Paul Weller has spoken of his delight at being nominated for this year’s Mercury Music Prize, but revealed he is not expecting to walk home with the award.
The Modfather told the UK’s Mirror newspaper: “I’m glad the record is going to get more recognition. I don’t know about winning as normally the outsider wins.”
Weller also told the Daily Star newspaper he would like to work with fellow nominee Corinne Bailey Rae in the future, but isn’t sure when any potential collaboration would come to fruition due to the pair’s respective busy schedules. “We’ve been trying to get together for a while, maybe something live, but we’ve both been on the road for so long,” he said. “At some point we’ll do it. I’d like to feature on a record with her because I love her voice. I’ve started writing new material, so who knows?”
Paul Weller currently stands at 6/1 in the latest betting for the Mercury Prize, with rapper Dizzee Rascal, who emerged victorious in 2003, and The xx joint favourites at 4/1. Elsewhere, Wild Beasts and Biffy Clyro stand at 8/1, with Villagers, I Am Kloot and Kit Downes Trio the outsiders at 10/1.
The winner will be announced at a London ceremony on September 7th.
