So, in preparation for the 2011 Polaris Prize (Canada's answer to the Mercury Prize), I've determined myself to listen to all of the shortlisted albums before the awards on Sept. 19. I intend to get to the longlist as well, but I don't consider it urgent.
Polaris Shortlist:
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
Austra - Feel it Break
Braids - Native Speaker
Destroyer - Kaputt
Galaxie - Tigre et Diesel
Hey Rosetta! - Seeds
Ron Sexsmith - Long Player Late Bloomer
Colin Stetson - New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges
Timber Timbre - Creep on Creepin' on
The Weeknd - House of Balloons
I got fairly involved in last year's Polaris awards, and even streamed the ceremony to watch all of the performances, and this year's nominees look better than last year's. I've already heard about 1/3 of the shortlist, and based on that I expect The Suburbs to get it, but personally prefer Kaputt.
The 2011 Long List | Polaris Music Prize
Anybody else care, or just me?