We're down to two more Album of the Week shows about 2010 Polaris Music Prize nominees; today I revisit my love for Swim by Caribou and discuss whether it could mean a second Polaris victory lap for the inventive electronic music project. Caribou (a.k.a. Dan Snaith) himself joins me in the final hour of the show to offer his insights about his album's chances and, as a nice bonus, I have five copies of this CD to give away to the first people who blog correct answers to questions I ask during the show* (*one victory per listener per episode please).
Y'know, Swim has already been my AotW once this year so, if you take a gander at what I said back on May 5, 2010, you'll feel my feelings about this album. Did you feel them? Don't they feel great? Ahhhh...feelings that are felt by others. That's when they count most.
So, because my opinion has changed little since the spring, I'm keeping my preamble short and heading straight into my much-loved (I made that up) weekly segment, where I analyze how the PMP jury might assess this nominee. Hang on to your potato!
SWIM BY CARIBOU
RIGHTFUL RANK: 1/10
LIKELY RANK: 4/10
(I know there's only a "#1," but humour me)
STRENGTHS: Caribou's most accomplished and best album; furthering the sound and expectations of electronic music; previous Polaris winner; eclectic and dynamic sonically and in its composition; an internationally renowned album and artist; strong contender for album of the year, let alone this week
WEAKNESSES: Previous Polaris winner--I don't think a jury can get past this but hopefully they do because Caribou and Owen Pallett have each surpassed their previous efforts, both past winners. That's all I got.
OVERALL STATUS: DESERVES TO WIN; WILL NOT GET THE VOTES OVER NEW BLOOD
How do you imagine Swim will fare in the 2010 Polaris Music
Prize sweepstakes? What is its stiffest competition? Any plans to catch Caribou live at any of their upcoming shows? Or pick up your own copy of Swim?
I have five copies of this CD to give away to the first people on the blog to respond with correct answers to questions I'll ask on the air throughout today's show. If this ends up being you (once!), please e-mail vish_khanna [at] cbcradio3.com with "I can't swim! I can't swim!" in the subject line, and your blog moniker and shipping address in your message.
Old or new, Canadian or otherwise, what is YOUR album of the week?