Better Know Your 2010 Jury #37: Francois Marchand July 26 2010
Music/A&E Writer, Vancouver Sun
Polaris Jury Member since: 2006
Please share the Top 5 Canadian albums you put on your first ballot.
Apollo Ghosts Mount Benson
Black Wizard Black Wizard
Yukon Blonde Yukon Blonde
Radio Radio Belmundo Regal
Karkwa Les chemins de verre
Tell us about your top ranked choice. Why #1?
Apollo Ghosts' Mount Benson makes me believe there is still magic in this world. The unsigned Vancouver upstarts' second album is indie rock in its purest DIY form, harnessing the innocence of youth and the grit of experience, pinning small-town roots against the vastness of the modern world. Its jangly punk/rock/folk/street spirit will melt your heart. It's a love story. There's pirates. Need I say more? It also makes Nanaimo sound like the coolest place in the universe.
What record that's perhaps local or under the radar did you suggest to the jury and/or would like to plug here to the whole world?
Vancouver's Black Wizard put out what is easily one of my favourite albums in the last little while. If you want 33 minutes of devastatingly epic, fist-pumping, retro/doom metal, this is the platter you want to spin. These guys are young, hungry and true to their creed, and they sure know how to put on a show. Given the chance, they're going to be ridiculously huge. Also, best merch ever.
Describe the state of the Canadian music industry in five words or less.
Only five? Hmm. Well, "wow." Wait, that ends up being just one word.
Imagine the tables are turned and you are the nominee: What would you do with the $20,000 prize money?
Travel, buy a ton of old records, and most likely end up writing about both. And maybe get a nice pair of city bikes for my wife and I. Those hills are total hell on the old cruisers.
Related Link: www.vancouversun.com/sound
Good luck! RT @ElliottBROOD: The Borderline in London tonight...if we can find a parking spot.
Sep 09 2010, 11:46am from TweetDeck
You're right. Should have said "could", not "should". RT @KLMangan: @PolarisPrize Didn't say that, did he? Said he could be the underdog!
Sep 09 2010, 11:45am from TweetDeck
RT @CBCRadio3: Why does Karkwa want Radio Radio (@laradioradio) to win Polaris? http://r3.ca/09xJ
Sep 09 2010, 10:30am from TweetDeck
