It's approaching that time of year again, when a dozen of the best albums go head to head to win the industry approval as 'officially' the best album of the year.
Unfortunately Notts classics such as Cappo's The Get Out or Dealmaker's Duty paid didn't make it onto the shortlist this time around (maybe next year lads...). Of the one's that did, however, there are a few crackers.
Bookies joint favourites for the award at 3-1 are the eponymous debut from Glasgow four-piece Franz Ferdinand and 25-year old Mike Skinner's second album from The Streets A Grand Don't Come For Free (both pictured below right). The latter of these includes the only Nottingham presence on the list, with former Outdaville rapper/ singer C-Mone featuring on 3 tracks.
Aside from this, strong contenders also include 20 year old North Londoner Amy Winehouse's Frank, Northern Irish quartet Snow Patrol's Final Straw and East Sussex rockers Keane's Hope and Fears. All of these album's have odds of 6-1 for the award according to William Hill.
Longer shots at 10-1 are Jamelia's Thankyou, Basement Jaxx's Kish Kash and soul prodigy Joss Stone's The Soul Sessions.
Making up the numbers at 12-1 are perpetual Mercury nominees Belle and Sebastian's Dear catastrophe Waitress, folkster Rober Wyatt's Cuckooland, British rapper Ty's Upwards (read our interview with Ty here) and Liverpool 5-piece The Zutons' Who Killed The Zutons.
In true Mercury style, however, any of these artists could win the top prize. Previous winners have included classics such as Portishead's Portishead (1995), Reprazent's New Forms (1997) and Gomez's Bring It On (read our Gomez interview here).
We got sent a copy of the Mercury compilation album. As always, it's a bargain chance to listen to a track from each of the nominated artists for a fiver.
The Mercury Music Prize awards evening takes place on 7 September 2004.
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