Polaroids Of Androids

Several music pundits were surprised by this decision but with a little research I think I know how, and more importantly why, such an unlikely outcome was reached. Some things to keep in mind - this isn't an argument for why AMP winners and former Australian Idol contestants should be mutually exclusive. They shouldn't be and as Mitchell proved last week - they aren't. It's lazy, pointless and way too cynical to suggest otherwise - like objecting to Precious because Mariah Carey has a speaking role. Likewise we're not disputing whether "Wonder" is a good album. It's a charming debut from a confident young artist. We're merely disputing whether it's the best Australian album of 2009. And finally, to the members of the AMP jury, this isn't an attack against your decision. This award is Australian music's most vital and has managed to become so in less than half a decade. If anything, our scrutiny is a mark of respect and if this accolade is indeed the antipodean Mercury Prize that it's touted to be, then surely its winners deserve to be scrutinized. So scrutinize we shall.