It's week seven of our Polaris Music Prize listening party, and this time around we're featuring Visions from Montreal-via-Vancouver musician Grimes, a.k.a Claire Boucher.
ListenGrimes / Visions
Full album stream, until August 29
Tracklist
Visions is the third album from Grimes, who previously released her albums Geidi Primes and Halfaxa via her Canadian label, Arbutus Records. Boucher's shortlisted record also happens to be her first release on the prestigious U.K. label 4AD, whose roster includes Bon Iver, Blood Diamonds, Purity Ring, David Byrne & St. Vincent, and countless other buzzed-about acts. To record her acclaimed album, the singer reportedly locked herself in her bedroom, shuttered her windows and spent several sleepless nights over the course of three weeks completing it under deadline.
Before the album was released, The Guardian UK was already calling Boucher an "artist to watch," citing the uniqueness of her vocal stylings, and the dream pop sound accented by diverse genre influences. (Mariah Carey, Salem Cocteau Twins, Gang Gang Dance, the Smiths and Prince are just a few of the artists Boucher credits when describing Grimes's sound.)
Since its release, Visions has been met with critical praise from Pitchfork (which gave the album their "Best New Music" distinction) and The New York Times (which called it one of the year's best yet), and received a seal of approval from countless other tastemakers.
For your armchair juror enjoyment, Visions can be streamed at CBC Music until Aug. 29.
Related:
Watch Grimes' new video, Genesis