Organisers of the Polaris Music Prize, the annual music award destined to always be described as "sort of the Canadian version of the Mercury Music Prize" over here, have announced their short list for 2010. The ten albums of the year are as follows:

The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
Broken Social Scene - Forgiveness Rock Record
Caribou - Swim
Karkwa - Les Chemins De Verre
Dan Mangan - Nice, Nice, Very Nice
Owen Pallett - Heartland
Radio Radio - Belmundo Regal
The Sadies - Darker Circles
Shad - TSOL
Tegan And Sara - Sainthood

Canadian music showcasers Canadian Blast, in conjunction with London-based gig promoters The Local, has announced a new multi-venue festival showing off new talent from Canada.

Eight London venues will participate in the festival, which takes place from 29 Jun to 1 Jul, with music split into four genres: hip hop, folk, electro and rock. Artists on offer include Canadian Tenors, Hawksley Workman, Jully Black, Plants & Animals, Ruth Minnikin, Ghostcat, Diamond Rings, Richie Hawktin and Layo & Bushwacka.

All tickets will give purchasers access to free downloads of tracks by each of the artists performing, plus the chance to win an all expenses paid tip to Canada.

As well as this, Canadian Blast are putting on a party in Trafalgar Square to mark Canada Day on 1 Jul, with performances from The Canadian Tenors, Richie Hawtin, Hawksley Workman, Sarah Hermer and more.

For full details, and to buy tickets, go here.