The annual Mercury Music Prize is almost upon us – one of the most important music awards ceremonies in Britain, after 16 years it remains a controversial talking point amongst music fans.
Established in 1992, the Mercury prize was embroiled in controversy from its inception when Primal Scream’s seminal album “Screamadelica” scooped the award – and a clearly wasted band then promptly lost the cheque! Along the years the Mercury prize had had its up and downs, but the low point in many fans eyes was in 1994 when “Elegant Slumming” by M People was picked above a shortlist packed with classic albums such as Blur’s “Parklife” and The Prodigy’s “Music For The Jilted Generation”. That ceremony definitely soured things for Damon Albarn, who currently doesn’t allow any album associated with him to be nominated.
However, the Mercury judges have been unafraid to stick their neck out for new talent, picking Roni Size / Reprazent in 1997 for example. The prize’s commitment to jazz, folk and classical – though often labeled as a gesture – is to celebrated as a breaking point for left field music entering the mainstream.
As ever, the Mercury Music Prize is a good point to take stock of the state of British music. With the nominations set to be announce don July 22nd, here is our selection of a fantastic year for music:
Burial – Untrue
Dubstep genius, already revered by those in the know – but that doesn’t necessarily include the Mercury judges.
Last Shadow Puppets – Age Of The Understatement
Alex Turner has already won it with Arctic Monkets, but the grandiose pop of Last Shadow Puppets is another matter entirely.
Elbow – The Seldom Seen Kid
Nominated in 2001 for “Asleep In The Back”, this album has proved popular with fans and critics alike – could the Manchester underdogs sneak off with the crown?
Radiohead – In Rainbows
Unbelievably, Radiohead have never won the Mercury Music Prize. In 1998, “OK Computer” lost out to Roni Size – could Burial be their undoing this time round?
Coldplay – Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends
An album made for stadiums, and a massive world wide hit but perhaps a little too obvious for the Mercury judges.
Portishead – Three
After a decade long period of silence, Bristol innovators Portishead returned with a challenging and breath taking new album.
Duffy – Rockferry
Welsh queen of blue eyed soul, Duffy stole our hearts in a year dominated by British female talent.
Kate Nash – Made Of Bricks
Lovable cockney lass Kate Nash is a hell of a songwriter – but may lack the depth the Mercury judges are known for.
MIA – Kala
Nominated in 2005, this world music star is a hectic collision of styles. The sort of thing Mercury judges love to see on the shortlist, in other words.
Hot Chip – Made In The Dark
Their second album “The Warning” was defeated by Arctic Monkeys in 2006, could the kings of electro geek chic have their revenge on Alex Turner?
Foals – Antidotes
Klaxons scooped the prize last year, and Foals have even sillier haircuts. So logically, they’ll win.
Portico Quartet – Knee Deep In The North Sea
Manic percussion led jazz from London. A great group, and well deserving of the token jazz / classical slot – plus, Seb Rochford didn’t release anything this year.
Who is your pick for the Mercury Music prize?
