The UK album of the year Mercury Prize shortlist has been announced, featuring Adele, James Blake, PJ Harvey and more.
The lauded Mercury Prize has been won by Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal and Portishead and, overnight, the shortlist of albums for this year were announced.
As usual, it’s an eclectic mix. Most recognisable are megastar Adele, hip-hop striver Tinie Tempah, PJ Harvey (who has won before) and hyped minimalist beatmaker James Blake.
But there are still eight which would mostly be unknown to people outside the UK.
There are well-loved indie favourites Elbow (who have also won before), newcomers Anna Calvi and Katy B, and hipster faves Metronomy.
In fact, the next four might not even be known inside the kingdom.
Manchester alt-rockers Everything Everything were nominated for their debut Man Alive. Electro singer and producer Ghostpoet was also nominated for his debut Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam.
Scot singer songwriter King Creosote teamed with London producer Jon Hopkins for the Diamond Mine album. And finally, jazz innovator and multiple award-winner Gwilym Simcock was nominated for his Good Days at Schloss Elmau.
The Mercury Prize for best British album of the year will be announced in September.
VIDEO: Check out our chat with Klaxons, who won the Mercury Prize in 2007, below.










