The Weakerthans Shortlisted for Polaris Prize

The shortlist for the prestigious Polaris Prize is out and The Weakerthans are on it, naming their album, Reunion Tour, as one of the top 10 Canadian albums of the year.

The Polaris Prize, now in its third year, awards $20,000 to the best full-length Canadian album. Unlike many awards, the jury makes its selection entirely on artistic merit and not sales figures. The list, as decided by a jury of 180 national music journalists, broadcasters and bloggers, was revealed on June 7 at the Drake Hotel in Toronto by CBC Radio 3's Grant Lawrence and 2007 Polaris winner, Patrick Watson.

Polaris released its long list, including Weakerthans tourmate Christine Fellows and her release Nevertheless, in June.

The rest of this year's shortlist: Plants And Animals, Basia Bulat, Two Hours Traffic, Stars, Shad, Kathleen Edwards, Caribou, Black Mountain, and Holy Fuck.

Local fans and roadtrippers can catch The Weakerthans at the 2008 Winnipeg Folk Festival July 10-13, along with fellow shortlisters Kathleen Edwards and Basia Bulat. The Weakerthans play Folk Fest's main stage second last on July 10.