EPTOwen Pallett (born September 7, 1981) is a violinist and singer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is the principal member of the band Final Fantasy, which is essentially a solo project, although Leon Taheny is also credited as drummer and engineer.
On September 18, 2006, He Poos Clouds was named winner of the inaugural Polaris Music Prize.
The Polaris Music Prize is a music award annually given to the best full-length Canadian album based on artistic merit, regardless of genre, sales, or record label. The award was established in 2006 and includes a C$20,000 cash prize. The Polaris Music Prize is modelled after the Mercury Music Prize, which is handed to the best British or Irish album over the past year[1]. The award is sponsored by Rogers, XM Satellite Radio, Radio Starmaker Fund, and the Canadian Recording Industry Association.
I heard from my debating coach on the way to a tournament last week about a band "Final Fantasy." He asked me if I had heard them. I told him no and he told me they were a real 'critic's darling.' Over the next few days I heard recommendations from several people I respect. So I downloaded and listened to Owen Pallett's albums. I must say his newest one is quite excellent. It has an even higher appeal to people with a foot in gaming, but is award winning to people who have never heard of Link or know a thing about dungeon's & dragons.
The album 'He Poos Clouds' sounds pretty stupid, but the name is interesting once you get over the word 'poo.' String quartet, a bit of synthesizer, percussion and interesting lyrics made this album a favorite for me nearly overnight.
so if you're looking for something interesting, or indiesque sound that avoids the more painful aspects of the genre, I'd give this man's work a look and invite discussion if you have heard it.
edit: just a few lyrics that I enjoyed a lot.
Tragedy, tragedy! Death has you fooled!
No throne of bone, no terranean pool!
No scythe, no cowl, no skeleton
His greatest trophy is this myth
