British music fans have flooded Twitter with their thoughts on this year’s Mercury Prize shortlist, which includes everything from the welcome return of David Bowie to such s/t favorites as Jon Hopkins, James Blake, and our current cover stars Disclosure.
“This year’s [shortlist] celebrates a fascinating year for British and Irish music,” said chairman Simon Frith, “marked by a wonderful range of musical voices—urgent, reflective, upbeat and tender, acoustic and electronic, and all with something intriguing to say.”
Here’s a full breakdown of the entire list, along with commentary (via the Guardian) from the judges…
Arctic Monkeys, AM
“AM is a bold new chapter in the Arctic Monkeys’ story—sonically gripping, lyrically involving and brilliantly performed.”
David Bowie, The Next Day
“David Bowie celebrates his legendary songwriting ability with panache and a remarkable sense of urgency.”
Disclosure, Settle
“A joyous pop record for clubbers; an infectious dance record for pop fans.”
Foals, Holy Fire
“A wonderfully dynamic album—ambitious, intelligent and rhythmically compelling.”
Jake Bugg, Jake Bugg
“Fluent, restless, acutely observed songs of teenage life in contemporary Britain.”
James Blake, Overgrown
“Late night music for the digital age. An inventive, poignant and poetic record of great beauty.”
Jon Hopkins, Immunity
“An electronic world of wonder—delicate, eventful and utterly absorbing.”
Laura Marling, Once I Was an Eagle
“A singer-songwriter in complete control of her craft—powerful, moving and inspiring.”
Laura Mvula, Sing to the Moon
“An album of luminous musicality—elegant vocals, subtle textures and continuous melodic intrigue.”
Rudimental, Home
“A jubilant and thrilling showcase for an audacious new British dance act.”
Savages, Silence Yourself
“Art-punk for our times—intense, enthralling and formidable.”
Villagers, Awayland
“Songwriting at its most wilfully romantic—imaginative, inviting and musically adventurous.”
