Polaris Music Prize Shortlist - 2012

One of the weaker lineups. Japandroids > Edwards > Cold specks > FU

― Simon H., Friday, 3 August 2012 21:56 (9 months ago) Permalink

Japandroids, though I find YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN appealing as well.

― Regional Tug (irrational), Friday, 3 August 2012 21:58 (9 months ago) Permalink

YAMANTAKA//SONIC TITAN for me. Shooting Guns should have made the short list.

― EZ Snappin, Friday, 3 August 2012 22:00 (9 months ago) Permalink

This list needs some Whitehorse.

― Earth, Wind & Fire & Alabama (Eazy), Saturday, 4 August 2012 04:12 (9 months ago) Permalink

I am enjoying Cold Specks a lot

― keeping things contextual (DJP), Friday, 10 August 2012 19:16 (9 months ago) Permalink

Visions, Take Care, or Hope in Dirt City. Followed by Celebration Rock, David Comes to Life, and Handsome Furs.

I actually think this is the best shortlist yet. And not just because all five of the albums on my shortlist ballot actually made it!

― heiswagger (rennavate), Friday, 10 August 2012 23:37 (9 months ago) Permalink

This list needs some Whitehorse.

One assumes you dont mean the awesome funeral doom band

― Algerian Goalkeeper, Friday, 10 August 2012 23:40 (9 months ago) Permalink

I may be wrong but I don't think Kathleen Edwards has ever been shortlisted for this before. Seems all she has to do is hook up with Justin Vernon and make a so-so record with him to get the recognition that eluded her for her three previous, uniformly excellent albums.

― my father will guide me up the stairs to bed (anagram), Saturday, 11 August 2012 19:50 (9 months ago) Permalink

Ignore me, her last one was also shortlisted. My point stands if she wins, though.

― my father will guide me up the stairs to bed (anagram), Saturday, 11 August 2012 19:54 (9 months ago) Permalink

no weeknd is a bummer

― ships and chicks, Saturday, 11 August 2012 20:32 (9 months ago) Permalink

Japandroids, I guess.

lol @ me already having forgotten there was a new Feist record.

― Johnny Fever, Saturday, 11 August 2012 21:01 (9 months ago) Permalink

The Kathleen Edwards album is good despite the presence of Justin Vernon.

― to welcome jer.fairall, pie is served. (jer.fairall), Saturday, 11 August 2012 23:02 (9 months ago) Permalink

I like YAMANTAKA // SONIC TITAN, but haven't heard the others. (Not interested in Feist or Fucked Up, based on what I've heard in the past. The Japanadroids I've heard has disappointed me, but I don't know if I've heard anything from this particular album and might be willing to give it a whirl. What I've heard of Grimes has just seemed okay to me.)

― _Rudipherous_, Saturday, 15 September 2012 21:10 (8 months ago) Permalink

I think I always expect the Japandroids to sound something like what Yamantaka // Sonic Titan sound like. Now I remember.

― _Rudipherous_, Sunday, 16 September 2012 01:19 (8 months ago) Permalink

"Not interested in Feist" is too bad. I never warmed to "The Reminder" but looove "Metals".

― Why can't I be food? (Ówen P.), Sunday, 16 September 2012 07:12 (8 months ago) Permalink

Grimes will win (unfortunately).

― LaMonte, Sunday, 16 September 2012 17:37 (8 months ago) Permalink

At this point, I think so too.

― SWM right here (human nature mix) (Craig D.), Sunday, 16 September 2012 17:48 (8 months ago) Permalink

...although there have been some real surprise winners over the years, so who knows.

― SWM right here (human nature mix) (Craig D.), Sunday, 16 September 2012 17:50 (8 months ago) Permalink

"Not interested in Feist" is too bad. I never warmed to "The Reminder" but looove "Metals".

Actually, after saying that, and before your post, I tried some of the new Feist album and I didn't find it off-putting like the songs I heard from The Reminder. I'm still not too interested, but might give the full album a try when I think I am in the right mood.

― _Rudipherous_, Sunday, 16 September 2012 17:54 (8 months ago) Permalink

FWIW, I occasionally rep for the Feist/Gonzales/Mocky(/Jamie Lidell) production mafia--they've made some creative pop moves on record at times IMO, although I'm not into any of her albums all the way through.

― SWM right here (human nature mix) (Craig D.), Sunday, 16 September 2012 18:04 (8 months ago) Permalink

Don't get Feist at all. Sub-Lilith Fair coffeehouse folk meets lite jazz. Will admit that Metals has some intersting sonic touches, but neither her voice, her words or her melodies are the slightest bit interesting.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Sunday, 16 September 2012 18:11 (8 months ago) Permalink

Also, just relistened to the Handsome Furs for the first time since it was new. Holy shit, this album is epic. Should've made my top albums list of last year (though I did stick "Serve The People" on my singles list), even though I don't know what of my top ten I would lose.

A friend complained that the record sounded very "disjointed," a criticism that I kind of get but wholly reject nonetheless. I imagine he was referring to the ricketyness of the music, but to me the constructions of these grand, anthemic songs with all these buzzy lo-fi synths makes them feel all the more triumphant.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Monday, 17 September 2012 02:15 (8 months ago) Permalink

I voted for Handsome Furs, would be great if they one. I didn't have the same reaction to 'Sound Kapital' as 'Face Control' at first. One of my favourite things about the latter was the juxtaposition of Dan's guitars with the electronics. I felt 'Sound Kapital' almost ditched guitars alltogether at points. Still, it grew on me. Shame they split up without gaining as much popularity as Sunset Rubdown because they're just as good for me.

― InternetAlan, Monday, 17 September 2012 10:49 (8 months ago) Permalink

Automatic thread bump. This poll is closing tomorrow.

― System, Sunday, 23 September 2012 00:01 (8 months ago) Permalink

Handsome Furs just barely over Fucked Up, which I'm surprisingly myself by since I was all over that Fucked Up record last year. But I'd be happy with a win for either of 'em. Don't get the Grimes hype, she's just okay by me. Hate the boring ass Drake record. Pretty big fan of the Japandroids, but thought their last one was better. Haven't heard the others, but I think I need to hear the Y/T record after all the ilm hype.

― heated debate over derpy hooves (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Sunday, 23 September 2012 00:27 (8 months ago) Permalink

Yes, you do.

― EveningStar (Sund4r), Sunday, 23 September 2012 01:46 (8 months ago) Permalink

Just got it, actually. On deck after Swans.

― heated debate over derpy hooves (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Sunday, 23 September 2012 01:49 (8 months ago) Permalink

yeah I totes want to check out the Y/T album. this year has been so rad.

― did drake invent yolo (Drugs A. Money), Sunday, 23 September 2012 15:05 (8 months ago) Permalink

Automatic thread bump. This poll's results are now in.

― System, Monday, 24 September 2012 00:01 (7 months ago) Permalink

I am going to the awards ceremony tonight!

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 14:05 (7 months ago) Permalink

I like all these records. Except Fucked Up! Weirdly. Of all these bands I listen to Fucked Up the most but "David" is their weakest record afaic.

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 14:05 (7 months ago) Permalink

Anyway, who's gonna win?

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 14:07 (7 months ago) Permalink

I don't know, but I need to buy a copy of YT//ST while I'm enjoying the comfort of a minor bonus in my last pay check.

― _Rudipherous_, Monday, 24 September 2012 14:41 (7 months ago) Permalink

Probably Grimes, who I know has a lot of fans on here, but blech.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Monday, 24 September 2012 16:02 (7 months ago) Permalink

Grimes, but I'm hoping Drake or Cadence Weapon do. HIP-HOP THIS YEAR BABY

― heiswagger (rennavate), Monday, 24 September 2012 19:32 (7 months ago) Permalink

Also: AHHHH CANT WAIT FOR THIS TO BE AWARDEDDD

― heiswagger (rennavate), Monday, 24 September 2012 19:33 (7 months ago) Permalink

i hope yt//st win because the guy who put it out is a pal & hardworking dude who truly deserves the acknowledgement, but i think grimes is the best album so i would be happy if that won, too. would rme if drake or feist or fucked up won, and lol gleefully if cadence weapon won

― flying scrotus (flopson), Monday, 24 September 2012 20:00 (7 months ago) Permalink

hard to say who will win, who are the judges?

― flying scrotus (flopson), Monday, 24 September 2012 20:00 (7 months ago) Permalink

Drake won't win because he's too rich and famous, and they already gave it to Arcade Fire last year.

Cadence Weapon occupies the same space in this prize that fellow second-time (I think) nominees Feist and Kathleen Edwards do--think of them as the bridesmaids of this category (as in, always one).

Fucked Up won't win because they've already won.

Handsome Furs won't win because it'd be too weird giving the prize to a band that's already split up (though I think it'd be amusing and even kinda poignant).

For Yamantaka and Cold Specks, it's an honour just being nominated.

Japandroids are Grimes only real competition, as I see it.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Monday, 24 September 2012 20:01 (7 months ago) Permalink

Here's the grand jury.

Gregory Adams (Georgia Straight)
Michael Barclay (Maclean's, Radio Free Canuckistan)
Chris Bilton (The Grid)
Ryan Bresee (CKCU 93.1fm)
Lisa Christiansen (CBC Radio 1)
Shawn Conner (The Snipe News)
Melissa Hetu (TFO)
Kevin Laforest (Freelance, ex-Hour)
Ryan B. Patrick (Freelance)
Tabassum Siddiqui (Freelance)
Nicole Villeneuve (AUX TV).

Don't really know what can be said. The only two I am familiar with is Gregory Adams, who is a local music reviewer who will likely vote for either Grimes or Japandroids since he's an indie schmindie guy and everyone in Vancouver likes to take personal ownership of both these artists; and Lisa Christiansen who does the traffic on CBC R1 and once a week does a tedious little thing about the music biz. She has typical CBC tastes - in other words, MOR shite. I think she'll probably go for Grimes.

― everything, Monday, 24 September 2012 21:01 (7 months ago) Permalink

surprised by the level of ire for grimes itt tbh! MOR shite! ouch!

― flying scrotus (flopson), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:04 (7 months ago) Permalink

I'd think the "MOR shite" would go to Feist before Grimes, tbh.

― heated debate over derpy hooves (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:04 (7 months ago) Permalink

Thank fucking Christ Alan Cross isn't part of the grand jury.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:22 (7 months ago) Permalink

Thank fucking Alan Cross Jesus Christ isn't part of the grand jury.

― heated debate over derpy hooves (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:24 (7 months ago) Permalink

I seriously wonder how many people have been "lol 1-2-3-4" abt that Feist record and not given it a chance, it's ~really good~.

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:31 (7 months ago) Permalink

Anyway my money's on her.

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 21:33 (7 months ago) Permalink

I'd think the "MOR shite" would go to Feist before Grimes, tbh.

Or even Kathleen Edwards.

― MarkoP, Monday, 24 September 2012 21:51 (7 months ago) Permalink

i hope i'm on a future grand jury... would be so cool, plus us westerners need to be represented!

― heiswagger (rennavate), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:01 (7 months ago) Permalink

There are a few ilxors I'd love to see on the jury, like Owen and Adrien.

― heated debate over derpy hooves (jon /via/ chi 2.0), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:03 (7 months ago) Permalink

Haha, thanks. Being an original juror from when it first started, someday, I hope.

Lisa Christiansen who does the traffic on CBC R1 and once a week does a tedious little thing about the music biz. She has typical CBC tastes - in other words, MOR shite. I think she'll probably go for Grimes.

Nah, she's a cool person. One of the biggest supporters of Canadian metal, too.

As for tonight, Fucked Up is most deserving, and I'd be thrilled if YT//ST won, but my money's on Japandroids. I wouldn't count out Kathleen Edwards, people love her.

― A. Begrand, Monday, 24 September 2012 22:18 (7 months ago) Permalink

And a "no thank you" to jury duty for me. If Panopticon Eyelids aren't on the shortlist I am not interested

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:23 (7 months ago) Permalink

OP, please get a picture for the "pictures of Drake looking ridic" thread.

― canonical casual cordouroy (Eazy), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:27 (7 months ago) Permalink

We'll see, I might cut class early to see Nicky da B

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:35 (7 months ago) Permalink

I applied to be on the jury last year and got a "thanks, but no thanks." I like to believe it is because they feel Ontario is overrepresented (which I've actually heard is the case).

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Monday, 24 September 2012 22:36 (7 months ago) Permalink

It is. But it's also a lot more geographically spread out and diverse in musical taste than it was six years ago.

― A. Begrand, Monday, 24 September 2012 22:53 (7 months ago) Permalink

how many years has it been since panopticon eyelids released anything, or played a show? 2? i feel like they played something not that long ago

― flopson, Monday, 24 September 2012 23:05 (7 months ago) Permalink

Panopticon Eyelids put out an awesome album Dec 2011 and it is on Bandcamp, listen now. Grimes is playing now with a male pole dancer and her beats aren't syncing and she's fucking up and saying "fuck" and it is totally great

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 01:57 (7 months ago) Permalink

Are you there or just watching on TV?

― LaMonte, Tuesday, 25 September 2012 02:24 (7 months ago) Permalink

I'm here. Yamantaka just finished.

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 02:29 (7 months ago) Permalink

Feist is playing and she's basically a total fucking genius, I mean, MOR whatever, this is mega

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 02:57 (7 months ago) Permalink

I hope everybody wins but I hope Feist wins

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 02:58 (7 months ago) Permalink

Haha she did

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 03:07 (7 months ago) Permalink

Ugh.

― A. Begrand, Tuesday, 25 September 2012 06:02 (7 months ago) Permalink

Well, that was super fun. Alexei gave a tearful acceptance speech, it was heart-wrenching. Kathleen Edwards gave good speech too. I got drunk and spent the latter part of the evening talking with Rollie about his feelings.

― whiter than... this? (Ówen P.), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 16:18 (7 months ago) Permalink

Good to know that Kathleen has recovered well from her recent near death experience in my neck of the woods.

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Tuesday, 25 September 2012 16:20 (7 months ago) Permalink

Wha? I missed that. Details?

― alpine static, Wednesday, 26 September 2012 05:29 (7 months ago) Permalink

― canonical casual cordouroy (Eazy), Wednesday, 26 September 2012 05:39 (7 months ago) Permalink

http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2012/09/10/kathleen-edwards-stung-by-bee-nearly-dies/

(xpost)

― this is the dream of avril and chad (jer.fairall), Wednesday, 26 September 2012 14:24 (7 months ago) Permalink