Final Fantasy wins Polaris Prize

The Polaris Prize was announced this week, going to Final Fantasy - solo project of Ontarian Owen Pallet - and his album He Poos Clouds.

Like Magnetic Fields meets Andrew Bird, Final Fantasy brings witty lyrics together with a violin that is kicking against its own tradition. He has a good voice and sense of melody but more impressive is how his music is out of synch with most things except itself: like he was just born sounding this way and didn't have to practice his ass off for it.

For his troubles, Pallet is awarded $20,000, which he says he will share with his Blocks Recording Collective pals (and who could be more deserving than they?). Any of the finalists for this prize would have deserved winning it, but I must say my own bent toward solo artists makes me particularly chuffed about Final Fantasy taking home the prize.

Canadian Press article here.