The Mercury Prize has announced its shortlist of 12 Albums of the Year candidates. Unlike some other large UK music prizes that have chosen to ignore the most important British subculture since punk, Mercury has grime artists well represented on its list. Kano’s stunning album Made In The Manor joins Skepta’s long-awaited Konnichiwa.
David Bowie’s prophetic final album Blackstar is there, as well as Anonhi’s first album under that name: the breathtakingly beautiful, and righteously political Hopelessness. Perhaps the most exciting post punk band in the world right now, Savages, has made the list with Adore Life. Radiohead’s latest A Moon Shaped Pool in on there; and Bat For Lashes’ concept album The Bride gets a nod, too.
“This is music to make sense of our unsettling times — heartfelt, angry, thoughtful and thrilling. The 2016 Hyundai Mercury Prize ‘Albums of the Year’ are marked by their musical ambitions, unexpected instrumentation and breathtaking arrangements,” reads a joint statement from the judging panel, which includes Annie Mac, Jessie Ware, Jarvis Cocker, Naughty Boy, Radio 1 DJ Clara Amfo, and poet Kate Tempest, among others.
An online vote has now opened for the public to select the six albums that will go into the final round. One of these albums will be selected by the judges as album of the year. Check out the full shortlist below.
Anohni – Hopelessness
Bat For Lashes – The Bride
David Bowie – Blackstar
Jamie Woon – Making Time
Kano – Made in the Manor
Laura Mvula – The Dreaming Room
Michael Kiwanuka – Love & Hate
Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
Savages – Adore Life
Skepta – Konnichiwa
The 1975 – I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it
The Comet Is Coming – Channel the Spirits
The 2016 Mercury Prize awards show, featuring performances from shortlisted artists will take place on Thursday, September 15 at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith.
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Text Charlotte Gush