Friday, October 30. 2009
Hottest Bands in Canada, 2009 edition
2009 marks the fifth edition of the Hottest Bands in Canada poll, and like each of the four that came before it, the results were incredibly close. The first eight bands on the list were all only separated by a couple of votes, and I really had no sense of who was going to win up until I counted the very last ballot.
That probably says all you need to know about this past year in Canadian music. Lots of bands had some really exceptional years, with no one band completely dominating.
Anyway, before I reveal the results, a few quick notes on the methodology. About a month ago, I e-mailed several dozen of the country's top music writers, journalists and bloggers, inviting them to take part in the poll. All that I asked was a ranked top 10 list of the acts (be they bands or solo artists) that the writer felt had an exceptionally good 2009. As ballots came in, they were scored as follows: five points for making a list, coupled with points for their positioning on the ballot (that is, ten points for first, nine points for second, eight for third and so on). Then I just added it all up by total number of points, and took the top 33 bands from the list. (And it's top 33 because of a quirk in the first year's voting, when I decided, for some reason, that everyone's first choice should be on the list. Needless to say, the panel was a lot smaller then.)
The voters were, in no particular order:
Chart Editor-in-Chief Aaron Brophy, Jim from Quick Before It Melts, Brock and Matthew Wells from Trendwhore, Singing Lamb's Melody Lau, Ottawa music photographer Ming Wu, Ryan Bresee from CKCU's Whatever's Cool With Me, Dance Music for Old People's Prianka, Ottawa Xpress photo editor Ben Welland, François Levesque and Zaid Khan of Apartment 613, Justin Beach of NXEW, Exclaim! contributors Del Cowie, Chris Whibbs and Scott Gray, Bob Battams from It's Not The Band I Hate It's Their Fans, Coke Machine Glow's Calum Marsh, Ren Tomovcik from CKCU's RENegade, Mechanical Forest Sound, Garry Tsaconas of Manowar Photos, Colin Medley, Midnight Poutine's Jeremy Morris, occasional ihm contributor Kelly Bergeron, Mykael from Painting Over Silence, Rod from Bootlog, Marc from Bridging The Atlantic, Rob Schmidt of London, ON, Burgeoning Metropolis, For The Records' Michael Ligon, The Indie Files' Amanda Ash, Frank from Chromewaves, Radio Free Canuckistan's Michael Barclay, Alex of The Mad Ones, Allen of AWMusic, Zoilus (aka the Globe and Mail's Carl Wilson), Montreal freelancer Brendan Murphy and Spinner.ca music editor Joshua Ostroff.
That's thirty-four voters in total, which makes it the biggest panel ever!
All bands who received voters by didn't make the cut will be posted on Monday.
And with that, here are the Hottest Bands in Canada...
That probably says all you need to know about this past year in Canadian music. Lots of bands had some really exceptional years, with no one band completely dominating.
Anyway, before I reveal the results, a few quick notes on the methodology. About a month ago, I e-mailed several dozen of the country's top music writers, journalists and bloggers, inviting them to take part in the poll. All that I asked was a ranked top 10 list of the acts (be they bands or solo artists) that the writer felt had an exceptionally good 2009. As ballots came in, they were scored as follows: five points for making a list, coupled with points for their positioning on the ballot (that is, ten points for first, nine points for second, eight for third and so on). Then I just added it all up by total number of points, and took the top 33 bands from the list. (And it's top 33 because of a quirk in the first year's voting, when I decided, for some reason, that everyone's first choice should be on the list. Needless to say, the panel was a lot smaller then.)
The voters were, in no particular order:
Chart Editor-in-Chief Aaron Brophy, Jim from Quick Before It Melts, Brock and Matthew Wells from Trendwhore, Singing Lamb's Melody Lau, Ottawa music photographer Ming Wu, Ryan Bresee from CKCU's Whatever's Cool With Me, Dance Music for Old People's Prianka, Ottawa Xpress photo editor Ben Welland, François Levesque and Zaid Khan of Apartment 613, Justin Beach of NXEW, Exclaim! contributors Del Cowie, Chris Whibbs and Scott Gray, Bob Battams from It's Not The Band I Hate It's Their Fans, Coke Machine Glow's Calum Marsh, Ren Tomovcik from CKCU's RENegade, Mechanical Forest Sound, Garry Tsaconas of Manowar Photos, Colin Medley, Midnight Poutine's Jeremy Morris, occasional ihm contributor Kelly Bergeron, Mykael from Painting Over Silence, Rod from Bootlog, Marc from Bridging The Atlantic, Rob Schmidt of London, ON, Burgeoning Metropolis, For The Records' Michael Ligon, The Indie Files' Amanda Ash, Frank from Chromewaves, Radio Free Canuckistan's Michael Barclay, Alex of The Mad Ones, Allen of AWMusic, Zoilus (aka the Globe and Mail's Carl Wilson), Montreal freelancer Brendan Murphy and Spinner.ca music editor Joshua Ostroff.
That's thirty-four voters in total, which makes it the biggest panel ever!
All bands who received voters by didn't make the cut will be posted on Monday.
And with that, here are the Hottest Bands in Canada...
32. Still Life Still (tie)
One of the best opening acts I’ve seen this year. It won’t be long before they’re headliners. (Mykael, Painting Over Silence)
Signing to Arts & Crafts this year with the release of their debut album Girls Come Too, Toronto's Still Life Still combine the youthful exhuberance of peers like Tokyo Police Club with a scruffy pop sensibility that's more in line with their label brethren Broken Social Scene. BSS Jr. perhaps, but there's a tune or two from Still Life Still that'd sound terrific on your next playlist (OK, the old-school-er in me really wants to say mixtape, but hey who I am kidding?). (Michael Ligon)
Download "Neon Blue"
32. Andrew Vincent (tie)
I know Dan Mangan just won the Verge award for best artist, and that he should probably get the nod for hottest singer songwriter in Canada right now (and Nice Nice Very Nice is solid). But Andrew Vincent’s Rotten Pear is a witty and wry collection of sonic stories and musical memories that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s understated and self-depricating. Sure, it doesn’t scream out “Hottest In Canada”, but that’s the point. How very Canadian. (Jeremy Morris)
Put out a really pretty album and finally did some touring. (Ben Welland, Ottawa Xpress)
Download "Under Your Thumb"
28. Tune-Yards (tie)
The first time I saw Tune Yards (AKA Merill Garbus) was when she was wow-ing Casa Del Polpo during Pop Montreal a couple of years ago. Despite the space not being huge, it was like sardines in a tin can. Everyone stood and focused vividly at Merill's wonderful performance. Time has passed and she has released a low-fi recording of debut record entitled bird brains. Her live performances became must-see's by many and her album was desired by a similar amount. Now, she is on 4AD and is touring with large groups such as The Dirty Projectors. All I can say about her is that she can wade off any danger that comes her way. Her voice is powerful and so is her message. It will continue to be felt as she tours more and makes fantastic music. (Garry Tsaconas)
Download "Sunlight"
28. Two Hours Traffic (tie)
Territory wasn't exactly a plunge into the abyss, but it demonstrated that Two Hours Traffic's summery pop has a bit of a dark side. (Matthew, i(heart)music)
Download "Weightless One"
28. Lightning Dust (tie)
Startling stuff. I'm more impressed by Infinite Light every time I listen to it. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Download "Never Seen"
28. Julie Doiron (tie)
And isn't it about time. When NxEW.ca ran our Shadow Polaris this year and asked people what should win (in a free vote open to everyone) - Julie took it home for I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day, an album that didn't even make the Polaris Long List. Julie has been quietly building her reputation among critics and fans for almost two decades now and just seems to get better with age. I also can't think of another artist who generates more praise from other artists. (Justin Beach)
Her new album I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day follows on the heels of '07's Polaris shortlisted Woke Myself Up, but exchanges that album's dark explorations for musings on domesticity and gladness. It's considered, in some quarters, to be Higher Art to write about misery as opposed to happiness, which might account for this one getting a few less accolades, but it's not a lesser album. And add to that an enchanting stage presence — a ramshackle, figure-it-out-as-we-go-along spirit combined with her uncalculating, plainspoken sincerity, and you might float out of one of her gigs instead of walking. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
She's the most consistent songwriter in Canada who still manages to surprise on every album she puts out. (Colin Medley)
Download "Nice To Come Home"
27. Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
In part because I’m a huge homer and they’re from London – they haven’t released anything this year; but, the other part is that the often cryptic, Eastern European-influenced Olenka (think a female Beirut) writes some excellent songs. I think if I had these albums in my sweaty mitts last year one, or potentially both, could’ve ended up on my top-10 list. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
This London, Ontario, outfit seems to be winning new fans incrementally with each live show. I continue to brag about being one of only a few people who caught their live set at C'est What during North By North East back in 2008 but it seems people are now catching on to the band's charming hybrid of roots-y, acoustic, gypsy-folk. Festival-heavy participation this year for the band including NXNE, their own hometown LOLA festival, Pop Montreal and Halifax Pop Explosion as well as the self-release of their debut full-length has made it a successful and busy year for them. (Michael Ligon)
Download "Warsaw Girl"
25. Bell Orchestre (tie)
Benefiting from a bit of hiatus on Arcade Fire duties Richard Reed and co. managed to create a pretty amazing instrumental album that they've toured around the world. 2009 isn't over yet and they've just announced a remix EP entitled Who Designs Nature's How with remixes by Kid Koala, Colin Stetson and others. (François Levesque)
As Seen Through Windows is a monumental instrumental journey. This band understands exactly how powerful dynamics are in making layered, thoughtful music. (Jeremy Morris)
Download "Elephants"
25. D-Sisive (tie)
You wouldn’t know it from my list, but I love the rap music. There’s lots of great stuff from Canada, but little that I would call hot right now. Except maybe D-Sisive. Great flow, great tunes, great production. He’s starting to catch ears. (Ryan Bresee)
24. Said The Whale
They are such a fun band to see live with their catchy indie pop tunes. With Islands Disappear they will become very well known. Camilio (The Magician) and B.C. Orienteering are the best tracks. (Ming Wu)
Download "Camilo (The Magician)"
23. Leonard Cohen
With the simple act of touring and re-arrangement of his classic songs, the old Montreal warhorse continues to blow the minds of everyone. (Chris Whibbs)
This was, by far, the best concert I saw this year, and unlike a lot of people, I wouldn't even consider myself a huge Leonard Cohen fan. If this lengthy current tour is really his last, it's a Hell of a way to say goodbye. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Download "Suzanne"
22. Gentleman Reg
Reg Vermue is having the sort of year that his fans have been wishing on him for awhile now. It's been a long gap and a lot of water under the bridge since '04's Darby and Joan so it's no surprise that Reg hit the ground running once he had a solid new album (Jet Black) to promote. Playing plenty shows and working some choice opening slots, the fabulous thing is that his crack band quickly surpassed the songs' recorded versions. Between all that, Reg has also had some time for collaboration, debuting a new dancefloor project with Woodhands' Dan Werb. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Reg Vermue, AKA Gentleman Reg, played a shit load of live shows this year, and will continue to do so until the end of the year, in support of his most recent release Jet Black. The more I listen to the samples on his MySpace, the more I wonder why I haven't yet picked up the album. Delicious, edgy pop music. (Michael Ligon)
Download "To Some It Comes Easy"
21. Giant Hand
Giant Hand scares me in a titillating way. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
As if playing some of Canada's biggest festivals weren't good enough, opening for Daniel Johnston sealed the deal. Giant Hand is the real thing. (Wells)
Less than two years ago, Kirk Ramsay had never even picked up a guitar. Then we watched a documentary on Daniel Johnston, was inspired to start playing...and a year and a half later, he was opening for Johnston himself. Throw in an amazing debut (Coming Home), appearances at Pop Montreal and the Ottawa Bluesfest, and opening spots for the likes of Handsome Furs, Ohbijou, Timber Timbre and The Lovely Feathers, and you've got yourself one impressive year.
Download "Coming Down From The Mountains"
20. Diamond Rings
Best New Music with a bullet. A pink bullet. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I think Diamond Rings has done pretty well for an act that didn't exist last year. (Colin Medley)
From playing acoustic sets in backyards to being the toast of Pitchfork, Diamond Rings AKA John O’Regan (The D’Urbervilles) has had quite the successful year. In late August, Diamond Rings released a video for “All Yr Songs” (directed by Colin Medley) that caught like quickfire around the blogosphere, including a feature on Pitchfork, later garnering an 8 out of 10 rating. But don’t write O’Regan off as just another gimmicky one-hit wonder; this man is the real deal. His live sets are filled with fun, energy and even more addictive melodies. With a record on the way, 2010 will continue to see Diamond Rings’ success rise. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
Because the video, with those value village NBA jerseys, eye make-up, and moon-walking is highly entertaining. I confess, being familiar with the D’Urbervilles (but not knowing John O personally) I never would’ve predicted he was capable of this kind of sound/video/aesthetic. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
I know only one song by Diamond Rings and it’s a good one. It also helps that video has gotten quite a bit of attention cough Pitchfork *cough*. (Allen Cheng)
19. The Wooden Sky
With the popularity of all things folk, The Wooden Sky proved that the style can be respectfully appropriated and translated into the voice of today. The buzz is still growing for these guys. (Marc, Bridging the Atlantic)
There is magic in these songs. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Maybe it’s just me, but I really didn’t see this album coming. I knew the Wooden Sky existed, but they were sort of just another Toronto band whose name I had seen a bunch of times in show listings, on other blogs, and in those really awful mass press release type things that PR companies send out. The Wooden Sky have really demonstrated on If You Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone that they are one of the best bands Canada has to offer right now. Plus, in conjunction with Scott Cudmore, they’ve been putting of the most entertaining live videos I’ve seen in a while, thus making “The Late King Henry” one of my most sung in the shower songs this year. Yeah, I bet the bands feeling really good about that. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
In light of the late summer release of their fantastically heart-felt and emotive album If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone, The Wooden Sky have had a massive 2009. With the addition of the release of a new documentary capturing the backstage scenes of their summertime tour, they have become one of the country’s most intriguing folk-rock, alt-country outfits. Consequently, they are in my number one spot. The Wooden Sky are realizing their awesome potential and sparking excitement in crowds of listeners all across the country. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Long-time fixtures of the Toronto scene, their new record If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone feels like a game-changer for the band in every sense. They've made records, they've toured their asses off and now, people are talking. A lot. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Download "Oslo"
18. Sunset Rubdown
Put on a helluva live show. And consistently make originally, challenging and great records. (Mykael)
If Spencer Krug ever had any doubt where he feels most comfortable, Dragonslayer proved that Krug is most at home in Sunset Rubdown. The tracks were natural and paced. The first of the Wolf Parade clan on my list, I'm beginning to wonder if they'll find time for another album. (Marc)
Sunset Rubdown followed up Random Spirit Lover with Dragonslayer, an album that was much more accessible yet still of a very high quality.(Allen Cheng)
Download "Dragon's Lair"
17. Drake
16. Coeur de Pirate
I realize that her album was actually released in September 2008 but 2009 was undisputedly her break out year, especially in the English speaking music community in Canada. She has a beautiful jazz-inspired sound and lyrics that make you think of walking the streets in Monmartre in the summertime – especially the song Berceuse. The saddest thing for me is that I only understand about half of her lyrics and missed a lot of her banter and jokes when I saw her in Ottawa on Canada Day. (Prianka)
I'd been hearing hype about her since Fall 2008. I heard her live a couple of times and she delivers. She's loved beyond Canada having played loads of shows in France throughout 2009. She had the crowd at Zaphod's hanging on her every note and word when she played in April. (François Levesque)
When my hopelessly Anglo friends are extolling the awesomeness of this enchanting chanteuse, you know things are going well. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "Francis"
15. Joel Plaskett
With each new hoser he wins over the world becomes a better place. (Aaron Brophy)
Who knew releasing a three CD set would cause lots of interest. Very ambitious of him for doing this in 2009. Joel is also the nicest and down to earth musician you will ever meet. "Through and Through and Through" is what I think of 2009. (Ming Wu)
Plaskett put out a career defining album this year. I love his all his records, with and without the Emergency but Three is an epic endeavour. I also really loved his Family & Friends tour in support of the new album which saw him performing with Bill Plaskett, maritimers Rose Cousins and Ana Egge and of course, the Emergency. I still think that he was robbed of this year’s Polaris Prize (and after he made the short list for the second time!) so he definitely deserves a nod as the Best Canadian Artist of 2009. (Prianka)
Joel surely belongs on the "graduated" list above and I seriously contemplated putting him there but 2009 has been, I think, the biggest year of his career to date. He has taken it to a whole other level. He has been nominated for the Polaris Music Prize (again), as well as just about every award for which he qualifies. He also played nearly every festival, large and small, anywhere in Canada oh ... and there was the triple album. It would be silly to do this list and not include him because he was very well known before. (Justin Beach)
Download "Spinning For You"
14. Great Lake Swimmers
Lost Channels is an absorbing, beautiful, and thoughtful collection. (Mykael)
Great Lake Swimmers are another band that has done the slow climb rather than the big splash. Now with a Polaris Short List nod under their belt the national media is paying a bit more attention to Tony Dekker's band which is good for the media. Your grandchildren will be listening to people play Great Lake Swimmers covers in bars many years from now. (Justin Beach)
From one coldly analytical perspective, GLS have moved from being a nearly solo folk project to a fleshed-out rootsy, MOR band — the sort of stuff that Canadian A.M. playlists were filled up with a couple decades ago. But that overlooks the fact that main swimmer Tony Dekker continues to write incredible songs, each a little roadmap of closely-held desire that seems so recognizable. And when those songs delivered in his aching croon, he even makes the boys a little bit weak in the knees. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Great Lake Swimmers released a Polaris-nominated record (Lost Channels), toured North America/Europe and, once again, made me fall hopelessly in love with them. They’ve got me wrapped so tightly around their folky fingers I gush about them to strangers as if they were my newborn children or something. (Amanda Ash)
Download "Great Lake Swimmers"
13. Think About Life
If someone asked me where I had the most fun in 2009 my answer would probably be “at a Think About Life show.” With a Polaris longlist nod for their latest release, Family, TAL has received plenty of love in 2009 and if you’ve seen these guys live you’d understand why. Hands-down, one of the most fun bands out there today. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
The band that has shape-shifted my perspective on music has finally released their follow-up record to their powerful self-title release. Family is polished off, more friendly and has more substance. This record has won the band many new fans, which is always a plus. However, I am asked if I like the new sound. I'm just happy that they're still alive as there was a small frame of time where Think About Life were no more -- news I don't think I could have handled at a time. Now, they're stronger than ever (minus
Matt Shane, unfortunately, but now with a new drummer) and they're still making hearts swell. (Garry Tsaconas)
For fans of TAL, the release of Family came as a bit of a shock. It was a departure from their usual dance-core style. As the year progressed, the group proved that the album better-represented the band as a whole. The tracks were well-received by fans and non-fans alike. TAL still possess immense potential. (Marc)
Think About Life, Clues, and Parlovr are duelling it out for the title of Montreal indie act that’s on the cusp of breaking big. They all had great albums this year, but the one I keep going back to is Think About Life’s Family. You can’t have this album on and not smile/move your hips. If you can, then you are officially and old crusty bastard. (Jeremy Morris)
Don’t let anyone mislead you by calling this a hip-hop record. Family is a full-on soul funk revival record. This collection of infectiously sunny tunes will keep you warm as the season drops to sub zero temperatures. (Scott Gray)
Grampa-hipster dance parties have never been so fun. (Wells)
Download "Think About Life"
12. Dan Mangan
While I still think that declaring him "artist of the year", as Verge XM did, is a bit premature, there's no question that Nice, Nice, Very Nice is a watershed record for the Vancouver artist and one that could and should elevate him to the ranks of the finest new songwriters in the country. (Frank, Chromewaves)
My boss at work had played Dan Mangan’s record for me several months ago and I was immediately obsessed. Little did I know that a couple of months later he’d surface to take home the prize for Artist of the Year at the XM Verge Awards. Definitely an emerging Canadian gem and one that you’ll see more and more as we head into 2010. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
I’m sort of Dan Manganed out, having written about him last week, but suffice to say that he has differentiated himself from the zillions of other singer-songwriters out there and released a memorable album that hints at him becoming a staple of Canadian music for years to come. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Matthew asked for hottest bands and I think Mangan is sizzling right now. His tunes are great, he’s touring the world and the critics are gushing. He’s Mr. Now. (Ryan Bresee)
An artist I've heard lots about although I've never seen him live or purchased a CD of his. You got to give the man props for winning the 2009 Verge Artist of the Year Award. And I hear Nice, Nice, Very Nice is quite pleasant to listen to. Not sure how the Van-city music scene is doing as a whole but this guy keeps the hope alive. (François Levesque)
Download "Fair Verona"
11. K'Naan
Knaan is so good he actually makes Kirk Hammett cool by association. (Brock, Trendwhore)
This is the fourth artist whose 2009 release is their second release and the third album that made the Polaris short list. I had originally been dreading listening to Troubadour but in the end I was pleasantly surprised at how moving and honest his songs are. Between the Polaris shortlist nod, touring with Jason Mraz and (most impressively in my opinion) having his song ‘Wavin’ Flag’ chosen as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Prianka)
Download "Dreamer"
10. The Balconies
Though still relatively new to the scene, music lovers and critics alike seemed to have welcomed Ottawa’s The Balconies with open arms. Their debut self-titled album is packed with some of the best pop-rock I’ve heard in a while. If the latter portion of 2009’s success had to go to any band, it would be this one. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
"Hottest in Canada" is probably an overstatement as they're still hardly known outside of Ottawa and Toronto, but this power trio have got the songs and the style to ensure that by the time this poll runs next year, they'll have made a much bigger name for themselves. Consider this a pre-emptive move. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Bringing back discotheque, only punkier and catchier than their contemporaries... much the same as the way blondie did. (Ben Welland)
Another band that seems destined to be going places are Ottawa's The Balconies. Great vocals, harmonies and beats. I've seen them play live a couple of times and am constantly impressed. I hope Toronto is the stepping stone they need to make it big. (François Levesque)
The release of their debut album and many shows have helped this three piece come into their own. The Balconies were just shy of eclipsing Ottawa's Hilotrons as the best band in the city, when they relocated to Toronto. I haven't stopped listening to their album since it dropped, which makes them my Canadian band of the year. We will surely be considering their impact in the year to come. (Marc, Bridging The Atlantic)
Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever. (Bob Battams)
Download "300 Pages"
9. Metric
Change is bad, consistency is good. (Ben Welland)
Yes, they are popular. Yes, Fantasies is a very radio-friendly album. So, why are these considered bad things? It’s a really good album and they are reaching a larger audience because of it. Good on ‘em! (Ryan Bresee)
Fuck the haters. Their most recent album Fantasies is a good album. Metric were always rock stars even when they were indie but bottom line they were and still are credible. "Gimme Sympathy" was one of the best singles of the year and there's something so profound about the lyric "who'd you want to be, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?". And when Ms. Haines returned to perform an acoustic version of this song at Broken Social Scene's homecoming show at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto back in July, it was heaven. (Michael Ligon)
It's possible that some of the haters bumped them up some on my list. Fantasies isn't my favorite Metric album (I'm more partial to Old World Underground... but that takes nothing away from them. People have short memories and narrow world views. If you are really into Canadian Indie Music you knew who Metric was a year ago - but that doesn't necessarily equal financial success. Metric worked hard for 10+ years and with (self-released) Fantasies they have broken out in a way that goes beyond the Canadian indie audience. They have had huge tours of Canada (and many other parts of the world) and I have nothing but respect for them for it. If I'm asked to make another one of these lists next year they'll be in the graduated category - and they've earned it. (Justin Beach)
The tale of the tape doesn't lie - they scored their second Polaris nomination for Fantasies, sold tens of thousands of records and are selling out large theatres across the country. they may be hated by many but are loved by even more. (Frank, Chromewaves)
After Live it Out, I thought Metric was just going to keep making albums that reminded me of how great they could have been. Fantasies gets me back to what I loved about their earlier tunes and gives me hope that they’ve still got a lot more solid songs left in them. The band has attitude, grit, and an album full of catchy hooks. (Jeremy Morris)
Download "Satellite Mind"
8. Bruce Peninsula
Because although some cooler, trendier types were listening to them last year, I wasn’t, and that means I get to include them on my list. Having seen them live didn’t hurt either – since they were an absolute force of nature. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
They started out this year in releasing their full length debut album A Mountain Is A Mouth. Such a great brilliant album and their live show are truly amazing with a big band. "Streamroller" and "Crabapples" are great tracks to know what the band is. (Ming Wu)
I’ve made no secret of my unnatural love for this band this year. A Mountain is a Mouth is a religious experience. I’m a convert. (Jeremy Morris)
This year, Bruce Peninsula made me rethink my boundaries of indie music. Their orchestral-pop blend blew me away upon first listen and after seeing them live, I knew they would make my list for the year. (Marc, Bridging The Atlantic)
Successfully duplicating a live performance that is amongst the most uplifting anywhere onto a studio recording is no small task, but Bruce Peninsula have done so with ease. (Bob Battams)
They have a great record, they're fantastic live. I'm not sure what else to say. It's a shame they were shunned for the Polaris. (Garry Tsaconas)
Bruce Peninsula have had a great 2009. Their album A Mountain Is A Mouth is a unique and interesting, versatile and frenetic. Unquestionably, Bruce Peninsula are one of my favourite bands of the year. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Bruce Peninsula’s A Mountain Is A Mouth is an odd affair but equally amazing. I’m glad that so many have recognize how awesome they are. (Allen Cheng)
Download ""
7. Timber Timbre
Spooky and chilling, TImber Timbre's music is at the forefront of dark, ghostly Canadian folk music. With songs like "Until the Night is Over" and "Demon Host", I find Timber Timbre to be one of the most interesting acts to put out music in 2009. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
His alluring, storyteller voice and ghostly, backwoods folk arrangements make Taylor Kirk a veritable Canadian treasure. (Mykael)
I still feel betrayed by my fellow music critics for their inability to recognize Timber Timbre's brilliance. (Aaron Brophy)
Put out the album of the year on Out of this Spark and got scooped up by Arts & Crafts faster than you can say "Medicinals". (Colin Medley)
He's hot enough that Arts & Crafts made a distribution deal with Out of This Spark to add him to the A & C roster. I also heard more complaints about the Timber Timbre not being on the Polaris list than any other artist. He may not be a household name yet but the whispering campaign is pretty deafening at this point. (Justin Beach)
It’s pretty much a given that signing with a label like Arts & Crafts will get you buzz but Toronto’s Timber Timbre are truly deserving of every ounce of praise they’ve received this year. Their latest self-titled release is mesmerizing and as my boss puts it, “a rainy day record, but an even better rainy night record.” (Melody, Singing Lamb)
Both albums are brilliant and he recently signed to the ever excellent Arts & Craft label. "Lay Down in the Tall Grass" is on the short list for this years SOCAN ECHO Songwriting Prize. The latest album was on the Polaris long list and Eye Weekly named it album of the year. (Ryan Bresee)
I’m so excited for winter because this album is going to be my soundtrack for the cold frozen months when the days are mostly dark and spooky. This unsettling, crooning self-titled album is easily one of my favourite discoveries of the year. (Jeremy Morris)
Download ""
6. Ohbijou
Mad love. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Having signed onto Bella Union, a European record label, Ohbijou are in a position to further proliferate their soothing orchestral string-laden balladry across the Atlantic. Their latest album, Beacons, is a soothing encapsulation of the subtle beauty of the highs and lows of urban life. The critics and bloggers dig the album, and Ohbijou is poised to continue their well-deserved success. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
While we’re talking about beauty, I’d be remiss not to include Ohbijou’s second full length album Beacons. Ohbijou has the market cornered on melancholy, orchestral epic, ballads. They do what they do well and they just keep getting better. (Jeremy Morris)
They released a glittering jewel of a sophomore effort in Beacons, toured relentlessly across Canada, the United States and Europe and with their Bellwoods house, now a thing of myth, essentially acted as a fulcrum for a new wave of bands coming out of Toronto. And somehow managed to raise almost $20,000 for the food bank at the same time.(Frank, Chromewaves)
Because they’ve gradually picked up more and more steam every month since they released Swift Feet for Troubling Times a couple of years ago. They’ve shown up on magazine covers, been playing all kinds of shows, and Beacons is really a heck of a record. I mean, the stretch of four songs from “Eloise and the Bones” to “Make it Gold” is about as good as this type of melodramatic pop music gets. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Releasing an album as good as Beacons — a compendium of all the warm hugs you've been missing compressed into musical form — would be enough to place Ohbijou highly on this list. But add to that stellar achievement their formidable live presence where they can bring it solemn-like or party-like as the situation dictates. And then add to that their principled community-building, putting out the Friends in Bellwoods 2 compilation with a little help from their friends as a fundraiser for the Daily Bread food bank and you get the full picture of this band as a fully-engaged force. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Beacons is a reminder that even though life in the city can get pretty ugly at times, there is always an inner beauty to be discovered and exposed. (Bob Battams)
With the release of their highly-anticipated follow-up to 2006’s Swift Feet For Troubling Times, their recent signing to Last Gang Records and the band’s involvement in the highly successful Friends in Bellwoods 2 compilation, Ohbijou has had a very busy 2009. This band was definitely hot in the sense that they were everywhere but one can never get enough of Casey Mecija’s delicate voice and the band’s soothing brand of melodic folk tunes. This band has longevity written all over them; I predict myself hearing about them five or ten years down the line and still enjoying their music. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
The soft touch of their beguiling and beatific Beacons only grows more powerful with every listen. One of the best Canadian albums this year. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "We LOvers"
5. Chad VanGaalen
Canada's very own renaissance man. The best thing to come out of Calgary since Bret Hart. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I think Mr. VanGaalen is an obvious pick for this list. As far as I can tell, hordes of people expected him to win the Polaris Prize in September, meaning that there are many out who believe his music deserves serious recognition and praise. Without question, VanGaalen has been one of the “hottest” musicians in Canada this year. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
I will personally probably never take a seat on this particular bandwagon, but there's no denying that the cult of Chad continues to grow with every record he puts out. And if this were a poll of Canada's oddest musicians, he'd be number one with a bullet. (Frank, Chromewaves)
In part, because I’m still bitter about him losing the Polaris Prize. But, bitterness aside, the Soft Airplane B-Sides EP – once you get past the weirdness – is every bit as good as the original album...and he was the hottest in Canada last year so I may still be feeling some residual hotness from 2008. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
No one has done more to kick-start the scene in Calgary than VanGaalen. His Flemish Eye label and trademark lo-fi sound has inspired several acts from Cow-Town. His impact is still being felt a year after the release of Soft Airplane. (Marc)
Still on top. (Colin Medley)
Soft Airplane is a great album and it made the Polaris shortlist. Need I say more? (Prianka)
Despite his love of cakefarts, he makes great music. In 2009, he released a B-sides EP to his Polaris Prize short-listed album and then released a full-length instrumental/electronic album under the name Black Mold. (Ryan Bresee)
How it is possible for someone to be that prolific and consistently produce quality I have no idea. In 2008 there was Soft Airplane, then the Soft Airplane EP, then an electronic album under the moniker Black Mold then the (free) Soft Airplane B-Sides - brining the total to 5 full length albums and 3 EPs since 2004 and he's reportedly hard at work on the follow up to Soft Airplane. And we haven't even touched on his visual art or video work. (Justin Beach)
Download "Corvette"
4. Japandroids
A beautiful story of a band that struggled to survive in Vancouver, gets recognized at Pop Montreal, nails record deal and obtains the coveted P4K Best New Music Tag. One minute the band is having issues selling tickets in Vancouver the next, packing New York venues. What a year for this duo indeed. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I would admit a hometown bias here, but out of nowhere, everyone else seems to have realized what Vancouver's known for years: these guys have something special going on. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Japandroids’ Post Nothing may have seemed like a cocky name for an album title but they definitely followed through. They absolutely killed in regards to press, receiving great critical acclaim. (Allen Cheng)
Raucous and passionate, East Vancouver garage rock duo have had a seen a meteoric rise in popularity this year. Their debut LP Post-Nothing made the Polaris Prize long-list, and has struck deep in an ever-increasing number of followers. With their contagiously energetic brand of rock, Japandroids has had a monstrously successful 2009. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Look for Post-Nothing in a lot of ‘best of ‘09’ lists...including mine. (Mykael)
Youth and energy are great rock'n'roll currency, and these lads have it in spades. This Vancouver duo (guit/vox/drums) are garage rock maximalists, filling up their songs with a young man's frenzy that owes as much to "Working For The Weekend" as to any punk antecedents. Their album (Post-Nothing) is filled with shaggy, buzzing charm, but live they really won me over, finding a sweet spot between sounding rough and sounding tight, and rolling somewhere between swagger and modesty. By the end of the set's end, first time I saw 'em, I was a convert, and the deal was sealed on the last song when guitarist Brian King lurched behind the drum kit, and then, while attempting to step out, tripped backwards over the monitor, and ended up sprawled out, still playing. As the song ended, he shouted, "we're going up the CN Tower, and you guys should come with us!" (Mechanical Forest Sound)
2 dudes with a guitar and a drum kit. High School came calling: 1995 misses me! (Kelly Bergeron)
No other band fills an empty void with so much excitement and ecstatic noise. People may complain of their shelf life, but that’s not the point. This is music made about the fleeting dreams of life. They may not be here next year, but, man, wasn’t it fun while they were? (Chris Whibbs)
One CD wonder? To soon to say but with the amazing critics Post Nothing has received this band cannot NOT be included in this list. (François Levesque)
Download "Young Hearts Spark Fire"
3. Handsome Furs
Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry released another solid album in my opinion and should be up here. While comparisons to bandmate Spencer Krug likely downplay their contribution to Canadian music, it’s hard to ignore the positive reviews that Face Control has received. (Allen Cheng)
The difficult second album never seems to be an issue for Boeckner. More like the 'outstanding' second album. (Brock, Trendwhore)
Honestly, this picture speaks for itself + the album was kick ass. (Kelly Bergeron)
A friend of mine introduced me to HF after I introduced him to Wolf Parade. How ironic is it that I am now a greater HF fan than WP... I think I may not be the only one. Loved their Eastern-European inspired CD, Face Control. They had a tough task this Summer feeling the biggest stage at Bluesfest in Ottawa as openers for The Dead Weathers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs and delivered. (François Levesque)
Face Control seems to be their most accessible album for 2009. Full of fun dancey electronic beats which is change from their debut album. Their Ottawa show in March was beyond crazy and Bluesfest showed how popular and hot they are. Thy Will Be Done just makes you want to shake your butt. (Ming Wu)
Saw them at SXSW and I needed to shower after their set. (Colin Medley)
Download "Radio Kaliningrad"
2. Fucked Up
Was it a liberal "dick move" to give The Chemistry of Common Life the greatest music prize in Canada while our government slashes arts funds? No, this win should not be tainted by what some haters would believe is some liberal agenda. Fact is, Chemistry is hands down one of the best albums Canada has seen in a while and if you can't comprehend that, I feel sorry for you. Fucked Up are keeping Canada fresh while Metric stinks up the place. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I'm not as into this band as some, but I couldn't help but smile when a hardcore punk band took the Polaris Prize home. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Winning the Polaris Prize should pretty much guarantee you a top-5 spot in this poll, and by doing so, Fucked Up have taken hardcore just a little bit further into the mainstream and are as unlikely and appropriate ambassadors for Canadian music as you'll find. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Even if Chemistry of Common Life wasn't as good as Hidden World, they were still the best choice of the 10 finalists for the Polaris. Lets hope they bring some of the lesser known Toronto punk talent along for the ride. (Wells)
A Polaris Prize win should help increase the profile of this hardcore band. The truth is that while the Polaris Prize was a massive victory for the band, they had a really good 2008. (Allen Cheng)
Won the Polaris Prize. I actually like their album okay. (Colin Medley)
Won the most coveted indie rockers prize by taking their essentially nuts and bolts punk/hardcore songs and adding layers of weirdness in the studio. well met. (Ben Welland)
It’s easy to pick them after they walked away with this year’s Polaris Music Prize, but the emphasis should really be on how unexpected it was. It’s easy to cheer for an underdog and even easier when the album really is good. Apparently, sales of The Chemistry of Common Life went up 400 per cent after Fucked Up won. I’m one of those who purchased the album after the win. I had played one of their tunes on my show a few times, but never made the time for the whole album. I’m glad I finally did. There’s much more depth to this album than the screaming, half-naked front man might lead you to believe. (Ryan Bresee)
Sure their fantastic album came out last year, but the fact the New York Times writes articles on them without ever mentioning their naughty name, the singer, Pink Eyes, shows up on Fox News and, of course, they win a well-deserved Polaris Prize are all reasons they still had a momentous 2009. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "No Epiphant"
1. The Rural Alberta Advantage
Earlier in the year, the RAA signed with Omaha label Saddle Creek Records, raising their exposure South of the border and allowing for the re-release of their brilliant debut album Hometowns. I don't know how 2009 could have treated a band much better. They've been blasting my earphones for months on end, and will likely continue to do so for months to come. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
These guys have original yet accessible music - big in the USA you say? I think that's where it's headed for The RAA. (François Levesque)
Stephen Harper tried to score cool points with us by having them on his iPod. As much as I still wouldn’t vote for the conservatives, that’s pretty damn cool for the RAA. The RAA weren’t eligible to even be nominated for the Polaris Music Prize but if they had, I’m pretty certain it would’ve been a top contender. (Allen Cheng)
To hear them or see them is to love them, and while buzz had been growing steadily since last Fall, it was a storybook SxSW this past Spring that made them arguably one of the hottest Canadian exports of the year and it's a tale that shows no signs of ending anytime soon. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Because they’re really hot. They’ve signed a record deal, they’re playing all over the place (even on ABC, weird), and from the new/unreleased songs that I’ve heard they don’t show any signs of slowing down. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Being signed to Saddle Creek didn't hurt RAA alot. It got them so well known they got to tour in the USA. "Don't Haunt This Place" is one of the best songs I have heard in 2009. (Ming Wu)
They played New York City, SXSW, Toronto and all points in between. They signed to Saddle Creek. I saw them live at for the first time earlier this year during Canadian Musicfest, saw them perform a rapturous hometown CD release show at the Horseshoe Tavern, and then ended the summer seeing them at this year's Virgin Festival (who were immensely better than most of the acts that played the larger stages that day). I was generally behind the curve latching on to them but better late than never. (Michael Ligon)
My biggest musical-related regret this year is not seeing this talented band when they came through Winnipeg. Hometowns is stunning.(Mykael)
Having reaped praise from just about every noteworthy music source over the last year, both here and south of the border, culminating in support of the mighty Saddle Creek label, the RAA are now mere steps away from being a household name. Very impressive (even though I’m still struggling to actually believe that Stephen Harper honestly listens to their music...). (Bob Battams)
Download "The Air"
One of the best opening acts I’ve seen this year. It won’t be long before they’re headliners. (Mykael, Painting Over Silence)
Signing to Arts & Crafts this year with the release of their debut album Girls Come Too, Toronto's Still Life Still combine the youthful exhuberance of peers like Tokyo Police Club with a scruffy pop sensibility that's more in line with their label brethren Broken Social Scene. BSS Jr. perhaps, but there's a tune or two from Still Life Still that'd sound terrific on your next playlist (OK, the old-school-er in me really wants to say mixtape, but hey who I am kidding?). (Michael Ligon)
Download "Neon Blue"
32. Andrew Vincent (tie)
I know Dan Mangan just won the Verge award for best artist, and that he should probably get the nod for hottest singer songwriter in Canada right now (and Nice Nice Very Nice is solid). But Andrew Vincent’s Rotten Pear is a witty and wry collection of sonic stories and musical memories that shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s understated and self-depricating. Sure, it doesn’t scream out “Hottest In Canada”, but that’s the point. How very Canadian. (Jeremy Morris)
Put out a really pretty album and finally did some touring. (Ben Welland, Ottawa Xpress)
Download "Under Your Thumb"
28. Tune-Yards (tie)
The first time I saw Tune Yards (AKA Merill Garbus) was when she was wow-ing Casa Del Polpo during Pop Montreal a couple of years ago. Despite the space not being huge, it was like sardines in a tin can. Everyone stood and focused vividly at Merill's wonderful performance. Time has passed and she has released a low-fi recording of debut record entitled bird brains. Her live performances became must-see's by many and her album was desired by a similar amount. Now, she is on 4AD and is touring with large groups such as The Dirty Projectors. All I can say about her is that she can wade off any danger that comes her way. Her voice is powerful and so is her message. It will continue to be felt as she tours more and makes fantastic music. (Garry Tsaconas)
Download "Sunlight"
28. Two Hours Traffic (tie)
Territory wasn't exactly a plunge into the abyss, but it demonstrated that Two Hours Traffic's summery pop has a bit of a dark side. (Matthew, i(heart)music)
Download "Weightless One"
28. Lightning Dust (tie)
Startling stuff. I'm more impressed by Infinite Light every time I listen to it. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Download "Never Seen"
28. Julie Doiron (tie)
And isn't it about time. When NxEW.ca ran our Shadow Polaris this year and asked people what should win (in a free vote open to everyone) - Julie took it home for I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day, an album that didn't even make the Polaris Long List. Julie has been quietly building her reputation among critics and fans for almost two decades now and just seems to get better with age. I also can't think of another artist who generates more praise from other artists. (Justin Beach)
Her new album I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day follows on the heels of '07's Polaris shortlisted Woke Myself Up, but exchanges that album's dark explorations for musings on domesticity and gladness. It's considered, in some quarters, to be Higher Art to write about misery as opposed to happiness, which might account for this one getting a few less accolades, but it's not a lesser album. And add to that an enchanting stage presence — a ramshackle, figure-it-out-as-we-go-along spirit combined with her uncalculating, plainspoken sincerity, and you might float out of one of her gigs instead of walking. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
She's the most consistent songwriter in Canada who still manages to surprise on every album she puts out. (Colin Medley)
Download "Nice To Come Home"
27. Olenka and the Autumn Lovers
In part because I’m a huge homer and they’re from London – they haven’t released anything this year; but, the other part is that the often cryptic, Eastern European-influenced Olenka (think a female Beirut) writes some excellent songs. I think if I had these albums in my sweaty mitts last year one, or potentially both, could’ve ended up on my top-10 list. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
This London, Ontario, outfit seems to be winning new fans incrementally with each live show. I continue to brag about being one of only a few people who caught their live set at C'est What during North By North East back in 2008 but it seems people are now catching on to the band's charming hybrid of roots-y, acoustic, gypsy-folk. Festival-heavy participation this year for the band including NXNE, their own hometown LOLA festival, Pop Montreal and Halifax Pop Explosion as well as the self-release of their debut full-length has made it a successful and busy year for them. (Michael Ligon)
Download "Warsaw Girl"
25. Bell Orchestre (tie)
Benefiting from a bit of hiatus on Arcade Fire duties Richard Reed and co. managed to create a pretty amazing instrumental album that they've toured around the world. 2009 isn't over yet and they've just announced a remix EP entitled Who Designs Nature's How with remixes by Kid Koala, Colin Stetson and others. (François Levesque)
As Seen Through Windows is a monumental instrumental journey. This band understands exactly how powerful dynamics are in making layered, thoughtful music. (Jeremy Morris)
Download "Elephants"
25. D-Sisive (tie)
You wouldn’t know it from my list, but I love the rap music. There’s lots of great stuff from Canada, but little that I would call hot right now. Except maybe D-Sisive. Great flow, great tunes, great production. He’s starting to catch ears. (Ryan Bresee)
24. Said The Whale
They are such a fun band to see live with their catchy indie pop tunes. With Islands Disappear they will become very well known. Camilio (The Magician) and B.C. Orienteering are the best tracks. (Ming Wu)
Download "Camilo (The Magician)"
23. Leonard Cohen
With the simple act of touring and re-arrangement of his classic songs, the old Montreal warhorse continues to blow the minds of everyone. (Chris Whibbs)
This was, by far, the best concert I saw this year, and unlike a lot of people, I wouldn't even consider myself a huge Leonard Cohen fan. If this lengthy current tour is really his last, it's a Hell of a way to say goodbye. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Download "Suzanne"
22. Gentleman Reg
Reg Vermue is having the sort of year that his fans have been wishing on him for awhile now. It's been a long gap and a lot of water under the bridge since '04's Darby and Joan so it's no surprise that Reg hit the ground running once he had a solid new album (Jet Black) to promote. Playing plenty shows and working some choice opening slots, the fabulous thing is that his crack band quickly surpassed the songs' recorded versions. Between all that, Reg has also had some time for collaboration, debuting a new dancefloor project with Woodhands' Dan Werb. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Reg Vermue, AKA Gentleman Reg, played a shit load of live shows this year, and will continue to do so until the end of the year, in support of his most recent release Jet Black. The more I listen to the samples on his MySpace, the more I wonder why I haven't yet picked up the album. Delicious, edgy pop music. (Michael Ligon)
Download "To Some It Comes Easy"
21. Giant Hand
Giant Hand scares me in a titillating way. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
As if playing some of Canada's biggest festivals weren't good enough, opening for Daniel Johnston sealed the deal. Giant Hand is the real thing. (Wells)
Less than two years ago, Kirk Ramsay had never even picked up a guitar. Then we watched a documentary on Daniel Johnston, was inspired to start playing...and a year and a half later, he was opening for Johnston himself. Throw in an amazing debut (Coming Home), appearances at Pop Montreal and the Ottawa Bluesfest, and opening spots for the likes of Handsome Furs, Ohbijou, Timber Timbre and The Lovely Feathers, and you've got yourself one impressive year.
Download "Coming Down From The Mountains"
20. Diamond Rings
Best New Music with a bullet. A pink bullet. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I think Diamond Rings has done pretty well for an act that didn't exist last year. (Colin Medley)
From playing acoustic sets in backyards to being the toast of Pitchfork, Diamond Rings AKA John O’Regan (The D’Urbervilles) has had quite the successful year. In late August, Diamond Rings released a video for “All Yr Songs” (directed by Colin Medley) that caught like quickfire around the blogosphere, including a feature on Pitchfork, later garnering an 8 out of 10 rating. But don’t write O’Regan off as just another gimmicky one-hit wonder; this man is the real deal. His live sets are filled with fun, energy and even more addictive melodies. With a record on the way, 2010 will continue to see Diamond Rings’ success rise. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
Because the video, with those value village NBA jerseys, eye make-up, and moon-walking is highly entertaining. I confess, being familiar with the D’Urbervilles (but not knowing John O personally) I never would’ve predicted he was capable of this kind of sound/video/aesthetic. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
I know only one song by Diamond Rings and it’s a good one. It also helps that video has gotten quite a bit of attention cough Pitchfork *cough*. (Allen Cheng)
19. The Wooden Sky
With the popularity of all things folk, The Wooden Sky proved that the style can be respectfully appropriated and translated into the voice of today. The buzz is still growing for these guys. (Marc, Bridging the Atlantic)
There is magic in these songs. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Maybe it’s just me, but I really didn’t see this album coming. I knew the Wooden Sky existed, but they were sort of just another Toronto band whose name I had seen a bunch of times in show listings, on other blogs, and in those really awful mass press release type things that PR companies send out. The Wooden Sky have really demonstrated on If You Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone that they are one of the best bands Canada has to offer right now. Plus, in conjunction with Scott Cudmore, they’ve been putting of the most entertaining live videos I’ve seen in a while, thus making “The Late King Henry” one of my most sung in the shower songs this year. Yeah, I bet the bands feeling really good about that. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
In light of the late summer release of their fantastically heart-felt and emotive album If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone, The Wooden Sky have had a massive 2009. With the addition of the release of a new documentary capturing the backstage scenes of their summertime tour, they have become one of the country’s most intriguing folk-rock, alt-country outfits. Consequently, they are in my number one spot. The Wooden Sky are realizing their awesome potential and sparking excitement in crowds of listeners all across the country. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Long-time fixtures of the Toronto scene, their new record If I Don’t Come Home You’ll Know I’m Gone feels like a game-changer for the band in every sense. They've made records, they've toured their asses off and now, people are talking. A lot. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Download "Oslo"
18. Sunset Rubdown
Put on a helluva live show. And consistently make originally, challenging and great records. (Mykael)
If Spencer Krug ever had any doubt where he feels most comfortable, Dragonslayer proved that Krug is most at home in Sunset Rubdown. The tracks were natural and paced. The first of the Wolf Parade clan on my list, I'm beginning to wonder if they'll find time for another album. (Marc)
Sunset Rubdown followed up Random Spirit Lover with Dragonslayer, an album that was much more accessible yet still of a very high quality.(Allen Cheng)
Download "Dragon's Lair"
17. Drake
16. Coeur de Pirate
I realize that her album was actually released in September 2008 but 2009 was undisputedly her break out year, especially in the English speaking music community in Canada. She has a beautiful jazz-inspired sound and lyrics that make you think of walking the streets in Monmartre in the summertime – especially the song Berceuse. The saddest thing for me is that I only understand about half of her lyrics and missed a lot of her banter and jokes when I saw her in Ottawa on Canada Day. (Prianka)
I'd been hearing hype about her since Fall 2008. I heard her live a couple of times and she delivers. She's loved beyond Canada having played loads of shows in France throughout 2009. She had the crowd at Zaphod's hanging on her every note and word when she played in April. (François Levesque)
When my hopelessly Anglo friends are extolling the awesomeness of this enchanting chanteuse, you know things are going well. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "Francis"
15. Joel Plaskett
With each new hoser he wins over the world becomes a better place. (Aaron Brophy)
Who knew releasing a three CD set would cause lots of interest. Very ambitious of him for doing this in 2009. Joel is also the nicest and down to earth musician you will ever meet. "Through and Through and Through" is what I think of 2009. (Ming Wu)
Plaskett put out a career defining album this year. I love his all his records, with and without the Emergency but Three is an epic endeavour. I also really loved his Family & Friends tour in support of the new album which saw him performing with Bill Plaskett, maritimers Rose Cousins and Ana Egge and of course, the Emergency. I still think that he was robbed of this year’s Polaris Prize (and after he made the short list for the second time!) so he definitely deserves a nod as the Best Canadian Artist of 2009. (Prianka)
Joel surely belongs on the "graduated" list above and I seriously contemplated putting him there but 2009 has been, I think, the biggest year of his career to date. He has taken it to a whole other level. He has been nominated for the Polaris Music Prize (again), as well as just about every award for which he qualifies. He also played nearly every festival, large and small, anywhere in Canada oh ... and there was the triple album. It would be silly to do this list and not include him because he was very well known before. (Justin Beach)
Download "Spinning For You"
14. Great Lake Swimmers
Lost Channels is an absorbing, beautiful, and thoughtful collection. (Mykael)
Great Lake Swimmers are another band that has done the slow climb rather than the big splash. Now with a Polaris Short List nod under their belt the national media is paying a bit more attention to Tony Dekker's band which is good for the media. Your grandchildren will be listening to people play Great Lake Swimmers covers in bars many years from now. (Justin Beach)
From one coldly analytical perspective, GLS have moved from being a nearly solo folk project to a fleshed-out rootsy, MOR band — the sort of stuff that Canadian A.M. playlists were filled up with a couple decades ago. But that overlooks the fact that main swimmer Tony Dekker continues to write incredible songs, each a little roadmap of closely-held desire that seems so recognizable. And when those songs delivered in his aching croon, he even makes the boys a little bit weak in the knees. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Great Lake Swimmers released a Polaris-nominated record (Lost Channels), toured North America/Europe and, once again, made me fall hopelessly in love with them. They’ve got me wrapped so tightly around their folky fingers I gush about them to strangers as if they were my newborn children or something. (Amanda Ash)
Download "Great Lake Swimmers"
13. Think About Life
If someone asked me where I had the most fun in 2009 my answer would probably be “at a Think About Life show.” With a Polaris longlist nod for their latest release, Family, TAL has received plenty of love in 2009 and if you’ve seen these guys live you’d understand why. Hands-down, one of the most fun bands out there today. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
The band that has shape-shifted my perspective on music has finally released their follow-up record to their powerful self-title release. Family is polished off, more friendly and has more substance. This record has won the band many new fans, which is always a plus. However, I am asked if I like the new sound. I'm just happy that they're still alive as there was a small frame of time where Think About Life were no more -- news I don't think I could have handled at a time. Now, they're stronger than ever (minus
Matt Shane, unfortunately, but now with a new drummer) and they're still making hearts swell. (Garry Tsaconas)
For fans of TAL, the release of Family came as a bit of a shock. It was a departure from their usual dance-core style. As the year progressed, the group proved that the album better-represented the band as a whole. The tracks were well-received by fans and non-fans alike. TAL still possess immense potential. (Marc)
Think About Life, Clues, and Parlovr are duelling it out for the title of Montreal indie act that’s on the cusp of breaking big. They all had great albums this year, but the one I keep going back to is Think About Life’s Family. You can’t have this album on and not smile/move your hips. If you can, then you are officially and old crusty bastard. (Jeremy Morris)
Don’t let anyone mislead you by calling this a hip-hop record. Family is a full-on soul funk revival record. This collection of infectiously sunny tunes will keep you warm as the season drops to sub zero temperatures. (Scott Gray)
Grampa-hipster dance parties have never been so fun. (Wells)
Download "Think About Life"
12. Dan Mangan
While I still think that declaring him "artist of the year", as Verge XM did, is a bit premature, there's no question that Nice, Nice, Very Nice is a watershed record for the Vancouver artist and one that could and should elevate him to the ranks of the finest new songwriters in the country. (Frank, Chromewaves)
My boss at work had played Dan Mangan’s record for me several months ago and I was immediately obsessed. Little did I know that a couple of months later he’d surface to take home the prize for Artist of the Year at the XM Verge Awards. Definitely an emerging Canadian gem and one that you’ll see more and more as we head into 2010. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
I’m sort of Dan Manganed out, having written about him last week, but suffice to say that he has differentiated himself from the zillions of other singer-songwriters out there and released a memorable album that hints at him becoming a staple of Canadian music for years to come. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Matthew asked for hottest bands and I think Mangan is sizzling right now. His tunes are great, he’s touring the world and the critics are gushing. He’s Mr. Now. (Ryan Bresee)
An artist I've heard lots about although I've never seen him live or purchased a CD of his. You got to give the man props for winning the 2009 Verge Artist of the Year Award. And I hear Nice, Nice, Very Nice is quite pleasant to listen to. Not sure how the Van-city music scene is doing as a whole but this guy keeps the hope alive. (François Levesque)
Download "Fair Verona"
11. K'Naan
Knaan is so good he actually makes Kirk Hammett cool by association. (Brock, Trendwhore)
This is the fourth artist whose 2009 release is their second release and the third album that made the Polaris short list. I had originally been dreading listening to Troubadour but in the end I was pleasantly surprised at how moving and honest his songs are. Between the Polaris shortlist nod, touring with Jason Mraz and (most impressively in my opinion) having his song ‘Wavin’ Flag’ chosen as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. (Prianka)
Download "Dreamer"
10. The Balconies
Though still relatively new to the scene, music lovers and critics alike seemed to have welcomed Ottawa’s The Balconies with open arms. Their debut self-titled album is packed with some of the best pop-rock I’ve heard in a while. If the latter portion of 2009’s success had to go to any band, it would be this one. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
"Hottest in Canada" is probably an overstatement as they're still hardly known outside of Ottawa and Toronto, but this power trio have got the songs and the style to ensure that by the time this poll runs next year, they'll have made a much bigger name for themselves. Consider this a pre-emptive move. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Bringing back discotheque, only punkier and catchier than their contemporaries... much the same as the way blondie did. (Ben Welland)
Another band that seems destined to be going places are Ottawa's The Balconies. Great vocals, harmonies and beats. I've seen them play live a couple of times and am constantly impressed. I hope Toronto is the stepping stone they need to make it big. (François Levesque)
The release of their debut album and many shows have helped this three piece come into their own. The Balconies were just shy of eclipsing Ottawa's Hilotrons as the best band in the city, when they relocated to Toronto. I haven't stopped listening to their album since it dropped, which makes them my Canadian band of the year. We will surely be considering their impact in the year to come. (Marc, Bridging The Atlantic)
Their debut album encapsulates a brave form of ambition that most bands save up for their third or fourth album. This means that, in theory, their third or fourth album is going to be the greatest thing ever. (Bob Battams)
Download "300 Pages"
9. Metric
Change is bad, consistency is good. (Ben Welland)
Yes, they are popular. Yes, Fantasies is a very radio-friendly album. So, why are these considered bad things? It’s a really good album and they are reaching a larger audience because of it. Good on ‘em! (Ryan Bresee)
Fuck the haters. Their most recent album Fantasies is a good album. Metric were always rock stars even when they were indie but bottom line they were and still are credible. "Gimme Sympathy" was one of the best singles of the year and there's something so profound about the lyric "who'd you want to be, The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?". And when Ms. Haines returned to perform an acoustic version of this song at Broken Social Scene's homecoming show at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto back in July, it was heaven. (Michael Ligon)
It's possible that some of the haters bumped them up some on my list. Fantasies isn't my favorite Metric album (I'm more partial to Old World Underground... but that takes nothing away from them. People have short memories and narrow world views. If you are really into Canadian Indie Music you knew who Metric was a year ago - but that doesn't necessarily equal financial success. Metric worked hard for 10+ years and with (self-released) Fantasies they have broken out in a way that goes beyond the Canadian indie audience. They have had huge tours of Canada (and many other parts of the world) and I have nothing but respect for them for it. If I'm asked to make another one of these lists next year they'll be in the graduated category - and they've earned it. (Justin Beach)
The tale of the tape doesn't lie - they scored their second Polaris nomination for Fantasies, sold tens of thousands of records and are selling out large theatres across the country. they may be hated by many but are loved by even more. (Frank, Chromewaves)
After Live it Out, I thought Metric was just going to keep making albums that reminded me of how great they could have been. Fantasies gets me back to what I loved about their earlier tunes and gives me hope that they’ve still got a lot more solid songs left in them. The band has attitude, grit, and an album full of catchy hooks. (Jeremy Morris)
Download "Satellite Mind"
8. Bruce Peninsula
Because although some cooler, trendier types were listening to them last year, I wasn’t, and that means I get to include them on my list. Having seen them live didn’t hurt either – since they were an absolute force of nature. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
They started out this year in releasing their full length debut album A Mountain Is A Mouth. Such a great brilliant album and their live show are truly amazing with a big band. "Streamroller" and "Crabapples" are great tracks to know what the band is. (Ming Wu)
I’ve made no secret of my unnatural love for this band this year. A Mountain is a Mouth is a religious experience. I’m a convert. (Jeremy Morris)
This year, Bruce Peninsula made me rethink my boundaries of indie music. Their orchestral-pop blend blew me away upon first listen and after seeing them live, I knew they would make my list for the year. (Marc, Bridging The Atlantic)
Successfully duplicating a live performance that is amongst the most uplifting anywhere onto a studio recording is no small task, but Bruce Peninsula have done so with ease. (Bob Battams)
They have a great record, they're fantastic live. I'm not sure what else to say. It's a shame they were shunned for the Polaris. (Garry Tsaconas)
Bruce Peninsula have had a great 2009. Their album A Mountain Is A Mouth is a unique and interesting, versatile and frenetic. Unquestionably, Bruce Peninsula are one of my favourite bands of the year. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Bruce Peninsula’s A Mountain Is A Mouth is an odd affair but equally amazing. I’m glad that so many have recognize how awesome they are. (Allen Cheng)
Download ""
7. Timber Timbre
Spooky and chilling, TImber Timbre's music is at the forefront of dark, ghostly Canadian folk music. With songs like "Until the Night is Over" and "Demon Host", I find Timber Timbre to be one of the most interesting acts to put out music in 2009. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
His alluring, storyteller voice and ghostly, backwoods folk arrangements make Taylor Kirk a veritable Canadian treasure. (Mykael)
I still feel betrayed by my fellow music critics for their inability to recognize Timber Timbre's brilliance. (Aaron Brophy)
Put out the album of the year on Out of this Spark and got scooped up by Arts & Crafts faster than you can say "Medicinals". (Colin Medley)
He's hot enough that Arts & Crafts made a distribution deal with Out of This Spark to add him to the A & C roster. I also heard more complaints about the Timber Timbre not being on the Polaris list than any other artist. He may not be a household name yet but the whispering campaign is pretty deafening at this point. (Justin Beach)
It’s pretty much a given that signing with a label like Arts & Crafts will get you buzz but Toronto’s Timber Timbre are truly deserving of every ounce of praise they’ve received this year. Their latest self-titled release is mesmerizing and as my boss puts it, “a rainy day record, but an even better rainy night record.” (Melody, Singing Lamb)
Both albums are brilliant and he recently signed to the ever excellent Arts & Craft label. "Lay Down in the Tall Grass" is on the short list for this years SOCAN ECHO Songwriting Prize. The latest album was on the Polaris long list and Eye Weekly named it album of the year. (Ryan Bresee)
I’m so excited for winter because this album is going to be my soundtrack for the cold frozen months when the days are mostly dark and spooky. This unsettling, crooning self-titled album is easily one of my favourite discoveries of the year. (Jeremy Morris)
Download ""
6. Ohbijou
Mad love. (Jim, Quick Before It Melts)
Having signed onto Bella Union, a European record label, Ohbijou are in a position to further proliferate their soothing orchestral string-laden balladry across the Atlantic. Their latest album, Beacons, is a soothing encapsulation of the subtle beauty of the highs and lows of urban life. The critics and bloggers dig the album, and Ohbijou is poised to continue their well-deserved success. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
While we’re talking about beauty, I’d be remiss not to include Ohbijou’s second full length album Beacons. Ohbijou has the market cornered on melancholy, orchestral epic, ballads. They do what they do well and they just keep getting better. (Jeremy Morris)
They released a glittering jewel of a sophomore effort in Beacons, toured relentlessly across Canada, the United States and Europe and with their Bellwoods house, now a thing of myth, essentially acted as a fulcrum for a new wave of bands coming out of Toronto. And somehow managed to raise almost $20,000 for the food bank at the same time.(Frank, Chromewaves)
Because they’ve gradually picked up more and more steam every month since they released Swift Feet for Troubling Times a couple of years ago. They’ve shown up on magazine covers, been playing all kinds of shows, and Beacons is really a heck of a record. I mean, the stretch of four songs from “Eloise and the Bones” to “Make it Gold” is about as good as this type of melodramatic pop music gets. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Releasing an album as good as Beacons — a compendium of all the warm hugs you've been missing compressed into musical form — would be enough to place Ohbijou highly on this list. But add to that stellar achievement their formidable live presence where they can bring it solemn-like or party-like as the situation dictates. And then add to that their principled community-building, putting out the Friends in Bellwoods 2 compilation with a little help from their friends as a fundraiser for the Daily Bread food bank and you get the full picture of this band as a fully-engaged force. (Mechanical Forest Sound)
Beacons is a reminder that even though life in the city can get pretty ugly at times, there is always an inner beauty to be discovered and exposed. (Bob Battams)
With the release of their highly-anticipated follow-up to 2006’s Swift Feet For Troubling Times, their recent signing to Last Gang Records and the band’s involvement in the highly successful Friends in Bellwoods 2 compilation, Ohbijou has had a very busy 2009. This band was definitely hot in the sense that they were everywhere but one can never get enough of Casey Mecija’s delicate voice and the band’s soothing brand of melodic folk tunes. This band has longevity written all over them; I predict myself hearing about them five or ten years down the line and still enjoying their music. (Melody, Singing Lamb)
The soft touch of their beguiling and beatific Beacons only grows more powerful with every listen. One of the best Canadian albums this year. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "We LOvers"
5. Chad VanGaalen
Canada's very own renaissance man. The best thing to come out of Calgary since Bret Hart. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I think Mr. VanGaalen is an obvious pick for this list. As far as I can tell, hordes of people expected him to win the Polaris Prize in September, meaning that there are many out who believe his music deserves serious recognition and praise. Without question, VanGaalen has been one of the “hottest” musicians in Canada this year. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
I will personally probably never take a seat on this particular bandwagon, but there's no denying that the cult of Chad continues to grow with every record he puts out. And if this were a poll of Canada's oddest musicians, he'd be number one with a bullet. (Frank, Chromewaves)
In part, because I’m still bitter about him losing the Polaris Prize. But, bitterness aside, the Soft Airplane B-Sides EP – once you get past the weirdness – is every bit as good as the original album...and he was the hottest in Canada last year so I may still be feeling some residual hotness from 2008. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
No one has done more to kick-start the scene in Calgary than VanGaalen. His Flemish Eye label and trademark lo-fi sound has inspired several acts from Cow-Town. His impact is still being felt a year after the release of Soft Airplane. (Marc)
Still on top. (Colin Medley)
Soft Airplane is a great album and it made the Polaris shortlist. Need I say more? (Prianka)
Despite his love of cakefarts, he makes great music. In 2009, he released a B-sides EP to his Polaris Prize short-listed album and then released a full-length instrumental/electronic album under the name Black Mold. (Ryan Bresee)
How it is possible for someone to be that prolific and consistently produce quality I have no idea. In 2008 there was Soft Airplane, then the Soft Airplane EP, then an electronic album under the moniker Black Mold then the (free) Soft Airplane B-Sides - brining the total to 5 full length albums and 3 EPs since 2004 and he's reportedly hard at work on the follow up to Soft Airplane. And we haven't even touched on his visual art or video work. (Justin Beach)
Download "Corvette"
4. Japandroids
A beautiful story of a band that struggled to survive in Vancouver, gets recognized at Pop Montreal, nails record deal and obtains the coveted P4K Best New Music Tag. One minute the band is having issues selling tickets in Vancouver the next, packing New York venues. What a year for this duo indeed. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I would admit a hometown bias here, but out of nowhere, everyone else seems to have realized what Vancouver's known for years: these guys have something special going on. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Japandroids’ Post Nothing may have seemed like a cocky name for an album title but they definitely followed through. They absolutely killed in regards to press, receiving great critical acclaim. (Allen Cheng)
Raucous and passionate, East Vancouver garage rock duo have had a seen a meteoric rise in popularity this year. Their debut LP Post-Nothing made the Polaris Prize long-list, and has struck deep in an ever-increasing number of followers. With their contagiously energetic brand of rock, Japandroids has had a monstrously successful 2009. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
Look for Post-Nothing in a lot of ‘best of ‘09’ lists...including mine. (Mykael)
Youth and energy are great rock'n'roll currency, and these lads have it in spades. This Vancouver duo (guit/vox/drums) are garage rock maximalists, filling up their songs with a young man's frenzy that owes as much to "Working For The Weekend" as to any punk antecedents. Their album (Post-Nothing) is filled with shaggy, buzzing charm, but live they really won me over, finding a sweet spot between sounding rough and sounding tight, and rolling somewhere between swagger and modesty. By the end of the set's end, first time I saw 'em, I was a convert, and the deal was sealed on the last song when guitarist Brian King lurched behind the drum kit, and then, while attempting to step out, tripped backwards over the monitor, and ended up sprawled out, still playing. As the song ended, he shouted, "we're going up the CN Tower, and you guys should come with us!" (Mechanical Forest Sound)
2 dudes with a guitar and a drum kit. High School came calling: 1995 misses me! (Kelly Bergeron)
No other band fills an empty void with so much excitement and ecstatic noise. People may complain of their shelf life, but that’s not the point. This is music made about the fleeting dreams of life. They may not be here next year, but, man, wasn’t it fun while they were? (Chris Whibbs)
One CD wonder? To soon to say but with the amazing critics Post Nothing has received this band cannot NOT be included in this list. (François Levesque)
Download "Young Hearts Spark Fire"
3. Handsome Furs
Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry released another solid album in my opinion and should be up here. While comparisons to bandmate Spencer Krug likely downplay their contribution to Canadian music, it’s hard to ignore the positive reviews that Face Control has received. (Allen Cheng)
The difficult second album never seems to be an issue for Boeckner. More like the 'outstanding' second album. (Brock, Trendwhore)
Honestly, this picture speaks for itself + the album was kick ass. (Kelly Bergeron)
A friend of mine introduced me to HF after I introduced him to Wolf Parade. How ironic is it that I am now a greater HF fan than WP... I think I may not be the only one. Loved their Eastern-European inspired CD, Face Control. They had a tough task this Summer feeling the biggest stage at Bluesfest in Ottawa as openers for The Dead Weathers and Yeah Yeah Yeahs and delivered. (François Levesque)
Face Control seems to be their most accessible album for 2009. Full of fun dancey electronic beats which is change from their debut album. Their Ottawa show in March was beyond crazy and Bluesfest showed how popular and hot they are. Thy Will Be Done just makes you want to shake your butt. (Ming Wu)
Saw them at SXSW and I needed to shower after their set. (Colin Medley)
Download "Radio Kaliningrad"
2. Fucked Up
Was it a liberal "dick move" to give The Chemistry of Common Life the greatest music prize in Canada while our government slashes arts funds? No, this win should not be tainted by what some haters would believe is some liberal agenda. Fact is, Chemistry is hands down one of the best albums Canada has seen in a while and if you can't comprehend that, I feel sorry for you. Fucked Up are keeping Canada fresh while Metric stinks up the place. (Brock, Trendwhore)
I'm not as into this band as some, but I couldn't help but smile when a hardcore punk band took the Polaris Prize home. (Quinn, From Blown Speakers)
Winning the Polaris Prize should pretty much guarantee you a top-5 spot in this poll, and by doing so, Fucked Up have taken hardcore just a little bit further into the mainstream and are as unlikely and appropriate ambassadors for Canadian music as you'll find. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Even if Chemistry of Common Life wasn't as good as Hidden World, they were still the best choice of the 10 finalists for the Polaris. Lets hope they bring some of the lesser known Toronto punk talent along for the ride. (Wells)
A Polaris Prize win should help increase the profile of this hardcore band. The truth is that while the Polaris Prize was a massive victory for the band, they had a really good 2008. (Allen Cheng)
Won the Polaris Prize. I actually like their album okay. (Colin Medley)
Won the most coveted indie rockers prize by taking their essentially nuts and bolts punk/hardcore songs and adding layers of weirdness in the studio. well met. (Ben Welland)
It’s easy to pick them after they walked away with this year’s Polaris Music Prize, but the emphasis should really be on how unexpected it was. It’s easy to cheer for an underdog and even easier when the album really is good. Apparently, sales of The Chemistry of Common Life went up 400 per cent after Fucked Up won. I’m one of those who purchased the album after the win. I had played one of their tunes on my show a few times, but never made the time for the whole album. I’m glad I finally did. There’s much more depth to this album than the screaming, half-naked front man might lead you to believe. (Ryan Bresee)
Sure their fantastic album came out last year, but the fact the New York Times writes articles on them without ever mentioning their naughty name, the singer, Pink Eyes, shows up on Fox News and, of course, they win a well-deserved Polaris Prize are all reasons they still had a momentous 2009. (Chris Whibbs)
Download "No Epiphant"
1. The Rural Alberta Advantage
Earlier in the year, the RAA signed with Omaha label Saddle Creek Records, raising their exposure South of the border and allowing for the re-release of their brilliant debut album Hometowns. I don't know how 2009 could have treated a band much better. They've been blasting my earphones for months on end, and will likely continue to do so for months to come. (Alex, The Mad Ones)
These guys have original yet accessible music - big in the USA you say? I think that's where it's headed for The RAA. (François Levesque)
Stephen Harper tried to score cool points with us by having them on his iPod. As much as I still wouldn’t vote for the conservatives, that’s pretty damn cool for the RAA. The RAA weren’t eligible to even be nominated for the Polaris Music Prize but if they had, I’m pretty certain it would’ve been a top contender. (Allen Cheng)
To hear them or see them is to love them, and while buzz had been growing steadily since last Fall, it was a storybook SxSW this past Spring that made them arguably one of the hottest Canadian exports of the year and it's a tale that shows no signs of ending anytime soon. (Frank, Chromewaves)
Because they’re really hot. They’ve signed a record deal, they’re playing all over the place (even on ABC, weird), and from the new/unreleased songs that I’ve heard they don’t show any signs of slowing down. (Rob, London Burgeoning Metropolis)
Being signed to Saddle Creek didn't hurt RAA alot. It got them so well known they got to tour in the USA. "Don't Haunt This Place" is one of the best songs I have heard in 2009. (Ming Wu)
They played New York City, SXSW, Toronto and all points in between. They signed to Saddle Creek. I saw them live at for the first time earlier this year during Canadian Musicfest, saw them perform a rapturous hometown CD release show at the Horseshoe Tavern, and then ended the summer seeing them at this year's Virgin Festival (who were immensely better than most of the acts that played the larger stages that day). I was generally behind the curve latching on to them but better late than never. (Michael Ligon)
My biggest musical-related regret this year is not seeing this talented band when they came through Winnipeg. Hometowns is stunning.(Mykael)
Having reaped praise from just about every noteworthy music source over the last year, both here and south of the border, culminating in support of the mighty Saddle Creek label, the RAA are now mere steps away from being a household name. Very impressive (even though I’m still struggling to actually believe that Stephen Harper honestly listens to their music...). (Bob Battams)
Download "The Air"
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Thanks for putting this list together for the 5th yr in a row.
It shows, yet again, that we have a mountain of talent out there. I can't wait to compare this to the other year end lists that get produced. I'm sure this top ten can go toe-to-toe with pretty much anyone.
(8 of my 10 made the 33..not bad)
It shows, yet again, that we have a mountain of talent out there. I can't wait to compare this to the other year end lists that get produced. I'm sure this top ten can go toe-to-toe with pretty much anyone.
(8 of my 10 made the 33..not bad)
Great list this year.
It was a hard choice for me on who I think is considered the hottest.
I did had F**ked Up at #10 but I had to change it for someone else b/c I wanted to lol.
Happy that RAA is #1!!!
It was a hard choice for me on who I think is considered the hottest.
I did had F**ked Up at #10 but I had to change it for someone else b/c I wanted to lol.
Happy that RAA is #1!!!
Mines was 7 out of my 10 made it into the list this year.
http://mwmusic.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/2009-hottest-bands-in-canada/
http://mwmusic.wordpress.com/2009/10/30/2009-hottest-bands-in-canada/
Great list. I figured Japandroids would have snared #1 but pleased to see RAA get it all the same.
Great work Matthew!
Great work Matthew!
Great of you to put together the list, again.
I can't believe that my top 2: Black Hat Brigade and the Wilderness of Manitoba didn't make it... Damn!
I can't believe that my top 2: Black Hat Brigade and the Wilderness of Manitoba didn't make it... Damn!
Matthew, I didn't get my act together this year... but seriously I couldn't have done it better myself! What a great list. Hopefully lots of excellent musical discoveries to be made. RAA at #1 was a no-brainer for me... glad to see a lot of people listed them 
Thanks again for compiling the list again this year Matthew. I'm not at all surprised that RAA is at #1, but I am surprised that they didn't win it by a landslide. Way too many choices this year...
Not that I care but my name has an A instead of an E (Allan not Allen).
Anyway, one thing that stands out is the inclusion of Tune-Yards. She's Canadian?
Thought she was from Maryland, US. Hmm anyone want to fill me in on this?
Anyway, one thing that stands out is the inclusion of Tune-Yards. She's Canadian?
Thought she was from Maryland, US. Hmm anyone want to fill me in on this?
Eeep! Sorry! I'll change that right now.
As for Tune-Yards...she's from Vermont, but as far as I know she lives in Montreal (hence why she's also in Sister Suvi).
As for Tune-Yards...she's from Vermont, but as far as I know she lives in Montreal (hence why she's also in Sister Suvi).
I'm glad to participate in the poll again this year. Half of my picks made it in to the top 32 but I'm a little behind the curve in actually listening to some of these bands. As I'll post my list probably this Monday, I stuck basically to artists I already liked, although as to whether they were actually 'hot' this year, I chose to include them in my list as long as they did something this year(whether it be just touring, or if they released something). I still don't see how The Hidden Cameras didn't make it into the top 32 this year.
I have my list up now: http://mechanicalforestsound.blogspot.com/2009/11/hottest-bands-in-canada-2009-edition.html
I have live recordings from this year for about half of the top group (and probably a fair few of the stragglers as well). If I manage to wrangle some spare time, a "Hottest Bands 2009 Live" compilation might be indicated.
Thanks to Matthew for putting this all together -- I've bookmarked a few new places to keep my eyes on.
I have live recordings from this year for about half of the top group (and probably a fair few of the stragglers as well). If I manage to wrangle some spare time, a "Hottest Bands 2009 Live" compilation might be indicated.
Thanks to Matthew for putting this all together -- I've bookmarked a few new places to keep my eyes on.
One-quarter of the artists are from Quebec! I don't think the province was under-represented at all.
With the exception of Chad VanGaalen, Bell Orcestre, Julie Doirion, maybe Bruce Pennisula and Olenka and the Autumn lovers, and of course Leonard Cohen, The rest of these acts are the definition of mediocrity. Dull Dull Dull Dull. Tune Yard are good but I thought they were from the states?
Tune-Yards is from Vermont, but lives in Montreal (she's also in Sister Suvi).
As for the rest of your comment...I'll let it speak for itself.
As for the rest of your comment...I'll let it speak for itself.
thanks for putting this all together again, matthew. remains a really illuminating read. v sorry i didn't get my ballot to you - totally forgot about it.
one thing, though - it'd be great to understand the judges' geographical breakdown. the results are v v v v v v baffling to this montrealer, and i am curious about the WHERE of the voters. (obv i could click through to understand a lot of this, but maybe you could save me the work?)
one thing, though - it'd be great to understand the judges' geographical breakdown. the results are v v v v v v baffling to this montrealer, and i am curious about the WHERE of the voters. (obv i could click through to understand a lot of this, but maybe you could save me the work?)
Hmm...that's a fair point to be made. The majority of voters do hail from Ontario, with a sprinkling of other voters from Montreal (Trendwhore, Midnight Poutine, Brendan Murphy), Edmonton (Amanda Ash), Winnipeg (Mykael) and Vancouver (Quinn). I asked several other bloggers/writers from Montreal, Halifax and Vancouver to try and get more regionally balanced representation, but, obviously, I can only tally up ballots I receive. That said (and this is an argument that actually came up in the Polaris voting as well), when the majority (or, at least, a significant plurality) of the country's population lives along the St. Lawrence corridor, it only makes sense if that's where the majority of people who write/blog about music are there, too...
yeah, it's clear you went out of yr way to grab some non-Ontario voices (and obv I didn't help matters by not contributing!), but i do think there's an issue of PROPORTION.
as you've written elsewhere, there's a really active indie rock scene now out west, and clearly there's one in Montreal (and this list feels totally unrepresentative of what's "hot" here right now - more like "which established acts have played big shows in Toronto"), not to mention eastern canada (!). i agree that it's natural to have a disproportionate amount of folk from southern ontario, but it becomes an issue of HOW disproportionate, exactly. i wonder how you can tweak yr methodologies to make this more representative (or uh, "true")?
to be honest i feel weird linking it bc of just how alien it seems. i don't mean as a matter of personal taste, but as a matter of "buzz". metric at 9? the balconies at 10? but tune-yards at 28, the luyas and parlovr and clues and CFCF shut-out... (When Rural Alberta Advantage play here in two weeks, they're playing one of the city's smaller venues.) And that's just coming from my Montreal lookout - I can only imagine how odd this must be as a "pan-Canadian" perspective for people even further away.
ok ok ok and yet aside from this methodological kvetching, yr work on this remains annually an inspiration. thanks so much for it.
as you've written elsewhere, there's a really active indie rock scene now out west, and clearly there's one in Montreal (and this list feels totally unrepresentative of what's "hot" here right now - more like "which established acts have played big shows in Toronto"), not to mention eastern canada (!). i agree that it's natural to have a disproportionate amount of folk from southern ontario, but it becomes an issue of HOW disproportionate, exactly. i wonder how you can tweak yr methodologies to make this more representative (or uh, "true")?
to be honest i feel weird linking it bc of just how alien it seems. i don't mean as a matter of personal taste, but as a matter of "buzz". metric at 9? the balconies at 10? but tune-yards at 28, the luyas and parlovr and clues and CFCF shut-out... (When Rural Alberta Advantage play here in two weeks, they're playing one of the city's smaller venues.) And that's just coming from my Montreal lookout - I can only imagine how odd this must be as a "pan-Canadian" perspective for people even further away.
ok ok ok and yet aside from this methodological kvetching, yr work on this remains annually an inspiration. thanks so much for it.
A quarter of the bands from Quebec?? Ok, if you count bands from Vermont and Vancouver temporarily living in Montreal. But where are Malajube, La patère rose, Avec pas d'casque, Pierre Lapointe, Paul Cargnello, Marie-Pierre Arthur, Mara Tremblay, Radio Radio, Dumas, Vulgaires Machins, Artist of the Year, etc. These acts do at least have as much artistic value as Joel Plaskett...
Actually, the real question is, how many francophones were in this jury (from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada)?
Actually, the real question is, how many francophones were in this jury (from Quebec or elsewhere in Canada)?
Actually, I sent out invitations to every Polaris juror in the country, plus numerous other bloggers and writers, to try and ensure equal representation. It's not my fault if francophone music writers chose not to take part. (And if you have any suggestions for more Quebecois music blogs, I'd be happy to hear them.)
And no one's denying the artistic merit of any of those artists...but I don't think their success at the ADISQ's is very representative of their popularity, either...
And no one's denying the artistic merit of any of those artists...but I don't think their success at the ADISQ's is very representative of their popularity, either...
Surprised mostly by Tegan & Sara missing from the list. They can sell Massey Hall AND Kool Haus in Toronto. But I guess they're too post-indie to be cool anymore. Or maybe they don't qualify because they are a duo.
What is really crazy is that Rural Alberta Advantage tickets for Lee's Palace can still be had after they've been on sale for weeks here. Go figure. You'd guess that there was at least enough bloggers in the GTA to sell out the place.
What is really crazy is that Rural Alberta Advantage tickets for Lee's Palace can still be had after they've been on sale for weeks here. Go figure. You'd guess that there was at least enough bloggers in the GTA to sell out the place.
HEY WHATS UP!
Great list if you've just woke up.
No sight of the following bands:
Woodhands
Winter Gloves
Final Fantasy
$100
You Say Party
Little Girls
CFCF
Yes, you guessed it, I like Paper Bag Records bands and I don't see any in this list. You're loss, really, for not representing one of the best labels in this country.
Great job sticking to what was happening in 2007 and never moving forward. Where's Tokyo Police Club on here??
Boooooo to this list for being so short sighted.
Great list if you've just woke up.
No sight of the following bands:
Woodhands
Winter Gloves
Final Fantasy
$100
You Say Party
Little Girls
CFCF
Yes, you guessed it, I like Paper Bag Records bands and I don't see any in this list. You're loss, really, for not representing one of the best labels in this country.
Great job sticking to what was happening in 2007 and never moving forward. Where's Tokyo Police Club on here??
Boooooo to this list for being so short sighted.
I've consistently written about how much I love Paper Bag...it's not my fault if other music writers aren't aware of how awesome CFCF and Little Girls are.
As for Woodhands, TPC and Winter Gloves...none of them really did much in 2009, as far as I know. I'm a huge fan of Woodhands and Winter Gloves, but apart from a few shows, I don't think they did anything to warrant getting much attention.
And $100 and Final Fantasy aren't even on Paper Bag, unless they've very quietly been added to the label's roster...
As for Woodhands, TPC and Winter Gloves...none of them really did much in 2009, as far as I know. I'm a huge fan of Woodhands and Winter Gloves, but apart from a few shows, I don't think they did anything to warrant getting much attention.
And $100 and Final Fantasy aren't even on Paper Bag, unless they've very quietly been added to the label's roster...
I'm bilingual (and from outside of Montreal originally), so I should count for a half a vote - if it even matters.
Great job Matthew, once again! Always lots of fun.
Great job Matthew, once again! Always lots of fun.
Hey, just so everybody knows: Matt actually drugged and brainwashed us all so that the results turned out exactly according to his maniacal plan!
I'm sorry but the fact that some people are holding you personally responsible for the outcome of this list is actually pretty hilarious.
I'm sorry but the fact that some people are holding you personally responsible for the outcome of this list is actually pretty hilarious.
What about Fitness Club Fiasco? I'm shocked that they didn't make the list since they are getting rave reviews in the UK but yet not here in their home!
The Balconies tour blog!
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The following people are absolutely amazing for helping this site out in its time of need:
Mekki Macauley Abdelwahab, Akira Alemany, The Allrights, Amos The Transparent, Jay Arner, Scott Arnold, As The Poets Affirm, Wenda Atkin, Jarrett Bartlett, Erica Basnicki, Bob Battams, Justin Beach, Carly Beath, Kelly Bergeron, Black Hat Brigade, Matt Blair, Blazer, Bonjour Brumaire, Mark Bower, Robert Brockie, Marilyn Burgess, The Burning Hell, Kat Burns, Tom Burns, Megan Butcher, Rodney Carter, Centretown Cripplers, Matt Charlton, Allen Cheng, Muriel Cheung, Robert Chitty, Chris Cline, Jim Craft, David Dean, Rishi Dhir, Dog Is Blue, Nils Edenloff, Giant Hand, Jim Di Gioia, Jeremy Ethridge, Gene Greer-Kondusky, Brendan Griffiths, Jenny Henkelman, Ross Henwood, indiequebec.com, The John Punch Band, Zaid Khan, Esther Kim, David King, Dominika Kowalczyk, Jeremy Kuzub, Franois Levesque, Sophie Malek, Maybe Smith, Tyson McShane, Randal Miller, Jeremy Morris, My Dad Vs Yours, Oh No Forest Fires, Simon Osborne, Chris Paine, Jennifer Polk, Karen Pollesel, Michele Pollesel, Kirk Ramsey, TL Reid, Danielle Robichaud, Kirstie Russell, Tim Ryan, Rob Schmidt, Royal City, Sandy Smith, James Sproull, Scott Stewart, Sunjet, These Electric Lives, Cory Thibodeau, Kathryn Tom, Ren Tomovcik, Jonathan Tyrell, Chris Unruh, The Urban Aesthetics, Paul Watson, Matthew Wells, Dan Werb, Susanna Wiens, Debra Workman, David Wotherspoon, Frank Yang, Kevan Young, Robert Young
Mekki Macauley Abdelwahab, Akira Alemany, The Allrights, Amos The Transparent, Jay Arner, Scott Arnold, As The Poets Affirm, Wenda Atkin, Jarrett Bartlett, Erica Basnicki, Bob Battams, Justin Beach, Carly Beath, Kelly Bergeron, Black Hat Brigade, Matt Blair, Blazer, Bonjour Brumaire, Mark Bower, Robert Brockie, Marilyn Burgess, The Burning Hell, Kat Burns, Tom Burns, Megan Butcher, Rodney Carter, Centretown Cripplers, Matt Charlton, Allen Cheng, Muriel Cheung, Robert Chitty, Chris Cline, Jim Craft, David Dean, Rishi Dhir, Dog Is Blue, Nils Edenloff, Giant Hand, Jim Di Gioia, Jeremy Ethridge, Gene Greer-Kondusky, Brendan Griffiths, Jenny Henkelman, Ross Henwood, indiequebec.com, The John Punch Band, Zaid Khan, Esther Kim, David King, Dominika Kowalczyk, Jeremy Kuzub, Franois Levesque, Sophie Malek, Maybe Smith, Tyson McShane, Randal Miller, Jeremy Morris, My Dad Vs Yours, Oh No Forest Fires, Simon Osborne, Chris Paine, Jennifer Polk, Karen Pollesel, Michele Pollesel, Kirk Ramsey, TL Reid, Danielle Robichaud, Kirstie Russell, Tim Ryan, Rob Schmidt, Royal City, Sandy Smith, James Sproull, Scott Stewart, Sunjet, These Electric Lives, Cory Thibodeau, Kathryn Tom, Ren Tomovcik, Jonathan Tyrell, Chris Unruh, The Urban Aesthetics, Paul Watson, Matthew Wells, Dan Werb, Susanna Wiens, Debra Workman, David Wotherspoon, Frank Yang, Kevan Young, Robert Young
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