Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2013

It's that time of year again, no, not halloween, its the Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2013! There are some great nominees this year, and more well known, which could make the decision harder for the judges.
Luckily the winner is voted for by people with a decent taste in music working in the music industry, otherwise we'd end up with the likes of Cheryl Cole stamping her foot until Ne-Yo gets crowned winner.
If you need to refresh your memory of who was nominated last year, just click here.

I was under the impression the Mercury Prize was about new artists who hadn't quite broken through, but were clearly popular. So for this reason I am confused as to why Bowie and the Monkeys are up for nomination. But their albums are petty bloody fantastic. Maybe ill have to research the history of the prize a bit more!

David Bowie - The Next Day

The Arctic Monkey's career has been like the sales of Dr.Martin's over the last two decades. So what I'm trying to say is that nothing could beat that first album, then it went downhill, and now they're coming up trumps again. But for this reason I'm not sure if they will win, as this is their 5th album, they sort of need to give someone else a chance.

Arctic Moneys - AM

After discovering my love for Jake Bugg around a year ago, he has become a regular on my ipod. I'm glad he's done this well, especially at such a young age. In my personal opinion, I think he has an 80% chance of winning the prize, but I think there is some strong competition there this year.

Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg

Disclosure's album I have to say is pretty awesome, and the duo managed to persuade some great singers to contribute to some of the songs (e.g. Jessie Ware, Eliza Dolittle, London Grammar). I think if they won it would be well deserved, (and if there was a prize for 'best album cover' I think they would definitely win). Its the only electronic album up for nomination, which will hopefully give them a bit of a head start. They are clearly extremely talented, so kudos! And the best of luck. 

Disclosure - Settle

I love love love James Blake, and recently seeing him live at Festival No.6 turned it into true love. His self titled album released in 2011 also made the Mercury Prize nominations that year, but unfortunately didn't win. Let's wish him the best of luck with his album Overgrown.

James Blake - Overgrown

The Foals new album in my opinion is quite different to their first (and may I add incredible) album. A lot slower paced, and not trying to hard to fit in with the scenesters. So I think they have a huge right to be nominated, as they are trying to succeed on a different sound, which has proven to be hard and often unsuccessful for some artists. 

Foals - Holy Fire

I started listening to the Villagers album and started browsing the internet, I then forgot I was even listening to music. So the album didn't have a good start with me, however with further listen I realised this isn't just your average devonshire-sounding acoustic band. They definitely have that twist, hence their nomination. 

The Savages sound like they would be amazing live, so I'm very much looking forward to hearing their set from the awards. However I feel that if they were better known they would have a better chance of winning. 

I take my hat off to Rudimental for creating an album that is clearly successful, but I have to admit it's not quite my thing. 

I remember when Laura Marling released her first album I downloaded 'Night Terror', and haven't really given her a chance since. She has created a beautiful album this year, however feel I would appreciate it more if I were suffering from heartbreak. 

Jon Hopkins is an odd one...but in a good way. I like what I hear but couldn't listen to on a regular basis, so I unfortunately don't have any hope for him this evening. Perhaps he would be more appreciated in a basement party in Manchester at 6am when it's not just the alcohol thats keeping people going. 

For her first album, Laura Mvula has done pretty well. With a very retro sound, there's hope this evening for her. 

Luckily for the viewers this year, they have increased the TV coverage (as I recall last year they showed 15 minutes on the television, announcing Alt-J the winners then a quick interview). Live coverage of the event is being broadcast tonight, starting with a 45 minute programme on More4 at 9.30pm. The overall winner is also being revealed live on Channel 4 at 10.00pm. The entire Awards Show, including all live performances, will be broadcast in full the tomorrow night (Thursday 31 October) at 11.00pm on Channel 4.