Ten years ago: The Zutons Tired of Hanging Around

Ten years ago, Liverpudlian indie rock band The Zutons released a remarkable album called Tired of Hanging Around. The album features the band's fantastic songwriting and musicianship with high energy delivery, excellent use of dynamics and song structures, with up-front guitars and great harmonies.

My favourite tunes are the title track and "Valerie", which went on to be covered by Mark Ronson with Amy Winehouse, plus "It's The Little Things We Do", "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?", "Hello Conscience" and "I Know I'll Never Leave".

The title track, "Tired of Hanging Around"

"It's The Little Things We Do"

"Valerie"

"Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?"

"Hello Conscience"

"I Know I'll Never Leave"

Pic from last.fm.

Mercury Prize Short List Announced!

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.