Polaris 2011 Long list announced

2011 Shortlist

Arcade Fire made the best album, but they've already taken home Grammy hardware this year.  My pick would be outstanding debut from The Weeknd.

I've only heard one other album, Austra's Feel It Break, and let me tell you, I am shocked to see it on the short list.  Long list for sure, but seriously?  I've given the album a couple listens and it feels like B+ Ladytron, and possibly the weakest sounding synth I've ever heard open an album.

So there it is, two months to bone up on the other albums.  The Toronto Public Library has 9 of the 10 albums, so go on, help yourself!  Edit: 8 of 10, but you can get The Weeknd for free on their website