The Polaris Music Prize shortlist is in. With past winners like last year's Fucked Up, Owen Pallet and Caribou (the latter two are shortlisted again this year), the award goes out based on artistic merit, not album sales or commercial appeal.

In only its fifth year, the Polaris Prize weighs in heavily with music critics, journalists, music personalities and MuchMusic VJs. This is the award that comes with much alternative press and bragging rights in indie circles. With the long list announced only a couple weeks back, 30 Canadian artists didn't make the cut.

The artists that are closer to the $20,000 prize are:

• 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 Pallet - Heartland
• Radio Radio - Belmundo Regal
• The Sadies - Darker Circles
• Shad - TSOL
• Tegan and Sara - Sainthood

The gala and winner announcement will take place September 20, 2010.