Nationwide Mercury Prize Albums of the Year Revealed

Amy Winehouse and last year's winners, Arctic Monkeys, are up against The View, New Young Pony Club, Dizzee Rascal and Klaxons, among others for this year's Nationwide Mercury Prize.

An important year for musical creativity and diversity is highlighted by the 12 Albums of the Year shortlisted for the 2007 Nationwide Mercury Prize.

"This year's Nationwide Mercury Prize shortlist celebrates a remarkable range of artists who use their albums to tell stories, shape moods, explore emotions and lift the spirits," says Simon Frith, Chair of Judges.

"The list marks the emergence of a wealth of eclectic talent making music with great energy, excitement and personality."

This year's shortlist demonstrates the continuing musical vitality of regions throughout the British Isles.

The View, with Hats Off to the Buskers, hail from Dundee while Dublin-based Fionn Regan is shortlisted for The End of History. Maps' James Chapman recorded his album, We Can Create, in his Northamptonshire bedroom and The Young Knives, whose Voices of Animals and Men is shortlisted, now live in Oxford after forming in Ashby de la Zouche. Sheffield's Arctic Monkeys won the Prize in 2006 and continue to make musical history by being the first artists to be shortlisted in two consecutive years - this year for their number one album Favourite Worst Nightmare.
page << 1 2 3 >>