Polaris Short List

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
2. Austra - Feel it Break
3. Braids - Native Speaker
4. Destroyer - Kaputt
5. Galaxie - Tigre et diesel
6. Hey Rosetta! - Seeds
7. Ron Sexsmith - Long Player Late Bloomer

8. Colin Stetson - New History Warfare Vol. 2: Judges
9. Timber Timbre - Creep on Creepin' on
10. The Weeknd - House of Balloons

With the final decision coming September 19, it seems like it's going to be a tough choice. Even thought The Suburbs will no doubt me the most recognizable name on the list, I have a strong feeling that Arcade Fire won't "really" be in the running for the Polaris, only because they tend to choose a much lesser known artist that has much less recognition as it is. I think that's one reason Polaris is so great; it really gives the nation and possibly the world a chance to know about an artist that might otherwise never be appreciated for their hard work and talent.

PS. I do have to say that personally I'm so disappointed that RAA (Rural Alberta Advantage) didn't end up making the short list. But either way, you should be checking out their album "Departing"!