Arctic Monkeys, David Bowie up for Mercury Prize album of the year

If you haven't heard of the Mercury Prize, it may be because it's a UK thing -- the award has go to an album from Britain or Ireland. But before you write it off as too narrow of a category, think of the acts from these regions today and in the past who have made a lasting mark on the world of music. Some would argue the shortlist of nominees does not even cover all the best candidates, and there are 12.

1. Arctic Monkeys - AM
2. David Bowie - The Next Day
3. Disclosure - Settle
4. Foals - Holy Fire
5. Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg
6. James Blake - Overgrown
7. Jon Hopkins - Immunity
8. Laura Marling - Once I Was an Eagle
9. Laura Mvula - Sing to the Moon
10. Rudimental - Home
11. Savages - Silence Yourself
12. Villagers - {Awayland}

Since its start in 1992, Radiohead has been the most nominated act who has never won. Of note is that Arctic Monkeys, nominated this year, won in 2006 for Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. PJ Harvey is a two-time winner, in 2001 and 10 years later in 2011. But not everyone is eager to win this particular award. In fact, some bands have made a point to not be in the running for the Mercury Prize. BBC News reported Gorillaz singer/songwriter Damon Albarn claimed winning would be "like carrying a dead albatross round your neck for eternity." They further requested their debut album be withdrawn from the list. It seemed to be just fine for past winners Gomez, Franz Ferdinand and The xx.

The BBC also reports that the winner is determined by a panel of musicians, music journalists and executives. Critics always have a lot to say about who should have won, as early as 1994 when M People beat out Pulp, Blur and The Prodigy. The Barclayclard Mercury Prize (official name this year) is announced tomorrow, Wednesday the 30th.

What is your prediction for the winning album? Who should win?

Tags

David Bowie, Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Savages