Everything I build

I know that somewhere out there, someone can explain to me the difference between Alternative Album of the Year and Adult Alternative Album of the Year (explain and justify, I’m sure), but maybe just by looking at the winners in those categories at last weekend’s Juno Awards presentation is enough to explain the difference.  While Serena Ryder took home the Adult Alternative award for her album is it o.k., The Stills took home the Alternative award for Oceans Will Rise. ‘Nuff said.

Also going home with The Stills on Sunday was the award for Best New Group, despite having three albums under their belts, and having been around for almost 10 years now.  Still, it’s nice to see these guys finally get some recognition at home, and acknowledgement that Oceans Will Rise is a pretty solid album that didn’t get the kind of support I thought it deserved.  “Being Here” is one of my favourite singles of 2008, and is indicative of what The Stills are all about–hard working, dedicated songwriters who have honed their sound to a razor sharp edge.

Were their better Canadian alternative albums this past year?  Whose to say definitively?  There isn’t some universal “Best Alternative Album Scale” we can compare them all to.  Assessment is futile, which is why I don’t like to read too much into awards like this.  Don’t get me wrong, though, any time we celebrate Canadian music, whether as fans, as part of the greater industry, or as critiques and close examinations, we’re validating the artistry and craft of our homegrown musicians.    The Stills may not be the best known alternative Canadian artists on the international scene, but that doesn’t mean that just because Arcade Fire releases an album in any given year the award should be theirs be default.  I’m absolutely thrilled that Dallas Green, aka City and Colour, was awarded Songwriter of the Year, because–god damn it!–he’s a fantastic songwriter.  He may still be at the beginning of his career, but Neil Young and Leonard Cohen aren’t going to be around forever, you know.  There is a wealth of talent on offer in this country, worth celebrating and championing, and we don’t always have to give out awards to do it.

MP3: The Stills “Being Here”
MP3: City and Colour “The Girl”
Facebook: The Stills
Facebook: City and Colour
Myspace: The Stills
Myspace: City and Colour

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