IT’S that time of year when musos gather to prove who’s got the oddest and therefore best taste in music with the Mercury Music Prize. Here’s the shortlist.
Becky’s Wardrobe
Fey indie band from Cheltenham popular with introspective students. Darlings of the NME after the release of their debut single Middle-class Allergy Girl.
Shibby Doo and the Half Pint Gangstas
Shibby, 46, had been making low-quality grime in his mum’s spare bedroom in South London for 14 years until being discovered by a Shoreditch wanker running a record company funded by his parents. Check out his recent white label Don’t Fuck With Me (I’m a Part-Time Security Guard at Asda).
Logani, Logani & Logani
Little-known trio of Kurdish bassoon player brothers who are this year’s long shot. Even if they don’t win you should download their venture into prog-rock, Dark Side of the Bassoon.
Status Quo
After years of being criticised for featuring obscure acts, the awards have redressed the balance by shortlisting denimy plod-rockers the Quo. Check out their challenging new album The Best of Status Quo.
Bloodfeast Meat Cleaver Weekend
Thrash-core-death-core-noise-core-hate-core metal band ‘BMCW’ from Tamworth are actually really nice and take their fans for a pint after gigs.
Bickle and the Droogs
Teenage four-piece from Fleet. Controversial choice due to not having recorded an album or anyone except the guitarist knowing how to play an instrument. Entire musical output to date is a mobile phone recording of the riff from Smoke on the Water.
Kings of Avalonia
With an eclectic sound that mixes crunk, mumble rap, bluegrass and folk punk, Kings of Avalonia are shit.
