July 7th, 2008
Mixed Bag: Polaris Announces Shortlist for 2008 Prize
Polaris announced the shortlist for the 2008 leg of its prize today and I’ve got to admit I was a little surprised. Unfortunately, while I’d like to have been taken aback by the audacity of seeing albums listed that were largely worth the honour, the resulting shock was more of the “they chose that?” variety.
Needless to say, it’s an odd bunch. There are a few no-brainers that I doubt anyone can contest (Plants & Animals, Basia Bulat, Black Mountain), but the list is rounded out with a couple selections that left a bit of a contrived taste in my mouth.
I mean seriously, Stars? Really? Of all the great (and not so great) albums that made the long list they opted to include In Our Bedroom After the war over say, Sandro Perri or Wintersleep? I recall when I first reviewed the album that I found it to be decent overall—for stars fans—but nothing to write home about (ok, “My Favourite Book” is pretty damn awesome and almost makes the nomination acceptable, but the rest is mediocre). Actually, come to think of it, if the jury had wanted to include a token Arts & Crafts release, why not just go for the Constantines latest, Kensington Heights, and be done with it, as it’s a better album if you ask me (though still not best-of-the-year worthy…).
Another nomination that strikes me a bit the same way is Reunion Tour, by The Weakerthans. When this album was released I heard nothing but moans of mediocrity and, having listened to it myself, didn’t really find much to excite a non-fan of the Winnipeg band. Personally, I enjoy their stuff immensely, but didn’t feel that anything on Reunion Tour went beyond what they’d already accomplished on past releases. Granted, they have produced some excellent work before (Left and Leaving for instance) and deserve a lot of attention, but at the end of the day the Polaris Prize isn’t (to my knowledge…who knows how they choose these things) a lifetime-achievement award.
The above two picks aside, I can see where most of the rest are coming from (admittedly, I haven’t heard either the Shad or Kathleen Edwards albums yet). While I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen most of these myself (here are a few of my pics that didn’t make the cut), it wouldn’t bother me to see Basia Bulat or Caribou take the big bucks home. That said, I’m rooting for Plants & Animals (but,the way this thing is starting to reak of politics I doubt they’ll allow two Secret City wins in a row…alas).
Of course, who the hell am I to judge anyway? That said, expect mention of a few more albums I thought should have been given a shot in the near future.
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July 8th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
I was pretty underwhelmed by most of the list as well, but unlike most people, I really think the Kathleen Edwards record is deserving of being there.
Like most other people, I am surprised
disappointedthe Stars made the cut.July 8th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
2 actual contenders(Plants & Animals + Black Mountain) and 8 mediocre-average albums….WHY the heck Wintersleep and The Acorn didnt make the shortlist is beyond me…… i know taste in music is subjective but methinks the Polaris voting panel must consist of some real fools/tools
July 13th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I’m getting a sneaking inkling that perhaps some elitist snobbery is impacting judgement. Remember that the prize is granted on artistic merit irrespective of an album or artists potential to ride the mainstream. It seems to me that lately people have been pretty low on Broken Social Scene et al. because the are past their emergent phase. Because you get used to something doesnt make it less good. Stars’ album is simple but ingenious and heartfelt songwriting, they are typically underrated lyrically. And anyway, the Polaris is being taken waaaay too seriously. It really is impossible to compare musicians solely on ‘artistic merit’ (find me a definition of that one, in fact, and Ill be grateful). I think that Patrick Watson made some pertinent comments on those grounds after his win last year.
July 13th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Elitist snobbery? That’s a harsh accusation to be throwing around simply because I said In Our Bedroom After the War was decent, but not great.
Also, while I can see some of the points you’re trying to make, I’m unable to find where they correlate to anything I said in the above post. That said, I agree that the Polaris Prize is being taken too seriously. Though I find it a bit funny that you’re making that accusation, as you’re throwing out some pretty serious and heady arguments yourself.
Of course, whether people agree with the picks or not, this sort of dialogue is probably where the Polaris Prize is most successful, as it gets people talking about Canadian indie music.