We all know awards for creative endeavors are inherently contrary to the principles of creative endeavors and are really just a vehicle for corporations to leech themselves onto something real in a bid to gain credibility. Just ask Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
However, they are also a good barometer for picking up on some interesting albums you might have missed from other corners of the globe. The recently announced shortlist for the United Kingdom’s annual album of the year award, the Mercury Prize, has recognized some pretty great albums in the past (including James Blake’s Overgrown last year), and this year’s shortlist gives nods to a couple of Tiny Mix Tapes favorites (and the obligatory contemporary jazz album that they always seem to throw in there).
In the running for the grand prize is FKA twigs’ debut and Young Fathers’ highly rated DEAD, as well as a predominantly electronic and left-field pop leaning bunch of records. In fact, Royal Blood’s Royal Blood is the only rock album on the list. The winner will be announced on October 29.
2014 Mercury Prize shortlist:
Anna Calvi - One Breath
Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow
Damon Albarn - Everyday Robots
East India Youth - Total Strife Forever
FKA twigs - LP1
Go Go Penguin - v 2.0
Jungle - Jungle
Kate Tempest - Everybody Down
Nick Mulvey - First Mind
Polar Bear - In Each and Every One
Royal Blood - Royal Blood
Young Fathers - Dead
• Mercury Prize: http://www.mercuryprize.com
More about: FKA twigs, Nick Mulvey, Young Fathers
