Polaris Prize Winner is F—ked Up. Literally.

In a win that was almost as shocking as the band itself, pop-hardcore band F—ked Up won the 2009 Polaris Music Prize. Although there was no clear favourite leading up to last night’s gala, F—ked Up won for their album The Chemistry of Common Life. The prize is known for highlighting new and lesser known Canadian artists and is based on musical merit, not sales, as determined by Canadian music journalists. Oh yeah, and it’s also worth $20,000. This year, Polaris stuck to past favourites by shortlisting several old nominees and even a past winner, 2007’s Patrick Watson. But this year’s champion makes it clear that despite repeat nominees, the prize maintains its unpredictability.

F—ked Up plays into the old-school shock value that some of the other (more polite) shortlisters have decided against. The band’s lead singer, Damian Abraham has been known to leave little unsaid as an outspoken commentator on Fox News and to leave little unseen while stripping down to near-nothing during live shows. Their Polaris award performance was no different, with Abraham exposing his navy blue briefs. The band was also joined on stage by former Polaris winner Final Fantasy and Toronto rockers Lullabye Arkestra. For the first time in the prize's history, all 10 Polaris Music Prize shortlisters performed at the event.

Despite their wildness on stage and in the dressing room, F—ked Up have a tender heart. They plan to record a holiday season benefit album which will be used to raise awareness about crimes against aboriginal women. As for the show, an edited version will air on Much Music this Saturday, Sept. 26th at 9 p.m. — Jessica Ford