Killin’ time and usin’ colons while I try to make my shortlist. This is the list of Polaris Music Prize nominees I would have submitted
If you’re new: part one part two
I’ve got my shortlist down to 13. I’m not going to list them, but I’m sure (ish) that I’ll have it down to 10 by the time the real Polaris Music Prize-ers release their shortlist in two weeks. But I want to use the Anarchist Piano Lessons graphic again, so here we are.
This time I’m gonna make a different list.
I’ve been reading a lot about the process1 , hoping to find some guidelines about how the organization instructs the jury to think about the records they’re evaluating. Alas: they don’t. That’s a smart move, but it’s not helpful to me.
However, at the outset of the process, they ask all the jurists2 to list their 5 favourite albums3 released between May 1 2022 and May 31 20234.
So I figured I’d offer this bit of content up to the SEO gods:
In no particular order, here are the 5 albums I would have submitted for this year’s prize.
Good Kid – Good Kid 4
Seeing them play their EP 3 (and two songs from this one) this live at Sonic Boom was a highlight of 2023. It’s basically impossible not to fishstick5 while this is on. Joyful, catchy and a killer live show.
Released April 14 2024
Kee Avil – Spine
This is one of the most interesting albums I’ve heard since I started this website. It’s irresistably weird, artful and complicated. I have to believe this’ll be on next year’s ballot.
released May 3 2024
Bambii – Infinity Club
We agree on one! This has been a road-trip staple since I first heard it. It’s one absolute banger after another. Flawless pool party music. Bit of an odd choice for a dude in my demographic. What can I say? I’m a man of multitudes.
Released August 4 2023
Mother Tongues – Love in a Vicious Way
Can’t believe this didn’t make the shortlist. Maybe it came out too early in the date range. It’s a solid end-to-end record, and Pitchfork liked it. Baffling omission.
Released July 25 2023
Hot Mud – Rehab Rock
Just a remarkable bit of DIY therapy and catharsis. Might have flown under the radar of most of the jury though. As indie as it gets.
Released March 1 2024
There you have it. What did I miss?
1 It’s more interesting than I expected, though not interesting enough to go into, read about it here if you like
2 There are almost 200 of ’em this year
3 An album is at least 20 minutes, or 5 songs, original work
4 I guess it’s 13 months so if something amazing comes out too close to the cutoff, they can include it the next year. But then it’d be a year old. If you’re a Canadian musician with your eye on the Polaris Prize, there’s probably a sweet spot for your record release — like October or so. Someone should figure that out.
5 Fishstick?
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