Weakerthans frontman makes a ‘polite’ debut with Provincial
John K. Samson’s debut solo full-length feels tangibly Canadian in more ways than its subject matter.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Hey Rosetta!
Hey Rosetta!'s latest album Seeds is far from plaid-clad pop, with moments of subtle brilliance that make it a real Polaris contender.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Galaxie
It's impossible not to have fun listening to Galaxie’s Polaris-nominated Tigre et diesel, the francophone band’s third album. Photo courtesy of RueMasson.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Austra
There's something for everyone when Austra finds its strength in balancing different sounds and styles.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Ron Sexsmith
Polaris-nominated Ron Sexsmith is a known name in Canada, but not as internationally famous as some of our other celebrated folk stars.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Colin Stetson
The album is ferociously creative. Even if an all-solo-saxophone LP sounds entirely unappealing on paper, there is no way to prepare yourself for the actual sound of this thing.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Arcade Fire
A new Arcade Fire album is an event. Every time a new one drops, it feels as if it’s been a long time coming. And as a result every time, expectations are high. And damned if they don’t deliver.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Destroyer
Destroyer's Kaputt takes a whole range of influences and transforms them into a tidy whole, making it undeniably one of the most lushly textured pop albums in recent memory.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: The Weeknd
On the surface House of Balloons a contemporary R&B album, which would be enough to make this one stand out on this year's Polaris Prize Shortlist.
Polaris Shortlist 2011: Timber Timbre
If the Polaris Prize was given on merit of album title alone, Timber Timbre’s Creep On Creepin’ On would take home the $30,000 without breaking a sweat.
