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Tom Clarke: "Why Do We Need Mumford And Sons?"

added 18 January 2010 at 15.57

The shortlist for the Xfm New Music Award was announced this morning (January 18) and Tom Clarke of 2008 winners The Enemy - who is one of this year's celebrity judges - came to Xfm to discuss the nominees.

Speaking to Xfm London's Dave Berry, Clarke gave a thumbs up to Band Of Skulls, who were nominated for their album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey', saying they were "Mint - They're White Stripes meets Franz Ferdinand. While I don't particularly like Franz, The White Stripes are one of the best bands ever. I can't wait to see Band Of Skulls live."

He also gave backing to Florence And The Machine, claiming: "I love Florence, quite literally, Everything's a tune, everything's been amazing, they've not slipped up once."

However, Clarke was less than enthusiastic for Mumford And Sons' 'Sigh No More', saying the folk-rockers were a "poor man's Elbow. Is there room in the world for Mumford, when you've got Elbow? The vibe is pretty similar."

Listen to the full interview here

The judging for the New Music Award take place on Monday February 1 and the result is announced on Xfm the following day. For more on the nominees, see www.xfm.co.uk/nma.

What do you think? Is Tom talking twaddle? Are Mumford a class act, or does he have a point? Have your say - leave a comment here.

Tagged as Xfm New Music Award

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comments

1. Honestly, who ever says anything bad about mumford and sons are completely dull, they are by far one of the best bands out there, this guy is a twit. To be playing music they play and also to attract the masses is amazing, get a grip and listen to real music you bunch of wankers.

   Posted by Niall Jensen on 05/09/2011 07:04:18 | report abuse

2. AND ALSO, Which is Mumford? Is he the father? LOLLL. I love it how they are categorized in Philly as "ROCK". What! Rock my arse. Let's all jump on the combo-bluegrass, rock, folk bandwagon to cover all bases and get HIGH PRAISE. If they win grammy's I'm gonna start listening to Lady GaGa!

   Posted by Ava on 30/12/2010 20:15:26 | report abuse

3. Can't STAND them!!! That same damned twangy banjo riff and EVERY song the SAME - either slowed down or speeded up and the singer's voice is annoying. They are HUGELY successful in Philly for some reason. Betting they are GONE by next year.
   and Little Lion Man blows. I just HAD to say this.

   Posted by Ava on 30/12/2010 20:08:02 | report abuse

4. Mumford and Sons are a really good, full on folk band and besides they are nothing like Elbow

   Posted by John Doherty on 22/09/2010 19:38:47 | report abuse

5. classic clarke. not a clue. ignorance and intollerance of greater bands.

   Posted by ross darby on 11/09/2010 09:15:22 | report abuse

6. Why do we need Tom Clarke?

   Posted by Chloe on 27/06/2010 18:49:18 | report abuse

7. Tom is right, Mumford & Gays are shit, The Enemy are great. They make proper music, original music, not all this chart topping manufactured crap.
   
   Tom deserves an award for speaking out.
   
   Now all you Enemy nay sayers, go back and listen to Dizzee Rascal.
   
   "change the blue tack on your florence poster" oh dear... that really is dire.

   Posted by ModManDan on 13/06/2010 15:36:48 | report abuse

8. THANKS!
   eg jordan retro v http://www.mydiscountjordanshoes.com/air-jordan-v-c-69.html jordan retro v

   Posted by jordan retro v on 15/05/2010 10:00:10 | report abuse

9. Well Said Tom!

   Posted by Ciaran on 23/03/2010 18:26:13 | report abuse

10. I think tom should shut his pie hole, and go and change the blue tack on his florence posters.
    
    Mumford and Sons are a greater band than his piddling Jam wannabe cover band could ever hope to be.......Twat face
    
    

    Posted by nat on 19/01/2010 23:45:13 | report abuse