Polaris, politics and artistic merit

 WLUSP discusses the albums shortlisted for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize

The Panel
Sarah Murphy (Arts Editor)
Mike Lakusiak (Campus News Editor)
Rebecca Vasluianu (In Depth Editor)
Judith Brunton (Radio Laurier Program Manager)
Bryn Ossington (WLUSP President)


Karkwa Le Chemins de Verre

The panel managed to agree that the sole Francophone nominees on the list were indeed deserving of the acclaim they’ve received.

Lakusiak pointed out that because the album presents a language barrier to some listeners, it’s “easy to have a prejudice” before hearing Le Chemins de Verre, while Murphy agreed that not understanding the lyrical elements of the songs could be considered a drawback.

Nonetheless, each panel member was thoroughly impressed by the French Canadian musicians.

Vasluianu endorsed Karkwa as having the best album in the bunch and Lakusiak believes that “amidst the other nominees, it stands out.”

The Panel's Predictions

Mike Lakusiak
Should win: Dan Mangan
Will win: Broken Social Scene

Rebecca Vasluianu
Should win: Dan Mangan/Karkwa
Will win: Broken Social Scene

Judith Brunton
Should win: Dan Mangan
Will win: Shad

Bryn Ossington
Should win: Dan Mangan
Will win: Karkwa

Sarah Murphy
 Should win: Karkwa
Will win: Dan Mangan

The Polaris Music Prize winner will be announced on September 20 at a gala in Toronto. For more information visit the Polaris Music Prize website.

Extract from article By Sarah Murphy, The Cord.ca, September 15, 2010