2010 Mercury Music Prize Shortlist Announced


The nominations for this year’s Mercury Music Prize were revealed at a press conference in London earlier today.

Amongst the leading contenders will be Mumford & Sons’ big-selling debut ‘Sigh No More‘ and singer-songwriter Laura Marling’s widely-acclaimed new release ‘I Speak Because I Can‘.

The legendary Paul Weller also gets a nod for his latest solo record ‘Wake Up The Nation‘, 2003 winner Dizzee Rascal is handed another nomination, and The xx’s self-titled debut is also likely to be one of the favourites.

The winner of the Mercury Prize receives a cash prize, while a boost in sales often follows. Speaking of the impact, Gennaro Castaldo, of HMV, said: ”If you look back at the Mercury awards over the years, the most successful nominated and winning albums tend to be the ones that have been ‘bubbling under’ for a while and building great word of mouth and critical acclaim, so that, when the judges do shine the spotlight on them, sales can take off in a very significant way.”

Last year’s prize was controversially taken home by rapper Speech Debelle.

2010 Shortlist:

I Am Kloot – Sky At Night
Foals – Total Life Forever
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
The xx – xx
Dizzee Rascal – Tongue N’ Cheek
Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea
Villagers – Becoming A Jackal
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
Kit Downes Trio – Golden
Paul Weller – Wake Up The Nation
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More


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