I always love this time of year - the Mercury Prize short list is announced. There are usually a few artists that I'm familiar with and I can give a nod to. And there are some artists I'm not familiar with. I've had some good finds from previous Mercury Prize lists including Guillemots, Bat for Lashes and The Zutons.
guardian.co.uk has posted the Nominations for the Mercury Prize 2009 (with odds from bookmaker William Hill)
Florence and the Machine – Lungs 5/1
Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum 5/1
Bat for Lashes – Two Suns 6/1
La Roux – La Roux 6/1
Glasvegas – Glasvegas 6/1
Speech Debelle – Speech Therapy 8/1
Friendly Fires – Friendly Fires 8/11
The Horrors – Primary Colours 8/1
Lisa Hannigan – Sea Sew 8/1
The Invisible – The Invisible 10/1
Led Bib – Sensible Shoes 10/1
Sweet Billy Pilgrim – Twice Born Men 10/1
Although I'm sure to find some interesting new music amongst the nominees that I don't already know, here are a few videos from the nominees I do know.
Update: I should have mentioned that the Awards Show and Winner Announcement is September 8, 2009.