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The Nominees

added 08 September 2009 at 11.44

Who's in the running? Xfm gives you the lowdown...

Bat For Lashes - 'Two Suns'
She's really called Natasha Khan.
She sings and plays the piano, guitar, harpsichord, autoharp and melodium. She also rocks a mean jumpsuit.
2009 sees her second nomination after her debut album 'Fur And Gold' was up in 2007.
The song 'Daniel' is about the film 'The Karate Kid'
What to say: "She's the new Kate Bush!"
Xfm's opinion: Be nice to see her win after 2007's disappointment, so definitely worth a punt.
Download Two Suns from iTunes
Find Bat For Lashes on Amazon

Florence and the Machine - 'Lungs'
She's really Florence Welch from South London and band of musicians.
Her sound is "soulful indie" powered by Flo's powerful voice.
Her debut album 'Lungs' was released in July 2009 and was kept off the number 1 spot by the recently-carked Michael Jackson.
What to say: "There's a drumming sound inside her head that starts when you're around."
Xfm's opinion: She's the favourite for a reason - it's a strong debut with a charismatic new talent. And the critic's darling at the moment.
Download Lungs from iTunes
Find Florence + The Machine on Amazon

Friendly Fires - 'Friendly Fires'
They're a electro pop trio with a penchant for samba rhythms.
They met at school in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
Their debut album was released a year ago, but has just been reissued with the new single 'Kiss Of Life'.
They're tipped to win by last year's victors, Elbow.
They like swimming.
What to say: "There's always been a samba element to their music, you know."
Xfm's opinion: A great entry, but will probably be pipped at the post by more recent favourites.
Download Friendly Fires (Deluxe Version) from iTunes
Find Friendly Fires on Amazon

Glasvegas - 'Glasvegas'
They're a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Glasgow in 2003.
Their debut album was released last September and made Number 2 in the charts.
Despite being impossibly dour, they released a Christmas EP last year.
It was recorded in a castle in Transylvania, though - ho, ho.
What to say: "They're the Velvet Underground for the 21st Century."
Xfm's opinion: We voted them tops in the Xfm New Music Award back in January, but maybe they've been a bit low-key since?
Download Glasvegas from iTunes
Find Glasvegas on Amazon

The Horrors - 'Primary Colours'
They're a British garage goth-rock band from Southend-on-Sea.
They formed in 2005 and released their debut album 'Strange House' in 2007.
This album was released in May 2009 and reached number 25 in the UK charts.
'Primary Colours was produced by Geoff Barrow of Portishead, who won the Mercury Prize in 1995.
They once made a cameo appearance in an episode of 'The Mighty Boosh'.
They tend not to wear a lot of primary colours, truth be told.
What to say: "It's all about the trousers."
Xfm's opinion: A brave step into new territory for the chaps, but maybe a bit too left field for the judges?
Download Primary Colours (Deluxe Version) from iTunes
Find The Horrors on Amazon

The Invisible - 'The Invisible'
They're an indie rock/post-rock band from London.
Frontman Dave Okumu is a long-time member of the London jazz scene and has worked with the likes of Hot Chip and previous Mercury Prize nominees Polar Bear.
Their album is their debut and was released in March 2009.
Despite the name, they are not actually invisible.
What to say: "Darkly funky."
Xfm's opinion: An impressive album, but a rank outsider, we feel.
Download The Invisible from iTunes
Find The Invisible on Amazon

Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
They're an English alternative rock band, who formed in Leicester in 1999.
Their nominated album is their third long-player, and was released in June 2009 - it made Number 1.
They've toured with Oasis this summer and were special guests of Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen at Glastonbury this year.
They say that if they win, they'll give the prize money to charity.
Singer Tom Meighan changes his hairstyle approximately every two months.
What to say: "It's the album they've been threatening to make for the last five years."
Xfm's opinion: Could be the scene of much Elbow-like delight if they make it this year. And they've worked bloody hard at it, too.
Download West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum from iTunes
Find Kasabian on Amazon

La Roux - 'La Roux'
They are an electro pop duo featuring Elly Jackson and Ben Langmaid.
They like synthesisers and the 1980s.
Their debut album came out in June 2009, with the single 'Bulletproof' hitting the top spot the same month.
Elly's mum is June Ackland off of 'The Bill'.
Elly uses Elnette hairspray.
What to say: "The only electro diva you'll need in 2009."
Xfm's opinion: It's full of strong songs, but does it hold together as an album enough to win?
Download La Roux (Bonus Track Version) from iTunes
Find La Roux on Amazon

Led Bib - 'Sensible Shoes'
They're a modern jazz group from London.
They are a five piece, featuring saxophones, keyboard bass and drums.
They're from Middlesex and this is their third album.
They are no relation to Led Zeppelin.
What to say: "Jazz is the new rock."
Xfm's opinion: Has jazz ever won the Mercury? Well, there you go.
Download Sensible Shoes from iTunes
Find Led Bib on Amazon

Lisa Hannigan - 'Sea Sew'
She's an Irish singer-songwriter.
This is her debut album which was released in in May 2009.
She's worked with "troubadour" Damien Rice.
She's no relation to Alyson Hannigan off of 'American Pie'.
What to say: "She's this year's best kept secret. Except I've just told you about her."
Xf'm's opinion: The judges like a bit of songsmithery - but it's a very strong year this year...
Download Sea Sew from iTunes
Find Lisa Hannigan on Amazon

Speech Debelle - 'Speech Therapy'
She's a rapper from South London.
The album is her debut and was released in June 2009.
The record features contributions from Micachu, Tuungs Mike Lindsay and her labelmates Roots Manuva.
What to say: "Forget Ms Dynamite, she has staying power."
Xfm's opinion: Could be the surprise winner this year, could just gazump Florence?
Download Speech Therapy from iTunes
Find Speech Debelle on Amazon

Sweet Billy Pilgrim - 'Twice Born Men'
They're an English pop trio and not a person.
They met at school in Buckinghamshire and formed in 2003.
Their album is their second record and was released in March 2009.
What to say: "What do you mean, you've never heard of them?"
Xfm's opinion: A real outsider, so don't waste your money. Although, you never know...
Download Twice Born Men from iTunes
Find Sweet Billy Pilgrim on Amazon

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