Mercury Shortlist Announced

Another year, another outrage at the Mercury Prize shortlist. Last year's rants were tinged with the mundanity of acts such as Rudimental and Laura Marling received noms. In 2014 it is this general feeling of anxiety that the important people in the industry are losing touch with music as the all seeing web is taking over. For example The BBC has made faux pas after faux pas in the last twelve months, including pasty Ed Sheeran being voted the most influential musician in Urban music and a senior member claiming that Playlists are the future (which isn't a obvious plug for BBC Playlister at all). The Mercury Prize panel ignore all Bandcamp EPs and anything which isn't a classic album, which to many seems quite narrow-minded and old fashioned in a day where Apple can send a wanky U2 album to every single human alive.

But what about the albums in the shortlist? Are they the best Britain has to offer? Have you even heard of them? And who even deserves to win? I'll go through a few of the LPs for your benefit.

Bombay Bicycle Club- So Long See You Tomorrow
The fourth album in a five years sees London boys BBC really live up to their sub-continental name, with more Indian vibes than a Friday night piss-up in Brick Lane. In comparison to their other albums, it has a much stronger pop feel which could be grasped quite easily as it is Bombay's first number one album. The LP is an excellent show of progression and how indie can be pushed forward in 2014, it's chances this year are slim.

Daman Albarn, Everyday Robots
Whether it be with Blur, Gorillaz or orchestras Albarn can't seem to put a foot wrong. His first true solo venture Everyday Robots was a funeral pyre for iPhones and tech. Like any 40ish man, Damon is wary of the new age of social media saturation and his album showed that. Despite it's moroseness Everyday Robots was dripping in genius, you felt alone listening to tracks like The Selfish Giant and jubilant during Mr Tembo. A fair bet could be put on Mr Blur.

FKA Twigs, LP1
In my opinion, FKA Twigs' album is the best British debut this year. The London born Tahliah Barnett makes unique and sparse beats, then lays her heavenly voice over- it's the closest we have to Grimes in the UK. Her first album is the next feather in the hat of the indie dance scene which includes SBTRKT, Sampha and now superstars The xx. Her original style is pushed throughout the album to create a singular piece of art in the form of music, and isn't that what we want from a Mercury Prize winner?

Royal Blood, Royal Blood
Everyone has heard of Brighton duo Royal Blood by now. You'll know them as the pair of guys in Topman leather who like to make loud music. And everyone loves them, from the blogs claiming they're the saviours of rock music to the 'shock' number one album (despite tonnes of air play and the best PR campaign this year). I'll let you into a secret- Royal Blood is not a groundbreaking or even a good album, it is middle of the road mindless rock for the lowest common denominator for those who believe a Nandos is a good night out.

Jungle, Jungle

What does CHIC, Daft Punk and Michael Jackson all have in common? They make us dance, and that's what Londoners Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland have set out to do with their group Jungle. Shrouded in mystery and monikers, the self-titled debut struck it big in the blogosphere and provided an alternative to the chart drivel EDM for people who wanted to dance. It's funky, un-offensive and a great listen. Tracks like The Heat and Time scream Barbecue weather. Is it Mercury worthy?, quite possibly.

Superfood, New Tour New Album

The relationship between you and your favourite band is very special. For some that means spending ridiculous  amounts of money on merch, eventually looking like a bit of a fool in your 15th Blink 182 hoodie. Others it's all about a follow on twitter and screaming for a selfie. Some fans insist on being keyboard activists for their favourite artist, ultimately causing a stir and embarrassment for all involved (believe me, I've been told to kill myself by an Avril Lavigne fan).

My favourite band is the Brummy four piece Superfood. My relationship with them includes many photos, instant song recognition and seeing them play live three times within the space of ten months. I was lucky enough to interview the band and really enjoyed their company, something that should stay with me for a fair few years (Until the point where I interview Kanye West and my mind turns to jelly).

Therefore you could imagine my huge excitement when three of the biggest things that could happen in a band's career all happen on the same day. First of all NME announce that Superfood along with Honeyblood will headline the 'New Blood' tour which is coming in late November and early October. Then on Superfood's soundcloud a completely new tune was released, Lily For Your Pad To Rest On is a Happy Mondays-esque freak out with off the wall lyrics and a solid drum beat to excite any retro fan. Probably most important is the release date of their new album 'Don't Say That". The album, released on the 3rd of October, may be one of the biggest and best releases of the new wave of Birmingham indie washing over the UK. I personally hope this album is more successful than even Royal Blood who are on track to dominating the charts for another week.