AWmusic

Before I give you my submitted list, I try to stay objective on this list. It doesn’t reflect my personal tastes per se. I did include a band I love too much (The Rest) and an artist I think people will miss (CFCF – he’ll be huge maybe not among bloggers but definitely on the internet).

10. Fucked Up
A Polaris Prize win should help increase the profile of this hardcore band. The truth is that while the Polaris Prize was a massive victory for the band, they had a really good 2008 and winning the prize probably reflects that.

Son The Father by Fucked Up
(Number 2 on the actual list)

9. Diamond Rings
I know only one song by Diamond Rings and it’s a good one. It also helps that video has gotten quite a bit of attention *cough* Pitchfork *cough*.

All Yr Songs by Diamond Rings

(Number 20 on the actual list)

8. CFCF
If this list was done in November or December, I really believe CFCF would be much higher with his album having been released on October 26. He may be known for his remixes of Crystal Castles and Health but I’m going out on a limb that he’s going to be well known a month or two from now (got to try to be timeless).

Triceratops (CFCF Remix) by Health
(Unranked)

7. Handsome Furs
Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry released another solid album in my opinion and should be up here. While comparisons to bandmate Spencer Krug likely downplay their contribution to Canadian, it’s hard to ignore the positive reviews that Face Control has received.

Nyet Spasiba by Handsome Furs
(Number 3 on the actual list)

6. Bruce Peninsula
Bruce Peninsula’s A Mountain Is A Mouth is an odd affair but equally amazing. I’m glad that so many have recognize how awesome they are.

Steamroller by Bruce Peninsula
(Number 8 on the actual list)

5. Destroyer
Bay of Pigs for song of the year? It’d be hard to argue against a near 14 minute track.

Bay Of Pigs by Destroyer (warning: HUGE FILE)
(Unranked on the list?)

4. Japandroids
Japandroids’ Post Nothing may have seemed like a cocky name for an album title but they definitely followed through. They absolutely killed in regards to press, receiving great critical acclaim.

I Quit Girls by Japandroids
(Number 4 on the actual list)

3. The Rest
I’ve been on The Rest’s bandwagon for the whole year as their album; Everyone All At Once blew me away and is one of my favourite albums of 2009. While they haven’t struck it big in terms of the press they’ve received, bloggers from all over the world have praised this album.

With Every Heartbeat by The Rest (Robyn Cover)
(Unranked)

2. Sunset Rubdown
Sunset Rubdown is follow up Random Spirit Lover with Dragonslayer an album that was much more accessible yet still of a very high quality. (And they are one of my favorite bands hands down).

Apollo and The Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh by Sunset Rubdown

(Number 18 on the actual list)

1. Rural Alberta Advantage
Stephen Harper tried to score cool points with us by having them on his iPod. As much as I still wouldn’t vote for the conservatives, that’s pretty damn cool for the RAA. The RAA weren’t eligible to even be nominated for the Polaris Music Prize but if they had, I’m pretty certain they would’ve been a top contender.

(Number 1 on the actual list)
Ballad of the RAA by The Rural Alberta Advantage

My honorable mention: Julie Doiron, Faunts and Said The Whale and more… (I probably would’ve fiddled with it a bit more had I given myself for a chance to think about it).