The nominations for the 2006 Mercury Prize, which recognizes the best of British and Irish music, were announced this morning in London by TV presenter (and former Squeeze keyboardist) Jools Holland. The award's shortlist includes the usual suspects of those who keep the English music press in a tizzy all year (Arctic Monkeys, Thom Yorke, Muse, Editors), as well as some deserving surprises (Guillemots, Hot Chip). This year's nominations are true to the mission of the prize: to reward excellence regardless of genre, as the shortlist includes such disparate artists as jazz pianist Zoe Rahman, rapper (and former Streets tourmate) Sway and ex-Lamb solo songstress Lou Rhodes. Last year's winner was Antony And The Johnsons' I Am A Bird Now, which beat out albums by Coldplay, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs and M.I.A. for the honor. Other past winners include Ms. Dynamite, Dizzee Rascal and Talvin Singh. (Not exactly a list of artists who have taken the American charts by storm.) So, when the winner of the £20,000 prize is announced September 5, maybe this is one case where it is better to be a bridesmaid than a bride. Nominations For The 2006 Mercury Prize Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am That's What I'm Not Isobel Campbell And Mark Lanegan - Ballad Of The Broken Seas Editors - The Back Room Guillemots - Through The Windowpane Richard Hawley - Coles Corner Hot Chip - The Warning Muse - Black Holes And Revelations Zoe Rahman - Melting Pot Lou Rhodes - Beloved One Scritti Politti - White Bread Black Beer Sway - This Is My Demo Thom Yorke - The Eraser www.nationwidemercurys.com
