Well, that was more predictable than usual (complete with some unpredictable surprise omissions, and the 2 artists nobody's ever heard of) I'll give the rundown of the stuff I have listened to:
Anna Calvi, Anna Calvi- She's alright. Goes for the whole atmospheric, eccentric 'indie-girl', but she sometimes shrieks too much for me, strives for atmosphere but never quite pulls it off. A nice attempt, something I should love, but it just misses the mark for me.
Build a Rocket Boys!, Elbow - Again, quite underwhelming. Given their previous album, this is a definite disappointment, but will always be in with a shout for the coffee-table, Radio 2 crowd. It does have some beautiful moments though, not totally undeserved of a place.
James Blake, James Blake - A very lovely album. an experiemental-pop crossover which has some extraordinary, beautiful moments. It's both miminal and exciting, soulful and modern. A really interesting album to love. Could win it.
On a Mission, Katy B - Quite similar to Blake in that I really, really like her. She's created some of my favourite dancefloor filler of the past few years, she's both mainstream and artistic. not given the album enough spins, but I'm glad she's on the list.
The English Riviera, Metronomy - One of my favourite albums of this year by a long way. A wonderfully minimal, simple sound but at it's heart it's a cracker. It all sounds so simple, but it's a completely passionate love letter to a place and a time. It's perfect for the British Summer, and it really is a grower, think of it as The XX for the daytime.
Let England Shake, PJ Harvey - This is something else, a true piece of art. It's not even pretentious or overly ostentatious, it's full of little jokes, quirks. Musically, it's exceptional, lyrically it's better than Tennyson. It doesn't really belong on this list, rather on the Turner Prize. It's so passionate, so beautiful. She will be the first person to win this prize twice, no doubt. One of our best singer/songwriters out there by a mile with a rich body of work. Read my review of the album. And if it wins I get £80 thanks to an early bet.
Good Days at Scholls Emau, Gwilym Simcock - No idea what this is. Someone tells me it's the jazz entry. I don't really like pianists, I find them a little dated. I want Led Bib!
Disc-Overy, Tinie Tempah - Meh. Never listened to the album, but his songs are all the superlative of its genre, his lyrics are amusing (intentionally? who knows?) and the production on the songs I've listened to is pretty great. Too bad it's shit and really not up my street.
Man Alive, Everything Everything - Pfffft! A bad Wild Beasts imitation. (Where were the actual thing?!) A shit attempt at indie art-pop. It goes for quirky but is extremely grating. Probably my least favourite on here, it's ambitious, but ultimately an infuriating listen.
Peanut Butter Blues and Strawberry Jam, Ghostpoet - Meh, it's pretty good but nothing to warrant being on here imo. Just decent, late night listening. Nice and atmospheric, interesting ideas, but none of it really does much for me personally. Quirky title, could be the 'surprise winner'.
21, Adele - Very predictable. Yeah she has a nice voice, and sings 'powerful' songs, and she's clearly struck a chord with the public. But a bit too waily for me, and her songwriting is really dull. She needs to move on from boring unrequited love subject matter. Still, even I'd say it's decent. Not gonna win though.
Diamond Mine, King Creosote and Jon Hopkins - Never heard of it. sounds nice from the clip they played, I usually love the folky one I've never heard of, this was a surprising entrant in that category though.
The Ommisions.
No The Horrors?! Good. Instead of ripping off 1980s shoegaze, they've gone onto early 90's Britpop such as Suede. It sounds alright but they just need more interesting ideas.
Lack of Radiohead?! Silly mistake. A truly modern, thoughtful record. If it isn't as groundbreaking as Kid A or OK Computer, that's only 'cos they're up there with Sgt. Peppers and Pet Sounds. easily one of the best albums of the year
Wild Beasts were one of the favourites to win it. Even if I'm the only one who doesn't like it quite as much as their other two, it's still one of the best of the year. And no idea how Everything Everything got on instead of it. Ridiculous shout.
Jamie XX - Better than Katy B or James Blake for me. Plus Gil Scott's just died. Sad times! The lack of Emmy the Great and Guillemots is as disappointing as it is predictable. And a shout out for This Is the Kit, who probably didn't have the money to go for it.
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