Amid all the festival chaos of this showery summer season, the Nationwide Mercury Prize judging panel has announced their 12 nominees for album of the year.
Since 1992, the Mercury Prize has been handed out to artists with albums that "tell stories, shape moods, explore emotions and lift the spirits" (Simon Frith, Chair of Judges).
With the shortlist being chosen from an entry of over 230 albums by UK and Irish artists, there are some familiar names in the fold, along with a few lesser-known acts, chosen by music executives in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
Amy Winehouse
Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal both compete to become the first artist to scoop the award twice, while Amy Winehouse enjoys her second album nomination, this time with Back To Black. The Young Knives also get recognised with their second album Voices Of Animals And Men.
Bands nominated with debut albums round up the rest of the field, including The View, Klaxons, Fionn Regan, Bat For Lashes, New Young Pony Club, Maps, Jamie T and Basquiat String.
The winner of the prize will be unveiled at the Nationwide Mercury Prize Show on September 4th.
