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The 2014 roster of Brit nominees is one of the strongest in recent memory, particularly when weighed up against last years line up. While there has been the usual mixed reaction to the nomination, this points to a newly emerging strength and identity in British music.
In 2013 there appeared to be an air of synchronicity as great indie and dance acts morphed into great pop acts. Take for example Rudimental who through sheer hard work and production prowess landed a No.1 album. Then there are the Arctic Monkeys who with AM secured their place in the rock and roll hall of fame, Bastille who broke out with Bad Blood, Disclosure, who made everyone regret not taking production classes and David Bowie who reminded everyone he isn't going anywhere with 'The Next Day'. Each of these albums is up for the Album of the Year award - interestingly they are all releases that we would happily sit down and listen to.
On the flip side the selection left from 2013 were some unfortunately slim pickings by comparison. Alt-J perhaps the best on the list received a nomination for An Awesome Wave after a nod from the Mercury Prize and Plan B dropped in with the fragmented soundtrack to Ill Manors (the film was much better). Then we had the riveting excitement of Emeli Sande in a fight to the death with Mumford and Sons and Paloma Faith. That's four out of five albums that to be honest deserve to be found in a bargain bin at a dilapidated Tower Records.
Listen to David Bowie perform 'The Next Day' below
2013 singles didn't fair much better with offerings such as pseudo rap ska muck from Rizzle Kicks with 'Mama do the Hump' and failed Spice Girl imitators Stooshe with 'Black Heart'. The terrifying Mystic Meg lookalike Jessie J also got a nomination with 'Domino' and Rita Ora imitated Rihanna with 'R.I.P.'. Again these are a reflection of the cream of the crop and frankly it wasn't very creamy.
Adveresly this year we have the northern soul offering with John Newman alongside further audible gems from the buzz bans of the year in the form of Bastille, Rudimental and Disclosure. Overall this presents a well rounded picture of a British music scene that is becoming much healthier and ultimately better.
In a year where Disclosure have picked up four nods, we can't help but admire the way that hard working, great bands have been highlighted in balance with the usual pop music fare. It shows the chart smashes this year didn't come from manufacturing and budget, but quality and fan interaction. Nothing short of a demonstration that 2013 was a good year to be a British band and what should be a good award ceremony as there was a lot of good music to choose from.
Below check out a gallery of who we want to win at this years ceremony
