2010 Mercury prize albums of the year

This year’s Mercury list includes musicians from all stages of their careers and from contrasting parts of the British Isles,” says Simon Frith, Chair of Judges. “It features music that is urban and rural, light and dark, joyful and profound. The records have wit, an abundance of musical energy and their own distinct voices. There is music here to make you laugh, cry, dance and sing. Enjoy! This Includes three of my favourite albums of the last twelve months.

                                       Wild Beasts

Two Dancers
Originally from Kendal, Wild Beasts are Tom Fleming, Benny Little, Chris Talbot and Hayden Thorpe. ‘Two Dancers’ is their second album and was co-produced with Richard Formby at Leeders Farm, Norfolk. Released on Domino Records in August 2009, it includes the singles ‘Hooting & Howling’ and ‘All The King’s Men’.
www.wild-beasts.co.uk

Mumford & Sons

Sigh No More
‘Sigh No More’ is the debut album from West London four-piece Mumford & Sons. The top 10 album was released in October 2009 and to date has sold over half a million copies. Produced by Markus Dravs, who has previously worked with Arcade Fire, Bjork and Coldplay, it features the singles ‘Little Lion Man’, ‘The Cave’ and ‘Winter Winds’.
www.mumfordandsons.com

                                             
                                             The XXxx
The xx are Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith. ‘xx’, their debut album was recorded at XL Recordings’ in-house studio and released in August 2009. The album, which has gone gold, features the singles ‘Crystalised’, ‘VCR’, ‘Basic Space’ and ‘Islands.’
http://thexx.info/ /

The full list is
Biffy Clyro - Only revolutions
I am Kloot - Sky at Night
Dizzy Rascal - Tongue N Cheek
Paul Weller - Wake up the Nation
Corrinne Bailey Rae - The Sea
The XX - XX
Villagers - Becoming a Jackal
Kit Downes Trio - Golden
Foals - Total life forever
Laure Marling - I speak because I can
Wild Beast - Two Dancers
Mumford & Sons - Sigh no More


To my mind this is a fantastic collection of music, apart from the albums mentioned above, there's Paul weller whose career from the early days of "The Jam" through to his recent solo work has been one of consistent class. Laura Marling, whose last album "Alas I cannot swim" was fantastic, the Foals whose twitchy maths rock will have your feet creating moves no risk assessment could cover & there's I am Kloot, a band I've been following since the turn of this century.The choice of music ranges from the Grime & hip hop of Dizzy Rascal through the pop R&b of Corrinne Bailey Rae, covering indie/alternative rock & jazz  then on to the folk stylings of the Villagers.