This is a big man on an even bigger vehicle. Apparently the vehicle is called a Polaris, which is Latin for "square pudgy rig that can handle square pudgy man." But Polaris is also the annual music prize given out each September in Toronto and decided on by hacks like myself and others "in the know" when it comes to what is good and what isn't in terms of musical notes and lyrics in unison.
So, with another nine months before a deserving (hopefully) artist or band picks up the prize (and the $20K to go with it), here are a few names that should be considered for said award:
1) Stars -- Montreal band set to return in 2010 after a bit of downtown which allowed Torquil Campbell to work on Memphis and Dead Child Star projects while Amy Millan did another solo album. Hopefully the album is more in line with Set Yourself On Fire and their digital EP which had a few real gems as well.
2) Jacksoul -- If there is a heart among the panelists, this should at least make the long list if not the short list. Haydain Neale passed away earlier this year before seeing how this album was embraced. Although the sentimental factor could play into it, previous Jacksoul records had plenty of soul in them. And not the crap "let me wash you down with motor oil" R&B of today but the proper old-school Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson feel.
3) Kirsten Jones -- Has been around for a few years (including opening for Minnie "I'm an actress, but I play a singer on stage" Driver in Toronto) but hopefully will see the fruits of her labor pay off in a big way. Gary Louris (Jayhawks, Golden Smog) produced the album which is a good sign. Members of Blue Rodeo appeared on it as well, which never hurts either. Released digitally in October, this record will hit shelves physically in early January.
4) Ron Sexsmith -- Provided he releases the album in time and it measures up to his already jaw-droppingly good discography, Sexsmith should be strongly considered for this prize. Like his last five or six albums, this one could be the one which sees him crack the big time. Not that opening for Coldplay isn't the big time, but finally getting him to that next level of recognition.
5) Kathleen Edwards -- Again, working on a new record, the follow-up to Asking For Flowers. Not sure which direction the album might go but she has yet to do anything wrong thus far, except getting Marty McSorley and Paul Coffey in her videos.
More albums to be kudo-ed in the coming months, but methinks this should be a good start.
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