The nominations are in for 2010’s round of the ever-controversial Mercury Prize. The Camden Store is pleased to see some old favourites in the hot pot of names put forward and we’ve spent a good few days arguing the toss when it comes to who is most deserving of the (supposedly) prestigious award.
Past winner Dizzee Rascal is going head to head with indie trio The xx as favourite to win at 4/1. If you’re going for originality then The xx should stand a pretty good chance considering they have carved out a wholly individual synth sound for themselves with their self-titled 2009 album. Having formed as fellow attendees of London’s Elliott School, they are following in the footsteps of previous Mercury nominees Hot Chip and Burial.
The prize rarely goes for the obvious, so it’d be worth your while taking a peek at the other talents showcased this year. The rise of the hugely talented new British folk scene has been recognised with the next king and queen of folk, Marcus Mumford and Laura Marling – up against each other with their highly acclaimed albums Sigh No More and I Speak Because I Can, along with Conor J. O’Brien’s band, Villagers, and their poetic offering, Becoming a Jackal.
Some musical old timers have also been included with Paul Weller’s latest contribution, Wake Up the Nation, Biffy Clyro’s sensational Only Revolutions, and I am Kloot’s Sky at Night. If you’re looking for the far outside contender, then it comes in the form of Norwich maestros Kit Downes Trio’s Golden.
We’re crossing our fingers that whoever takes the prize has a bit more luck than last year’s chart flop, Speech Debelle.
Here’s the full lineup for your perusal:
Dizzee Rascal – Tongue N’ Cheek
The xx – xx
Paul Weller – Wake Up the Nation
Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea
Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
Foals – Total Life Forever
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
Villagers – Becoming a Jackal
Kit Downes Trio – Golden
I Am Kloot – Sky at Night
The Camden Store Team x
Tags: Billy Clyro, Corinne Bailey Rae, Dizzee Rascal, I am Kloot, Kit Downes Trio, Laura Marling, Mercury Prize, Mumford and Sons, Paul Weller, the xx, Villagers, Wild Beasts
