2010 Mercury Prize Nominees Announced
The Mercury Prize seems to be the one award that consistently divides opinion across all quarters of the music industry. Last year’s award was no exception; Speech Debelle’s victory with her debut album ‘Speech Therapy’ was lauded just as much as it was questioned. While many applauded the panel’s decision to award an unknown, urban artist many felt that some of the better known artists (Florence & The Machine, Friendly Fires and La Roux) were more deserving candidates for the prize. A fact that was confirmed by Speech Debelle swiftly leaving the public eye and her record label.
This year’s shortlist brings together a variety of acts for what promises to be another tough decision. An obvious favourite has to be the debut album from youthful London prodigies The xx. Their ennui filled brand of mellow indie has struck a chord with a wide variety of music fans this year and will surely be the name tipped by most. However, as we know, the Mercury always has the potential to amaze and frustrate in equal measure! Here is the full list of nominees.
Biffy Clyro – ‘Only Revolutions’
Corinne Bailey Rae – ‘The Sea’
Dizzee Rascal – ‘Tongue N’ Cheek’
Kit Downes Trio – ‘Golden’
Foals – ‘Total Life Forever’
I Am Kloot – ‘Sky At Night’
Laura Marling – ‘I Speak Because I Can’
Mumford And Sons – ‘Sigh No More’
Paul Weller – ‘Wake Up The Nation’
Villagers – ‘Becoming A Jackal’
Wild Beasts – ‘Two Dancers’
The xx – ‘XX’
