Just like last year, I waited until the very last day to submit my Polaris Music Prize ballot. This year had two albums that stood out as shoo-ins and a slew more that were strong contenders for my list. I imagine that I’ll have a chance to vote for one or two of those near-misses in the next round, so stay tuned for my second ballot in a few weeks from now.
1. Destroyer – Kaputt
He’s already put out eight previous LPs and a smattering of smaller releases and collaborations, but Kaputt just might be Dan Bejar’s best work yet. It’s a masterpiece in kitsch, with new age-tinged synths and soft rock horns that manage to sound charmingly hokey and completely gorgeous. Below is the poppy opener “Chinatown”
2. PS I Love You – Meet Me at the Muster Station
Screaming distortion. Yelping vocals. Thundering drums. Primal aggression. Shred solos. Talkbox. I’ve written about how much I love this album way too many times for me to have much new to write, so let me just reiterate how completely badass this debut LP is. Don’t believe me? “Facelove” is below.
3. Dirty Beaches – Badlands
Style over substance? Possibly. But Alex Zhang Hungtai has a hell of a lot of style, so he still manages to pull of this scuzzy, ultra lo-fi take on retro blues and no-wave experimentation. There are also striking ballads like “Lord Knows Best” (below) and “True Blue.”
4. Diamond Rings – Special Affections
John O’Regan’s first album as Diamond Rings has three of the best singles of the year: “Wait & See” (below), “Something Else,” and “All Yr Songs.” And while the deep cuts aren’t quite a enduring as those singles, there’s no denying that this album completely owned my iPod back in the fall.
5. No Gold – No Gold
The Vancouver trio’s first LP was a long time in the making, but this eight-song collection definitely doesn’t disappoint. Krautrock influences mingle with tropical guitars and ambient soundscapes to make for a chilled-out summer album that’s perfect for hot, lazy afternoons. Chill out with “Rainforts” below.
1. Destroyer – Kaputt
He’s already put out eight previous LPs and a smattering of smaller releases and collaborations, but Kaputt just might be Dan Bejar’s best work yet. It’s a masterpiece in kitsch, with new age-tinged synths and soft rock horns that manage to sound charmingly hokey and completely gorgeous. Below is the poppy opener “Chinatown”
2. PS I Love You – Meet Me at the Muster StationScreaming distortion. Yelping vocals. Thundering drums. Primal aggression. Shred solos. Talkbox. I’ve written about how much I love this album way too many times for me to have much new to write, so let me just reiterate how completely badass this debut LP is. Don’t believe me? “Facelove” is below.
3. Dirty Beaches – BadlandsStyle over substance? Possibly. But Alex Zhang Hungtai has a hell of a lot of style, so he still manages to pull of this scuzzy, ultra lo-fi take on retro blues and no-wave experimentation. There are also striking ballads like “Lord Knows Best” (below) and “True Blue.”
4. Diamond Rings – Special AffectionsJohn O’Regan’s first album as Diamond Rings has three of the best singles of the year: “Wait & See” (below), “Something Else,” and “All Yr Songs.” And while the deep cuts aren’t quite a enduring as those singles, there’s no denying that this album completely owned my iPod back in the fall.
5. No Gold – No GoldThe Vancouver trio’s first LP was a long time in the making, but this eight-song collection definitely doesn’t disappoint. Krautrock influences mingle with tropical guitars and ambient soundscapes to make for a chilled-out summer album that’s perfect for hot, lazy afternoons. Chill out with “Rainforts” below.
