150k?? That's hardly Adele-type territory. If you check out the history of the Mercury noms they normally DO include a very commercially successful album, certainly one that's sold way more than 150k.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Prize

I have now!

I can't say a single artist on that list remotely interests me, either. :sleep:

Have you tried the Alt-J album? It's the favourite for a reason. Probably the most entertaining album on a rather dull list.

I could try it. I tried PJ Harvey after she won last year and love her now, so I'll keep an open mind.

It does seem a bit of a, I dunno, "safe" list this year. Not sure if that's a reflection of the Mercury Prize judges, or a reflection of the state of the music industry where not many record companies are willing to take risks.

The Alt J album is great though, and there's a couple of others on there that I've not actually heard so will be checking out.

All a bit 'beige' looking to me.Hawley, Howard, Ware, Havas, Kiwanuka.Hadn't heard of Sam Lee another beige sounding artist as well.Beige is in at the moment I suppose.

I want the Maccabees to win cause i think they are a super band.