The shortlist was revealed today for the National Mercury Music Prize, awarded annually to the top British or Irish act by music critics and other "experts." (It's kind of like the Plug Awards, only people actually seem to give a shit.) Unsurprisingly, Amy Winehouse's Back To Black is on there, as are the latest releases by last year's winner, Arctic Monkeys, and 2003's winner, Dizzee Rascal. Here's the complete list of nominees:
Arctic Monkeys – Favorite Worst Nightmare
Dizzee Rascal – Maths And English
The View – Hats Off To The Buskers
Maps – We Can Create
Bat For Lashes – Fur And Gold
Klaxons – Myths Of The Near Future
Jamie T – Panic Prevention
The Young Knives – Voices Of Animals And Men
Fionn Regan – The End Of History
Basquiat Strings With Seb Rochford – Basquiat Strings
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
New Young Pony Club – Fantastic Playroom