via//chicago

np: "gamera" - tortoise
yeah, i'm still on that Intonation buzz. the promised part 3 of my wrap-up will come later tonight, but for now i wanted to pass along some information on the 2005 Mercury Prize. yesterday the shortlist was announced for this prestigious UK prize, which has most recently been awarded to Franz Ferdinand and Dizzee Rascal. the final winner will be announced September 6, so until then let the speculating begin...

2005 Mercury Prize nominees:
Antony and the Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
Coldplay - X&Y
The Go! Team - Thunder, Lightning, Strike
Hard-Fi - Stars of CCTV
Kaiser Chiefs - Employment
Seth Lakeman - Kitty Jay
The Magic Numbers - The Magic Numbers
M.I.A. - Arular
Maximo Park - A Certain Trigger
Polar Bear - Held on the Tips of Fingers
KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope

British gambling houses have made the Kaiser Chiefs early favorites, but i wouldn't discount M.I.A. just yet. i'd be very happy to see either her or Bloc Party win this one.