14 nominations, 5 number 1 albums and 7 repeat nominations. Brace yourselves; it’s the Mercury Prize. The prize where the obvious winner rarely wins and the unknown underdog triumphs.
However, this year sees a much more commercial list of nominees. 5 of the albums have been Number 1 (if we assume that Arctic Monkeys will top the charts on Sunday as expected) unlike in 2010 where none of them had. Half the artists have been nominated before which makes your think that either the panel are starting to conform to mainstream tastes or that underdogs couldn’t afford to enter this year (yes you have to pay to enter!). We have a look at the nominees and what, if anything, would the award do for their career.
- Arctic Monkeys, AM
The much anticipated fifth release from the monkey, who have won the prize for Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and were nominated the year after for Favourite Worst Nightmare. Despite only being released the day before the nominations they’ve still made the cut. You can check out our thoughts on AM here.
What would happen if they won? It would be underwhelming for them as well as the public. It’s a great album, but it’s maybe getting a lame. However, it would also mark a return to wider critical acclaim after the less than rapturous response to their third and fourth albums.
- David Bowie, The Next Day
The big dog. His first studio release in a decade that did not disappoint, despite the unimaginative album cover. Bowie’s got years and albums (this is his 24th) on all the other nominees and so is favourite to win, but that wouldn’t be Mercury Prize etiquette.
What would happen if they won? Absolutely nothing, he probably won’t do a gig in the run up like the other acts or attend the ceremony. £20k to him is a morning’s work.
- Disclosure, Settle
Having provided one of the most original dance albums in a long time, your money would probably be best spent backing them. With clever collaborations on the album they stormed the charts and have rejuvenated the dance genre. You can read our thoughts on Settle here.
What would happen if they won? A great accolade for the dance scene and an amazing achievement to top a great year for the brothers.
- Foals, Holy Fire
Foals proved this summer that they are a great live act and can still produce great tunes, taking on a more rock’n’roll vibe this time. This is their second nomination and if the criteria were for crowd surfing they would win.
What would happen if they won? Wouldn’t help or hinder their already illustrious career. They’ve got the perfect balance between commercial and indie.
- Jake Bugg, Jake Bugg
Cute little Bugg who looked petrified at Glastonbury. His number 1 debut album has appeal to everyone and so will have a lot of public support. This is a true British album which showcases a young talent of today.
What would happen if they won? He would probably use the money to his Nan a car which is why you want him to win.
- James Blake, Overgrown
James Blake receives his second nomination after his debut album in 2011. This self-produced offering steps away from minimalist dubstep to broken ambience in a ‘digital age.’
What would happen if they won? He might smile.
- Jon Hopkins, Immunity
Possibly the least mainstream artist in the running, however he has been releasing albums since 2001 and he even co-produced Coldplay’s Viva La Vida. His blend of ‘ambient techno’ is something different for the masses.
What would happen if they won? People would probably shrug ‘who?’ at the TV but it would put Hopkins on the map.
- Laura Marling, Once I Was an Eagle
Laura has released an album every other year since 2008 and constantly delivered pitch perfect. Her haunting voice has earned her a third Mercury Prize nomination so can she win third time lucky? You can read our thoughts on Once I Was An Eagle here.
What would happen if they won? Laura would carry on being Laura whilst people struggled to hear her whispered acceptance speech.
- Laura Mvula, Sing to the Moon
The only thing her and Marling have in common are their first name. Completely different sounds, production and genres. Mvlua is offers a mix of soul, jazz and be likened to the greats. She’s got a striking voice that people should take notice of and has received plenty of critical praise in the past.
What would happen if they won? It would be a great accolade for Mvula, but she’s already achieved great things in a short time.
- Rudimental, Home
Rudimental’s number 1 album is a 90’s, garage, dance mash up. Along with Disclosure they’ve injected life into the dance scene, that’s not synths with a Pitbull vocal, and have more collaborations in the pipeline.
What would happen if they won? They would absolutely go off!
- Savages, Silence Yourself
Savages will be quite unknown to many but their post-punk revival album has received critical acclaim. They’re different, they’re harsh but they’re also offering one of the most commanding rock albums in recent years.
What would happen if they won? They’d maybe smash up the award in true punk fashion and ban any post-award interviews.
- Villagers, Awayland
Another one up for the second time after receiving one for his debut album in 2010. The Irish Indie-Rock genre isn’t a true representation of what Villagers are about.
What would happen if they won? As a successful underdog, it would definitely boost their career.
There’s a lot of talent here but we would’ve expected a few more shocks. London Grammar were bookies favourite to win and they didn’t even get a nomination. CHVRCHES, Nadine Shah, King Krule and Primal Scream are also missing.
Who do you think should be on the list who isn’t? More importantly who do you want to win?