All eyes on the Mercury Prize

Albums which have made it to the shortlist for one of the music world’s most esteemed awards – the Mercury Music Prize – were being unveiled today.

Releases by Blur, Coldplay and Radiohead were among those expected to be in the running for the prize.

Whichever act from the 12-strong list takes the title they can usually expect a boost for sales and all-important publicity.

For last year’s winner, Ms Dynamite, the Mercury win fanfared her arrival as a major star, although after an initial burst of sales her high profile has not equated to high chart positions.

The Mercury is renowned for its eclecticism, with jazz, folk and classical performers often rubbing shoulders with other nominees from the worlds of rock, hip-hop and dance.

The prize is open to Irish and UK acts who have released albums over the past year.

Blur drew praise for their recent return to form with Think Tank.

The last time the band’s frontman, Damon Albarn, was nominated was against his will when his debut release with part time group Gorillaz made the shortlist in 2001. The group asked for it to be withdrawn claiming the prize was an “albatross”, but his record label insisted.

Coldplay have already landed a Brit award for their most recent album A Rush Of Blood To The Head, while Radiohead’s new release, Hail To The Thief, has received some acclaim.

Other acts which stand a chance of making the list include Irish band the Thrills, Sea Power and Martina Topley-Bird.

Past winners of the Mercury have included Talvin Singh, Gomez, PJ Harvey and Pulp.