the 2005 mercury prize shortlist is announced

it's that time of the year again when the best names in indie/alternative get recognised and promoted through the prestigious nationwide mercury prize.

previous winners franz ferdinanz (2004), dizzee rascal (2003), ms dynamite (2002) and pj harvey (2001) have proven that these awards have no real agenda but to showcase the most exciting music of that year.

this years nominees include a smattering of hipster crossover acts (bloc party / kaiser chiefs / MIA / coldplay) mixed in with some surprises (antony and the johnsons / the go! team / the magic numbers).

according to nme, the odds for the kaiser chiefs are the highest the moment, but you never know with this award.

the shortlist (go and buy these wonderful albums now!)
Bloc Party – 'Silent Alarm'
Hard-Fi –'Stars Of CCTV'
Kaiser Chiefs – 'Employment'
MIA – 'Arular'
The Magic Numbers – 'The Magic Numbers'
Coldplay – 'X&Y'
The Go! Team – 'Thunder, Lightning Strike'
Antony And The Johnsons – 'I Am A Bird Now'
KT Tunstall – 'Eye To The Telescope'
Maximo Park – 'A Certain Trigger'
Seth Lakeman – 'Kitty Jay'
Polar Bear – 'Held On The Tips Of Fingers'