Polaris Music Prize MP3 Reviews Part 2
Part 1 was written yesterday. Since I have to fill in for a few writers, I’m going to have to rush this. Without wasting any time:
Tim Hecker – An Imaginary Country
100 years Ago by Tim Hecker
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Now THIS belongs on the Polaris Prize nomination list. I love it. Wall of sound hits the right nerves, abstract and trippy – yet freaking awesome. Time to get a review copy 
.
Hey Rosetta – Into Your Lungs
There’s An Arc by Hey Rosetta!
Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Based on this song alone. I would say that I wouldn’t ask for a review copy of their album. However it is decent, not as bad as the Arkells’ track I reviewed. The song offers more musically and that’s probably a key point. It’s enough to check out other songs by them.
Japandroids – Post-Nothing
Young Hearts Spark Fire by Japandroids
Rating: 4 out of 5
I don’t think they deserve to win – deserving to be on the shortlist for sure though. Music is good but not great to me.
Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care
Hazel by Junior Boys
Rating: 3.75 out of 5
Album was reviewed by Ghalib Islam. Song is enjoyable but meh not digging it THAT much.
K-os – YES!
4321 by K-os
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
One word: NO! Not a great song.
K’Naan – Troubadour
Take A Minute by K’naan
Rating: Rating: 3.9 out of 5
Having not listened to K’naan before…I’m pleased after all I’ve heard. Not sure if this song would represent K’naan well but it’s good enough that I’ve got nothing negative to say.
La Patere Rose – S/T
Les Deux Bonnes Soeurs by La Patere Rose
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Another band that sings in French. I don’t mind them because I judge the music that much more and they pass the test. Nice vocals even if I can’t follow.
No mp3 to give. Can’t find anything on the internet and asking for a review copy anyhow.
Land of Talk – Some Are Lakes
Some Are Lakes by Land of Talk
Rating: 3 out of 5
Jon really liked this record. I wasn’t impressed when checking out mp3s before so this isn’t the first time I’ve tried to listen to Land of Talk. Her voice is nice but musically – it’s bland to me on this track, even vocally while nice it gives off a boring feeling.
Lhasa – S/T
Rising by Lhasa
Rating: 4 out of 5
Steven Young review the album.
Her voice is very powerful and resonates in ears much longer after she’s done singing.
Malajube – Labyrinthes
Porte Disparu by Malajube
Rating: 4 out of 5
I’m a sucker for pop.
Metric – Fantasies
Help I’m Alive by Metric
Rating: 4 out of 5
Wanes a little bit towards the end or else it would be higher – starts off hot.
$100 – Forest of Tears
No Great Leap by One Hundred Dollars
Rating: 3.6 out of 5
Was not expecting country, having heard a lot about this band. Good but taking this rating as more of a “personal tastes”. Just not into it and country hasn’t been my thing…ever.
Pink Mountaintops – Outside Love
Axis: Thrones of Love by Pink Mountaintops
Rating: 4 out of 5
Really digging the vocal melodies.
Joel Plaskett – Three
Through and Through and Through by Joel Plaskett
Rating: 4 out of 5
We didn’t review this album because it was lost in the shuffle of being a multi-writer website. Short story, writer left before writing a review. I’ll ask for a copy asap. I like this song, not sure if it’s highly original but I still like it.
All in all, lots of songs that are pretty good but even then, I’m still sour that some my choices didn’t make it. Whether or not my point of view is respected – I don’t care – I’ll still say I’m not happy with it. While reviewing singles doesn’t give me the greatest idea of how good the list is, I’m still not convinced this longlist a “good” list. A lot of the Montreal artists DO deserve to be on here but some don’t and some Toronto artists don’t either my point is made. Look for Part 3 tomorrow or the weekend.
I can’t believe this K-os album was even considered, it’s his worst to date.
K’naan on the other hand I’m very happy to hear is on the list and should definitely make the short list. I’ve been a fan since ‘The Dusty Foot Philosopher’.