SoundProof's 2010 Polaris Prize Predictions

By: Cody McGraw

^{July 12, 2010}

OK. I’m going to try this again. As most SoundProof readers know, I suck at guessing the winner of the Polaris Music Prize. In fact, this will be my 5th time being wrong. See, I’m not even optimistic in my choice this time. What would be the point? It would be like a werewolf shaving his back. Anyway, this list is way better than last year’s train wreck and actually has more than two deserving nominees. Yeah, I said it. Still, painfully absent are You Say Party!, Ghostkeeper and Hannah Georgas, but that’s a whole different discussion.

Let’s begin, shall we?

 

The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaming Night by The Besnard Lakes

The Besnard Lakes were my choice to win the 2nd Polaris years back, but sadly they are not this year. Not that this album isn’t great, it’s quite good—but I just think The Besnard Lakes are a live band and not an album band. Are the Polaris jury members going to take that into account or just judge them by the album? I’m going with the latter and am instead predicting a really cool performance at the ceremony.

Rock Forgiveness Record by Broken Social Scene

Although I gave this album a very deserving five-star review about a month back, I really don’t think Broken Social Scene are going to win. Like Metric last year, Broken Social Scene don’t need the Polaris. They are already lauded as the go-to band for Canadian indie and have got all the recognition they deserve. That said, I think this album is amazing and would be very happy if it did win. But I’m so sure it won't that I’ll risk betting that if it does, I'll actually buy a Justin Bieber album.

 

Swim by Caribou

People have been falling all over themselves for months on account of this album, but I have to admit I’m still letting it grow on me. “Odessa” is great, but I haven’t warmed up to much else. Furthermore, it would be sort of ironic if Caribou won again considering he used his last winnings to fund this album. OK. Not ironic – masturbatory.

 

Les Chemins De Verre by Karkwa

Malajube better watch their back because Polaris is warming up to another francophone band. Seriously, how great is this album? Karkwa blur the language barrier and give you songs you can forget all your worries to and enjoy. To be honest, it would be a real treat to see them win.

 

Nice, Nice, Very Nice by Dan Mangan

Who doesn’t love Dan Mangan? His everyman appeal and relatable songs are great to listen to in any sort of mood. I’ve seen him make ladies swoon and make boyfriends jealous – and that ain’t no easy feat. But will his singer/songwriterocity win the hearts of the jury? Probably not. Sad face.

 

Heartland by Owen Pallett

Is this the year we have our first repeat winner? I think there’s a pretty good chance. For starters, everyone loves everything Owen Pallett does. Whether he’s releasing his own music or arranging it for others, critics fall all over it. The only thing working against him at this point is his previous win, but I’m pretty sure the jury will overlook that.

 

Belmundo Regal by Radio Radio

Apparently French rap exists. Huh. Well, we all know the Polaris warms to the unique and you don’t get more unique than this…

 

Darker Circles by The Sadies

I love The Sadies just like every other good Canadian, but come on – this isn't their best effort. It may be the feel-good album of the Polaris this year, but really it’s more of a respect nomination than anything else.

 

TSOL by Shad

OK, folks. Here it is: my pick to win. I really hope I didn’t just jinx it because Shad is one of the most humble, genuine people in Canadian music and his new album is pitch perfect with a side of amazing. Shamefully falling short two years ago, this year Shad should take the crown. Sorry, Drake. Shad is the true king of Canadian hip hop.

 

Sainthood by Tegan and Sara

After the inexcusable snub of The Con a few years back, I’m glad the jury is finally giving everyone’s favourite twins a nomination. The songwriting of this album is some of their strongest and most mature and I really stand by this nomination. Sadly, I might be alone there.

 

Recap

Who Should Win: Shad

Best Shot at Winning: Owen Pallett, Caribou, Radio Radio

Who Should Stay Home: Broken Social Scene, The Sadies