I have always felt that autumn marks the start of a brand-new year, and for the people of Montreal that is especially true. For five fun-filled days at the end of September, Pop Montreal arrives to bring this city (and me) back to life. The 2012 edition of the festival went above and beyond what this born-and-raised townie has ever experienced in Montreal before.

Leslie Feist is the winner of the 2012 Polaris Music Prize for her album Metals. She is the first female solo artist to win the 30,000$ prize, which is sponsored by Sirius Satellite Radio, the Government of Canada, FACTOR, Slaight Communications, Radio Starmaker Fund, MuchMusic, Steam Whistle Brewing, and The Drake Hotel.

The Short List of nominees:

To preface this review, I should admit I'm a little bit biased: my adoration of Phil Elverum's music started when I was 13 listening to the Microphones' The Glow Pt. 2 before I even really knew what it was to love music. It's been a part of my sonic landscape for a very, very long time and has been internalized in ways I probably don't even realize.