Close to Paradise

Released in 2006, Close to Paradise served as the definitive breakthrough for Montreal-based Patrick Watson. While technically the work of a four-piece band, the album is centered on Watson's distinct vocal and piano style. It famously beat out high-profile nominees like Arcade Fire and Feist to win the 2007 Polaris Music Prize, a testament to its profound impact on the Canadian indie landscape. Sonically, the album sits at the intersection of Jeff Buckley’s vocal intensity and Erik Satie’s minimalist piano compositions, but it is seasoned with a playful, experimental edge reminiscent of Pink Floyd. The recording is notable for its use of unconventional percussion and field recordings, which ground the ethereal arrangements in a gritty, domestic reality. The track 'The Great Escape' became a cultural touchstone through its use in various film and television syncs, cementing the album's reputation as a cinematic essential of the mid-2000s indie era.