I would say Four Tet, Hot Chip, Gorillaz, Wild Beasts and The xx are pretty certain, although are the latter two eligible? I get confused with the August deadlines. I don't see Laura Marling getting a nomination. Marina might take her spot actually and Ellie Goulding certainly doesn't have a chance.

 

 

I made early prediction in 2008 that Elbow would win and got it spot on. I wouldn't have predicted Speech at all last year for the win - in fact, I don't think anybody did until about two hours before the Mercury Prize when perhaps suspiciously a lot of money (ie; bookies) started going on Speech to win. Had inside information leaked leading to this happening?

 

My early prediction for Mercury Prize 2010 goes to Mumford & Sons. Especially if they are nominated and aren't made the favourites straight away. Whoever is made favourite to win initially hasn't got any chance - it's pretty much a curse in betting terms.

Speech Debelle's album had one phenomonal track [better Days] surrounded by a pile of rubbish, but last year's nominess weren't that strong imo.

 

I had a suspicion Florence wouldn't win but thought that the Horrors stood a mighty chance - and Kasabian deserved it. Best British album of the year by a distance in what was my favourite year for singles in ages (although all-round I thought 2007 was better for albums).