Polaris Music Prize - September 19th 2011

So, who is Polaris? And what is the arguably, most celebrated Canadian music award all about?

For starters, here is their mission statement:

A not-for-profit organization that honours, celebrates and rewards creativity and diversity in Canadian recorded music. Polaris recognizes and markets albums of the highest artistic integrity, without regard to musical genre, professional affiliation, or sales history. it is is adjudicated by selected music journalists, broadcasters and bloggers.

Every year polaris will choose a 40-title long list and later, a 10-title short list. The judges choose their favorite album based upon 'their own tastes and determinations."

Here are some past artists who have won the Polaris Music Prize:

Final Fantasy - 2006
Patrick Watson - 2007
Caribou - 2008
Fucked Up - 2009
Karkwa - 2010
TBA - 2011

Now that you have some background. Here is this year's short list in no specific order (which was announced back on July 6th) and a select track from each album! The Gala and selection will happen the evening of September 19th.



Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Austra - Feel It Break

Austra - Lose It

Austra is soon undergoing a North American Tour! Check it out HERE.

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Braids - Native Speaker

Braids - Plath Heart

Braids has planned a lengthy tour. Scan the list over at CBC Radio 3 and stream their tunes while you are at it.

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Destroyer - Kaputt

Destroyer - Chinatown

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Galaxie - Tigre et diesel

Galaxie - Piste 1

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Hey Rosetta! - Seeds

Hey Rosetta! Yer Spring

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Ron Sexsmith - Long Player Late Bloomer

CBC Radio 2 - Live Session

Ron Sexsmith - Get In Line (Live Radio 2 Session)

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Colin Stetson - New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges

Colin Stetson - Judges (preview)

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks.

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Timbre Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On

Timber Timbre - Black Water by othertongues

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3 . music page to stream some great tracks and check out their upcoming shows.

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The Weeknd - House Of Balloons

The Weeknd - Coming Down

Want more? Head to their CBC Radio 3. music page to stream some great tracks and check out their upcoming shows.

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So, what do you do if you want to check out the Gala?

It will be webcasted live on the Much Website at 8pm ET on September 19th.

You can listen to it live on Sirius XM & CBC at 8pm ET on September 19th.

Lastly, it will be broadcasted live on Much, September 24th at 1pm and Midnight ET.

Well that's the short-list for this year and it is packed with some great bands and great music. Canadian musician's sure are putting out some amazing records and songs. If you like any thing you hear, head to the Polaris Webpage where you can buy any of the records listed above (I believe they throw in some perks too).

Support Canadian Music!

- Bryce