(photo: blogto.com)
It’s all over but the crying, now (tears of joy, for sure). Polaris 2009 is one for the history books now, and it surely will go down in the annals of Canadian music as a definitive celebration of the diversity and breadth of talent the Great White North has to offer. They may make mountains out of molehills about awarding $20,000 to a band with an expletive-laced name, but in the end, it really didn’t matter which album walked away with the prize on Monday night; the real winners are/were the Canadian record-buying public.
Last night was an absolutely fantastic celebration of Canadian music, by far the best I’ve ever laid eyes on. You could feel the energy in the room coming across the video feed, so I can only imagine what it was like to be in the room (next year, for sure!) The lack of overt corporate logos plastered everywhere, and the focus on the music and the musicians (instead of the machine and the marketing) came across in every facet of the night. It was a joy to watch and listen to.
I will be the first to admit that I gave short shrift to many of this year’s nominated bands, based solely on my experience of their recorded work. I don’t get out much, you see. It’s been awhile since I went out to a concert, a show, or a club, so I’m pretty much an iPod critic, listening to most of my music alone without someone else there to bounce thoughts off of and share in the vibe. I miss that. A lot. watching the live video stream on MuchMusic.com on Monday night I realized just how much I’m missing out by not going out to hear music live, let alone listening on my own. So with all due humility and sincerity, here goes:
Hey Rosetta! I owe you one big apology. Yeah, the album is heavy on the loud-quiet-loud formula, but who effin’ cares? That’s just what you do, and you do it so bloody well. I seriously started weeping, had tears in my eyes, at what an amazing band you are live. Tim Baker, the torch is yours. Take care of the flickering flame that is Canadian rock, and stoke the fires for years to come. You have a new fan in me.
MP3: Hey Rosetta! “Tired Eyes (live at the 2009 Polaris Music Prize)”
MP3: Hey Rosetta! “New Goodbye”
Fucked Up, what can I say? Your sonic bombast is dwarfed only by your hearts. Damian Abraham, your acceptance speech was a touching moment for a juror like me to watch. I was moved by how the award represented a signal that you, the band, and hardcore music had achieved a place of prominence and respect among the Canadian music scene; it was a real Sally “you really like me!” Fields moment without the dripping sarcasm and self-loathing. It’s something I will continue to be proud of having played a small part in. I look forward to hearing what the future holds for you.
Okay friends, that’s a wrap (finally!) for QBiM’s coverage of Polaris 2009. It’s time for a much needed breather from all the speculation and analysis. You have my permission to take me out back and slap my silly with a baking sheet if I mention the P-word between now and Christmas. Come January, though, all bets are off. It’s never too early to start thinking about P[CENSORED]s 1020.
MP3: Fucked Up “Son The Father (Live at the 2009 Polaris Music Prize)”
MP3: Fucked Up “No Epiphany”
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