It’s that time again! I’m Tiana from Ride the Tempo, the crazy Canadian girl who is here to bring you some Canadian tracks. Last month, the Polaris Music Prize happened and when the rest of the world was streaming it live, nobody who knew who half the artists were. When Karkwa won, I didn’t even know who they were. So this month I decided to feature the artists in the Polaris Short List.
Karkwa
Karkwa are the 2010 winners for their album Les Chemins de Verre. The group is from Montreal, Canada and they are like a totally French version of Arcade Fire. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Karkwa – “Les Chemins de Verre”
The Besnard Lakes
Also from Montreal Canada, the Besnard Lakes is a master of shoegaze and The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night was the second album in a row to be nominated for the Polaris Music Prize. Their sound is timeless yet ambitious surrounding you with a wall of sound. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The Besnard Lakes – “Glass Printer”
Broken Social Scene
We all know about the musical collective known as Broken Social Scene. Being from Toronto, I’ve seen them many a times and they put on an amazing show. Forgiveness Rock Period was not their first to make the Polaris shortlist. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Broken Social Scene – “Meet Me in the Basement”
Caribou
Now Caribou you may not have heard of but their album Swim is psychedelic, yet delicate and fragile but at the same time you’re sure to bob you’re sure to bob your head. Their music is beautifully layered and sure worth a listen. MYSPACE
Caribou – “The Sun”
Dan Mangan
Dan Mangan is a folk singer/songwriter originally from Vancouver. Nice, Nice Very Nice was named after a Kurt Vonnegut poem. His music shows us that he is an excellent story teller. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Dan Mangan – “Set the Sails”
Owen Pallett
Another one from Toronto, Owen Pallet sweeps us away with his lush sweeping strings, electronic keyboard flourishes and the most appropriate percussion. His stories are beautiful stories that represent the allegory of relationships in or society. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Owen Pallett – “Midnight Directives”
Radio Radio
These dudes are some dudes from New Brunswick that decided to rap in Acadian French and when you can’t rhyme in that, add some English! OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Radio Radio – “Ej savais pas mieux”
The Sadies
Bittersweet. That’s one word that can sum up Darker Circles. The album beautifully balances pain and pleasure, much darker than before yet uplifting.OFFICIAL WEBSITE
The Sadies – “Another Day Again”
Shad
Here’s one hip-hop/rap artist you won’t hear swear. Rather you’ll get something aspirational with story telling wordplay set above amazing arrangements.
Shad – “Rose Garden”
Tegan and Sara
We’ve heard of Tegan and Sara because they were popularized for their work on the Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack. Sainthood is an album full of confessions and pop hooks. A perfect album for the teenage listener who are dedicated to their beliefs. OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Tegan and Sara – “Paperback Head“
