From a list of hundreds, 196 music journalists from across the country carefully decided the 10 best Canadian albums of which the winner of the 2023 Polaris Music Prize will be determined on September 19, live from Toronto’s legendary Massey Hall. In honour of this year’s vibrant list of nominees, Canadian Beats is examining the 10 nominees and celebrating the artists behind them.
Before his sudden passing in February 2022, Dallas Good said of the Sadies’ upcoming record, Colder Streams, is “by far, the best record that has ever been made by anyone. Ever.”And, comforting for fans and music critics like across the country, the late guitarist was not wrong in his proclamation.
The dizzying Colder Streams doesn’t hold back in demonstrating the Sadies’ strength in their unique blend of alt-country that seems to border on greater rock and roll sounds. Tracks like“Message to Belial,” “Move On” and “Better Yet” with their soaring guitars, hypnotic organs, and tight vocals could very well feel right at home alongside the greatest 60s British psychedelica as they would on country radio. Meanwhile, tracks like “No One’s Listening” and “Cut Up High and Dry” still reassure the listener that the band’s country roots are strong.
Will the Sadies’ unbelievable triumph over unimaginable tragedy be enough to take home the 2023 Polaris Music Prize? Find out by following CBC Music on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook, and at cbcmusic.ca/polaris, and follow Canadian Beats for more Polaris Music Prize coverage.