2010 Polaris Music Prize Nominees

The Polaris Music Prize announced its long list (below) for best Canadian album yesterday and the 40 nominees are an eclectic mix of very impressive talents. Nicely, 4 out of 5 of my picks made the list of nominations, which included eight Vancouver-based artists. Unfortunately, only Two Hours Traffic's latest and stellar effort, Territory, was left off.

There are so many fabulous albums nominated. I decided to highlight a few more I have listened to. A bunch of the (I'm sure very talented) artists on the long list, I am completely unfamiliar with and will have to play catch up on. The diverse mix of rock, electronic, hip-hop, and all other kinds of music were well represented by Polaris.

The following are some more of my album picks (taken from the list of nominees) that would probably round out my top ten Canadian albums over the last year, presented in no particular order:

2010 Polaris Music Prize Picks

It is that time of year again. Yes, the Polaris Music Prize celebrates the absolute very best in Canadian music every year based solely on artistic merit as Canadian music artists compete for the top prize of the album of the year award. This year's list of nominations will be announced on June 17 with a shortlist to follow on July 6.

In preparation for my fall internship at CBC Radio 3, I have been boning up on the latest and greatest in all things Canadian music. It is truly a great time for the Canadian music scene right now. So, below is my humble, but far from comprehensive, top five list of picks for the best Canadian albums of the past year. Hopefully, one day I will be esteemed enough to have an official vote on the Polaris panel of jurors.

Fun fact: I have seen four out of five of my picks perform live. Two Hours Traffic is the only one I have yet to see.

Springtime Mixtape

Recording my original demo music podcast was such a good experience that I decided to produce another one. Please check out and listen to and/or download my latest playlist, a mixtape of songs for the spring season (but not really).

Update: So I recorded a new version and it is definitely much better.

FULL VERSION (43:40)


SHORT VERSION (9:48)

CBC Radio 3: Women That Rock

I recently applied for the Alexis Mazurin Award at CBC Radio 3. This required that I submit a project pitch (read below) for their production. I decided to pitch a music series based around Canadian bands with female lead singers/vocalists and frontmen. In addition, I produced and recorded my own sample podcast for it. Check it out and give it a listen. (Right-click to download.)

FULL VERSION (37:13)

SHORT VERSION (7:39)

Valentine's Mixtape

1) "Here Comes Your Man" by The Pixies

2) "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany

3) "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield

4) "Your Ex-lover is Dead" by Stars

5) "Where Do You Go to My Lovely?" by Peter Sarstedt

6) "Meet Me Halfway" by Black Eyed Peas

7) "Ladies of the World" by Flight of the Conchords

8) "Here's to the Night" by Eve 6

9) "Secret Garden" by Bruce Springsteen

10) "Time After Time" by INOJ

Note: Check out Terri's Valentine's Mix CD.

5 Songs

1) "Heartbreaker" by MSTRKFT feat. John Legend

2) "Heads Will Roll" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3) "Hayloft" by Mother Mother

4) "Dance Tonight" by Paul McCartney 5) "Bastards of Young" by The Replacements