. I have to say though, I was saddened to see Handsome Furs, Swan Lake, and Frog Eyes all miss the cut this year.

KvP · « **Reply #32 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 17:52 »

Oh well. I was rooting for Joel Plaskett.

Never heard of this Pallett fellow.

Johnny C · « **Reply #33 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 18:04 »

That's either sarcasm or an attempt to get Ally to figure out where you live.

2HourHiatus · « **Reply #34 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 18:17 »

It's going to be the Arcade Fire. It just is. I'm actually surprised that The Dears are on there, I don't find Gang of Losers nearly as good as No Cities Left. That's just me though.

Johnny C · « **Reply #35 on:** 25 Sep 2007, 18:27 »

No, it's already been announced. Patrick Watson won.

Wink · « **Reply #36 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 01:32 »

i wasn't really too impressed with the list this year.

Johnny C · « **Reply #37 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 08:05 »

Quote from: ephemere on 25 Sep 2007, 14:56

it was a pretty weak list this year imo

Quote from: Wink on 26 Sep 2007, 01:32

i wasn't really too impressed with the list this year.

A) Hm, a Tania post and I almost missed it.

B) I can think of two notable omissions. One is Shout Out Out Out Out's Not Saying/Just Saying and the other is Ladyhawk's self-titled. Beyond that, I don't really know what the list is missing.

carrotosaurus · « **Reply #38 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 08:09 »

My vote goes to The Besnard Lakes

Joseph · « **Reply #39 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 08:19 »

Quote from: Johnny C on 26 Sep 2007, 08:05

B) I can think of two notable omissions. One is Shout Out Out Out Out's Not Saying/Just Saying and the other is Ladyhawk's self-titled. Beyond that, I don't really know what the list is missing.

Swan Lake and Frog Eyes. Though most people don't seem to have been really impressed by the Swan Lake album, I thought it was really well crafted. A tad overdone at times, but really powerful, with gorgeous melodies and lyrics. Frog Eyes I definitely think is the list's biggest omission. I agree with your two as well though.

Johnny C · « **Reply #40 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 08:23 »

Actually if anyone from Swan Lake was missing on that list it was Bejar with Destroyer's Rubies.

Joseph · « **Reply #41 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 13:45 »

Rubies was released long enough ago to be on the 2006 list though. Otherwise, it would certainly be a pretty huge omission from this year's.

carrotosaurus · « **Reply #42 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 16:44 »

2007 is hardly over, though.... do they just ignore albums released after August?

Joseph · « **Reply #43 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 17:25 »

No, albums from after the nomination period are considered fair game for next year. Which is why some of the albums for this year, such as So This Is Goodbye, are from 2006.

kablaaamo · « **Reply #44 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 17:26 »

I think the eligibility period was from May 31, 2006 to May 31, 2007. Either May 31 or June 1. I'm not particularly sure, but I remember the hoopla over Miracle Fortress making the cut; it was released May 28 and got on the list only a few days later. And yeah; if an album misses the cutoff, it's eligible for the next year.

I'm pretty stoked about the final result though. I saw Patrick Watson live between my last post in this thread and now, and listened to Close to Paradise a whole lot more as a result. It's dreamily pretty without being boring, if you give it a chance. I still think Chad VanGaalen should have won for the sheer magnitude of the high points on Skelliconnection but Close to Paradise hangs together as a really good, cohesive album.

Johnny C · « **Reply #45 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 17:37 »

Except Ashtray Rock, by its very nature as a concept album with a recurring musical theme, is more cohesive.

kablaaamo · « **Reply #46 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 21:56 »

Come on, Johnny. You have to realize that Joel Plaskett, by having a sense of humour, automatically displaced himself as a potential winner. There's no room for giggles or doo-wop in an award based almost entirely on cred. It's serious business.

Please bear in mind that I love Ashtray Rock a lot too. I almost failed an exam because I couldn't focus on my work with it playing, BUT I COULDN'T STOP LISTENING.

However, Chad VanGaalen still should've won. The end.

Johnny C · « **Reply #47 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 22:06 »

Parts of He Poos Clouds were funny though!

Oh seduction, his seduction to the world of construction
Now his mind will start to wander when he's not at his computer
Now his massive genitals refuse to co-operate

But all my efforts have only made
An army of greedy gays

I mean, it's bitter humour but still humour.

Caspian · « **Reply #48 on:** 26 Sep 2007, 22:23 »

The lack of any Nadja albums in this shortlist makes this whole list invalid.

Nadja > Polaris Price List

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Author Topic: Polaris Music Prize 2007 (Read 11602 times)

barnacle

Ally

kablaaamo

Wink

kablaaamo

kablaaamo