The Mercury Music Prize is almost upon us and last year’s winners Elbow have tipped Friendly Fires to claim the prize.
Whilst it has often been derided the Mercury has changed the careers of some fantastic acts. Gomez were propelled into the public eye after their debut album ‘Bring It On’ waltzed home with the award, while recent winners Elbow have been transformed into household names.
Beating off competition from the likes of Radiohead, the Bury band clinched the award in emotional scenes. Their album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’ was an outsider with the bookies but became a popular choice due to its emotional resonance.
This year, bookies are tipping Florence And The Machine to bag the award courtesy of their debut album. Having already grabbed a Brit award few would bet against them, but it seems that Elbow are in the mood for a flutter.
Speaking to BBC 6Music the band revealed their thoughts on the 2009 shortlist. “We wish luck to everybody who is on the list this year, but more than that, congratulations on being on the list. Everybody there make sure you have a great night,” said singer Guy Garvey.
Asked to play a track by the nominees, Elbow chose a track by Friendly Fires. Hailing from St. Albans the trio mix shoegaze styles with a pop flourish, while their new single ‘Kiss Of Life’ was buoyed by samba rhythms.
“The tune that we have chosen from the 2009 shortlist – it was very difficult as well because there’s so many great people on there but we thought we’d just chose one, kind of our little tip in a way – we’ve chosen Friendly Fires, and the song is called ‘Jump In The Pool’.”
The winner of the Mercury Music Prize will be announced tomorrow night (September 8th).
