Who will get to stand next to Lauren Laverne £20,000 richer?
With just a few weeks until the Mercury Music Prize is announced, Spoonfed have a little look at the shortlist and make some predictions on who will win the £20,000 prize. Whatever you may think about the relevance of the prize or the fact that it may be cursed (just ask Speech Debelle or Gomez) it's now an important date in the music calender and does at least have the ability to increase album sales in a flagging market.
Just having a quick look at the line-up and this year's nominations could be seen as being the most mainstream in quite a few years. There is still the obligatory jazz act of course from Kit Downes Trio but elsewhere sees former winner Dizzee Rascal who has since made it his primary aim to sell loads of records, folk megastars Mumford & Sons and all round musical legend Paul Weller. But then the prize is for the best British album, whoever that may be from, so let's see who the expert panel have come up with...
Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
The Scottish rockers had a breakthrough with 2007's album 'Puzzle' and it's more of the same really here, just touched up with some polished production and a handful of strings.
Winner? It's a thoroughly entertaining record but the Mercury hasn't favoured heavy rock yet, and I think it will stay that way.
Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea
After the death of her husband, Corinne returns with an evocative and beautiful album.
Winner? Darker and with considerably more musical depth than her debut, this was a surprise success and could surprise again come September.
Dizzee Rascal – Tongue n' Cheek
When Dizzee became the youngest recipient of the prize in 2003 with his debut 'Boy in da Corner' he was causing a storm with his fresh, original grime. Fast forward 6 years and Dizzee Rascal is a self-confessed success chaser but still seems to be hitting the right notes for the critics.
Winner? Surely an album that contains Bonkers couldn't win the Mercury Prise, could it?
Foals – Total Life Forever
Ultra serious indie rockers Foals' second album hardly set the world alight but showed a maturity to their writing, not just relying on jerky angular guitars to craft their songs around. Not that there isn't a bucket load of that too though.
Winner? Decent rock album, but probably just here to make up the numbers.
I Am Kloot – Sky at Night
One of the surprise selections on the list, I am Kloot have been writing delicate and touching folk-tinged songs for much of past decade. 'Sky at Night' isn't really a departure from any of their past works but is a decent album all the same.
Winner? Could 'do an Elbow' but something tells you that they won't.
Kit Downes Trio – Golden
Every year they stick some jazz on the list and each time it comes back empty-handed. This will undoubtedly boost their profile though and get them a few more bookings at the Jazz Café.
Winner? It can't just be a token gesture can it? Yes it can.
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
There isn't a bad word to said about Laura, as well as making beautifully crafted songs she is also friendly, down to earth and utterly charming. Her second album showed a more mature songwriting presence and has been of the finest releases this year.
Winner? A very strong contender, and no one would be grudge her if she did.
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
The biggest breakthrough of the recent folk revival, Mumford & Sons have taken everywhere by storm recently. 'Sigh No More' is packed with evocative and uplifting pop-tinged folk songs and is more than deserving a place on the list.
Winner? They may divide opinion but this has been one of the biggest albums of the past 12 months.
Paul Weller – Wake Up the Nation
What needs to be said about Paul Weller? The musical icon returns with one of the finest albums of his career after his recent solo efforts seemed to have him destined to remain in the steady dad-rock territory.
Winner? As cool as ever and as relevant as ever, this is great album which could be a surprise contender.
Villagers – Becoming a Jackal
The brainchild of Conor O'Brian, Villagers burst on to the public's view after an appearance on Jools Holland. 'Becoming a Jackal' is a superb album, understated yet filled with some of the finest songwriting of the past 12 months.
Winner? Could be a bit of Badly Drawn Boy, the judges will be discussing this one right till the end.
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Combining clever lyrics, falsetto vocals and a unique, bubbling sound, 'Two Dancers' is an intriguing and entertaining affair which has slowly come to people's attention in the past 12 months.
Winner? Unlikely: good, but not breathtaking.
The xx – xx
The xx have already been lauded far and wide for their debut album, which really is an astonishing record. Stark sounding, yet full of different textures and great melodies, The xx are hotly tipped to add to their acclaim.
Winner? There isn't a really a bad thing you can say about the album and it would be thoroughly deserved.
We'll have to wait until 7th September to find out who the elite panel of judges choose as their record of the year, but if I were in charge of the Spoonfed coffers, it would be a sneaky bet on Laura Marling.
http://www.mercuryprize.com/
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