This week, we continue our Polaris listening party with Japandroids’ shortlisted album, Celebration Rock. This is the Vancouver duo’s first short list nomination; their debut album, Post-Nothing, previously made the long list in 2009. Celebration Rock was released on May 29, 2012, which made it eligible for this year’s short list with just two days to spare.
Japandroids: Celebration Rock, full stream.
This "close call" timing seems to be a thread in the story of the band. The duo, consisting of singer/guitarist Brian King and singer/drummer David Prowse, called it quits in 2008 after releasing two EPs and completing their debut full-length record. That is, until Post-Nothing became one of the most buzzed about indie rock records of 2009, prompting King and Prowse to reunite and perform more than 200 shows over two years starting in 2009.
Talking to CBC Music’s Marie Bartlett last month, the band admitted to feeling some trepidation over a possible sophomore slump before recording Celebration Rock.
“After all the praise the first record got, it was a challenge to try and make something that we honestly thought was better than Post-Nothing,” said King. “There’s no question that Celebration Rock is a stronger album. The songwriting, the playing, the singing, the recording – everything is an improvement over the last record. I’m very proud of us for sticking with it and seeing it through.”
What do you think of Japandroids' album, Celebration Rock? Should it win the Polaris Prize? Let us know below.
Related:
Japandroids on CBC Music
Polaris juror Alan Ranta on why Cadence Weapon could take the prize
Q and A: Japandroids
2012 Polaris Music Prize short list announced