The Mercury Prize 2010: The Shortlist Predicted

You don’t need me to tell you that the Mercury Prize is one of the most unpredictable accolades dished out to those in British music. Sometimes the judging panel of music industry experts get the ultimate call right and sometimes they suffer a spectacular rush of blood to the head on the night. Anyone remember M People in 1994? (But isn’t that the beauty of it, as well?)

Of arguably greater importance than the crowning a champion album on 7 September though, is the shortlist that gets announced next Tuesday (July 20).

Each record on this list is guaranteed a sales windfall that can lift any LP out of obscurity and into some much deserved limelight. Accordingly, whilst a curveball choice for a winner can’t be guaranteed every year, the shortlist is usually chock-a-block with acts that should provoke the average Q magazine reader to question how exactly one pronounces Speech Debelle.

Who’s likely to be included in the privileged collective then? Allow me to take a few stabs in the dark below.

And as these awards are all a matter of opinion, who do you think should be recognised for their contributions to British music? Post your comments below.

Leedham's Leaders For Mercury Prize Nomination