So brothers,
An intersting year for nominations for the mercury. A bit more commercial than other years. I like that Jon Hopkins has been included as it’s my stand out album of the last 12 months for sure. With that I’m not sure about my thoughts on Bowie being the odds on favorite to win.
This year’s shortlist is:
Arctic Monkeys: AM
David Bowie: The Next Day
Disclosure: Settle
Foals: Holy Fire
Jake Bugg: Jake Bugg
James Blake: Overgrown
Jon Hopkins: Immunity
Laura Marling: Once I Was an Eagle
Laura Mvula: Sing to the Moon
Rudimental: Home
Savages: Silence Yourself
Villagers: Awayland
thisisnothappening.net 
I’ve only heard Jake Bug and Jon Hopkins from that lot. I too love the Jon Hopkins album. I think its utterly beautiful in so many ways. Obviously will get Arctic Monkeys soon so will have an opinion on that coming up too.
I used to get excited about the Mercury, but to be honest, I think that it’s just – even versus things like the Brits – a bit of a cool, but industry-driven back-slapper. Don’t get me wrong, compared to most of the shit around, it’s far more credible, but I’m uncomfortable with the fact artists have to pay to be entered, and that if they’re not on the Amazon or iTunes catalogue they can’t be considered. That leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.
I rarely know the full list, usually about half to 75%, but this year’s seems really safe. It’s the first year in ages I know all the artists and most of the albums, even if it’s just a song or two. I’m amazed Steve Mason and London Grammar (the bookies’ favourite last week) aren’t even nominated.
I would love for John Hopkins or James Blake to win it, they’re both ethereal, beautiful albums (Blake won’t, he’s already done it, and Hopkins is way too electronic). It’s a shoe-in for Bowie, and I’m not sure how I feel about that either. I’ve only heard a few tracks, and have just bought it, but then I can’t help thinking that it doesn’t say much about the relevance of new music when it goes to someone as legendary as him. He won’t go there either, even if he wins.
It’s the best shortlist there’s been for a while. Would be more than happy to see either Disclosure or The Dame Mr Bowie win. Laura Mvula’s also an excellent choice, and I really must check out that Jon Hopkins album.