Polaris Music Prize

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Better Know a Jury Member #22: Laura Thompson September 03 2009

Laura Thompson (Toronto)
Music Reviewer and Producer, CBC TV and cbc.ca/arts
Jury Member Since: 2007

Please share the Top 5 Canadian records you put on your final ballot.

Metric Fantasies
Hey Rosetta! Into Your Lungs
Land of Talk Some Are Lakes
k-os Yes!
Jason Bajada Loveshit

Tell us about your top ranked choice. Why #1?

When I find a song I really love, I listen to it over and over, obsessively, compulsively. There are only a handful of full albums I’ve come across in my lifetime that I’ve needed to hear start-to-finish, again and again, that make the world right again. I’ve still got Jonatha Brooke’s 10 Cent Wings, classic Damien Rice, Love Tara and early Hayden in regular rotation. Metric’s Fantasies is in this category for me. It’s dramatic, inspiring, gutsy and sophisticated. I relate to it, feel empowered by it and get nostalgic around it. It’s probably going to be in my life for awhile.

Reaction to the Short List: Your most pleasant surprise? Shocked by any omissions?

I’m psyched that two of my picks made the short list. I’m pleased by Joel Plaskett’s presence, but can’t say I’m surprised. He’s one of the most talented, prolific artists around right now and Three is an impressive and thorough achievement. While Fucked Up isn’t my cup of tea, I’m glad they made the Short List cause people freak out for this band. My stupid, obvious, emo taste... right?

Describe the state of Canadian music in five words:

Changing how the world listens.

Imagine the tables are turned and you are the nominee: What would you do with the $20,000 prize money?

If I was up-and-coming (let’s assume I would be) and if I had struggled to finance the album that just won me the prize (let’s assume I did), then I would invest the $20,000 into developing my second release. Better equipment? Better studio? A real deal production crew? Marketing and merchandise? Personal chef? Ok, no chef. Ok, mayyybe a chef. Then, if another windfall ever came my way, I would definitely do something for the children. Don’t judge.

Related Link: cbc.ca/arts

RT @teganandsara: Home Recordings the bonus album from our vinyl box set is streaming at http://bit.ly/9mrMUN.
Jul 30 2010, 4:26pm from TweetDeck

@nicooooole in @torontoist on @TheSadies awesome summer .
Jul 30 2010, 4:25pm from TweetDeck

Cool. RT @CiTRradio: CRTC policy decision gives Community Radio Fund of Canada $775,000 in funding to support community and campus stations.
Jul 30 2010, 4:01pm from TweetDeck