imolgen

This from the Mercurys' website:
"The Barclaycard Mercury Prize exists solely to champion music in the UK, mainly through the 'Albums of the Year' competition, which celebrates recorded music of all genres by British or Irish artists."
I don't see why Radiohead, or for that matter, the non-British Franz Ferdinand (tee-hee-hee) shouldn't be included. And if their purpose is to 'champion music in the UK' then they do need a few marquee acts on that shortlist! I take it all back, me bad :)

It's their weakest album post Kid-A (I love HTTT). And I think you've misunderstood - Radiohead is a 'safe and populist' selection because they're universally, and I would say unquestioningly, admired and lauded. And the Mercury's will definitely not deviate from that norm. What I mean to say is, unless it had been a complete bum of an album, then Radiohead were a sure bet for the shortlist.

Not "Little Eustace". Do agree though that it's probably the finest track on a sublime album.

is Radiohead's weakest album. Deffo shouldn't be a contender. If a relatively unknown band had released it, it deffo wouldn't be shortlisted. It's inclusion is typical of why the Mercurys annoy me. It's supposed to be alternative, about quality music. But they too stick with popularist, safe bets (Radiohead, Franz Ferdinand, The Klaxons).

In light of this, I'd be delighted if Burial won. It truly is an original and personal piece of work, something outside of the norm, made in a way that should be supported and encouraged. It'd certainly give the Mercurys a bit more kudos in my eyes.

M.I.A would be my second choice - stupdendously awesome album.