Comments so far

Guy : Canterbury
It most definitely should have been Rachel Unthank. It's the only nominated album I still listen to (I have all the others too) and I'm not a "Folkie". Nothing has come close to the exquisite pleasure of "The Bairns". It creeps up and gradually overwhelms you. While other nominess are certainly accomplished they are all a bit "same old, same old" if I'm honest. "The Bairns" is the only one nominated that attempted to be original in any way.

Larts, The Metropolis.
The best albums here are those by Rachel Unthank & the Winterset and Plant & Krauss. I don't think either of them will win it though. It wouldn't surprise me if The Overrated Last Shadow Puppets won it.

Jon, Oxford
Laura Marling or Radiohead and I'm happy.

Mike, London
Radiohead deserve the award:-they've been nominated 3 times before, and not won!-'In Rainbows' doesn't try and prove anything to anyone (unlike their last abums), its just a brilliant album!-They've changed the music industry (although strictly speaking it shouldn't be taken into account)So Radiohead deserve it, but others who would be worthy winners are:-Burial-Robert Plant & Alison Krauss-Laura Marling-Portico Quartet

Mark, Lancs
There's some good albums here, but Elbow stands out as the best this year. A great album from a great band. Music & lyrics capture the highs and lows of ordinary life with real beauty.

Robert, Winchester
I think that radiohead, should win buti wouldn't mind if burial, or laura marling won. Some of the albums are really surprisingly good, but some like neon neon, and last shadow puppets shouldn't be there. Portishead would have been a gd choice instead.

Sarah, Newcastle
As much as I enjoyed many nominations, Elbow to me have to be the most inspiring band of this year. Risen well above some of the mediocre indie bands of their generation to produce an album that you can play to death.

Damian Guildford
British Sea Power because they stand for what music is all about, powerful intelligent lyrics and cracking tune even my 7 year old can bounce up and down to...

Pete, Bath
Rachel Unthank isn't being talked about much tonight. Very good album, and could be a winner in the manner of Antony & the Johnsons.

birmingham
with put it has to tobert plant and alison krauss just a beautiful album

Steve - Maidstone
Burial? Who he? never heard of him. Give it to Elbow!! The amount of elbow grease that they have put into their longstanding career should now finally, and deservedly, be rewarded. With an album that truely deserves to win.

Chris, Leeds
I'm torn between Laura Marling and The Last Shadow Puppets, they're the only genuine contenders in my view. Radiohead's album, while good, did not live up to potential for me, neither did Adele's, a truly shocker from somebody showing so much promise

Simon Murphy, Lancaster
Elbow, a band who has been consistent for 18 years and in my opinion been unappreciated. Now it is their day in the sun - a top album

Jay, London
Its a great list this year, and a close call, but I'd have to say Radiohead. NOT because they broke the mould and gave away In Rainbows (No Brit Award nomination then?), but simply because it shines in every way - accessible, beautifully crafted songs, with just a hint of experimental production - sublime.

J.Hollis, Frimley, Surrey.
Firstly, why is the Mercury's only on for half an hour? I'm desperately trying to find listings for the full programme (so I can watch everyone play, and not just who the BBC think we should see ...), but am not having a lot of luck.I'm a huge Radiohead and Elbow fan, but think this award should definitely go to Rachel Unthank and the Winterset. A hauntingly beautiful album, this award would be well deserved.

paul, lincoln
Elbow - Album of the year.

Graham, Colchester
I agree it has to be Radiohead - they're a band that have been overlooked too many times - they are beyond genius with their song writing and get too much bad press for being depressing. Give it too them for a decade of pure brilliance.

cherith edinburgh
radiohead should win. how many nominations? and how many, much less successful, talented, and frankly..good musicians have won instead. CMON!! thom yorke and co deserve it.

Neil Northampton
Elbow definitely deserve the win. They have been consistently brilliant across all four of their albums, and Guy Garvey is indeed one of the best songwriters working in Britain today. It is about time they got the recognition they deserve.Aside from Elbow, I love BSPs album, but it's probably not their best. Radiohead should have won with "OK Computer", although "In Rainbows" would again make a worthy winner, as would Ms. Marling's effort.

ste oldham
it has to be elbow they have been amazing this year

Bob, Stafford
I remember one of the judges saying a couple of years ago that they've never made a mistake. Excuse me? M People? Kid A not even nominated? Of course they make mistakes and this year is no exception. MIA, & Portishead are glaring ommissions and they've nominated Adele!! What are they smoking?Burial's Untrue deserves it this year but they seem to like being controversial just for the hell of it so The Krankies may sneak in.

Phil Cartledge, Stalybridge.
I just cannot see past Elbow,the last album was a masterpiece. Good luck lads!

Tom Sayle, London
Laura Marling. Prodigal genius!

Ryan, Bristol
I know it's hardly original to make the point that Radiohead are a truly great band, but sometimes we seem in danger of forgetting. In Rainbows is up there with anything they've ever done. It's kind of disingenuous to compare their music to someone like Burial, but surely the prize can't go to Elbow or BSP (and I like both of them) rather than Radiohead. If it did then we'd look back in 20 years (because we'll still be listening to In Rainbows then) and say: ???

Jonathan Jones, southampton
Burial's album is just beautiful. I hope he wins because the music he produces is so different (from the hundreds of the indie bands out there(and i like my indie)) and so original. Everyone out there buy this album and enjoy the beauty of minimal dubstep.

phil, swindon
Many very worthy winners this year. Shame its the mm prize and not mm prizes. TLSP get my vote.

john london
i think its time that a outsider like potico quartet should win the big boys can look after themselves

Plymouth
Laura Marling should win, especially as she doesn't want to. She's apparently pretty rubbish at promoting herself - which given the quality of her music - almost guarantees a long career rather than a flash in the pan. She's here for the long haul.

Matt, Liverpool
My favourite is Radiohead's In Rainbows, but I don't think they will win. I expect Burial to win, although I wouldn't be surprised if Elbow or Robert Plant and Alison Krauss won.

Juzzy, Suffolk
The Mighty British Sea Power of course. Loud,Intelligent Glorious ROCK. The people who don't like it haven't listened to it properly.

Phil Daniels - Stockport
I'd go for Elbow - the album is magnificent, they produced it themselves and it's about time they got the recognition they deserve - they would be worthy winners

Jon, Manchester
Has to be Burial. I do like the Radiohead album but I'm sure Thom Yorke (with his recent Burial remix) wouldn't mind losing out.I doubt Neon Neon will win as it would be controversial as one half is from LA.

Steve Bradley, Wolverhampton
Rachel Unthank & The Winterset will definitely win.

Steve, Cheltenham
Neon Neon to win by an absolute mile!

Malanga from London
rachel unthank was my album of the year by miles. And i'n NOT a 'folkie' whatever that is! Its strange, beautiful, earthy, very english, full of humour (one track features drunk dancing as percussion and a piano is taken apart as the album progresses-a very honest and fresh album. Any excuse to see Rachel unthank on the telly

Dave D . Manchester
Although I love BSP & Elbow it has to be Radiohead this year. Another stand out album - when will this diamond of a band finally get some recognition. Probably not from the mercury judges - they'll probably ask their 12 year old kids what they and their friends like and vote for that. So step forward LSP>

Joe, Bury
Elbow have been on the crest of a wave this year - surely they've got in in the bag? Bobby and Alison are brill of course, but this is essentially an American project with an Brit singer - too many winsome girlies around if you ask me so please not Laura Marling . Don't even get me started on the brainless nomination of Estelle, Radiohead and the Last Shadow Puppets - this is an award for achievement isn't it - not publicity?

Chris Hopkins, Colchester
Not bothered providing The Last Shadow Puppets don't win. In an industry that believes Alex Turner is the second coming, it would make a change for him to come away without the prize. If Radiohead win, it will be about how they released the album, not the music on it. Worthy winners? Pick one from British Sea Power (one of the most underated bands of modern times), Burial (great debut from an Electronica artist), Elbow (legends) or Laura Marling (Genius)

good morning captain, Slintland
burial should win, I feel sorry for all the contraversy surrounding his identity and i'm slightly annoyed that there was so much emphasis put on it when he obviously wanted to be recognised for the music he made rather than who he was and what he looked like. his music is a breath of fresh air when everything else around seems to be rehashing tried and tested sounds, moving forwards whilts looking back! loved the first album love untrue looking forward to getting my hand on his new material and apprantly he's been in the studio with goldie. any fans of untrue should check out the first album and the remix of jamie woon's wayfaring stranger.

Graham, Huddersfield
Best list theres ever been for the Mercury Prize I think. I'd love to see either Radiohead, Burial or Elbow as winners. Elbow probably deserve the acclaim more than any of the others.

Mat, London
As much as I love Radiohead and In Rainbows - a win for Burial would be unbelievable. Great album, great attitude.

Chris, Brighton
I would vote for Rachel Unthank and the Winterset by a mile. The Bairns is one of my favourite albums not just of the year but overall. It's beautiful, bleak and haunting, as well as charming, original, joyous and funny. Which other record on the list features clog dancing? How (and why) the panel looks at this piece of work and compares it to the very derivative and much less memorable Adele I really don't know, but I suppose that's not the point. Although I think Rachel and Co are streets ahead of the others on the list for originality, depth of feeling, musicality and capacity to move, I suppose I also don't mind Elbow, Radiohead or Robert and Alison winning either.

Rory Foster, Canterbury
Think this could be a close one. What with Radiohead releasing one of their strongest albums yet, Elbow with arguably their strongest album yet and Burial with one of my favorite albums of the year. For me I think elbow have to get it however because they are an underrated band and deserve to be bigger.

Richard, Kent
I'd really like to see Radiohead win it, however I fancy seeing Burial win it too but I am sure we'll be disappointed and get Estelle win it in M People stylee in 1994....

Bobby, North London
Only one person mentioned Burial, wow. Broadening your tastes might surprise you, you know?

Olivia, Pembrokeshire
Please, please, please let it be Radiohead. In Rainbows is the most talked about album of the decade, let alone the year!

Steve, Birmingham
the last of the shadow puppets is TOO retro - is sounds like an album that was recorded 40 years ago - I hope something that is more forward-thinking claims the prize

John, London
I've been listening to Elbow, Radiohead and BSP over the last week and its a very tough choice, through in Plant & Krauss and Burial and its impossible to call. I'm just upset its not live on TV like last year when they all played a song live

Sam Portsmouth
I don't think they'll win (although it's not to say they don't deserve it because they do) but I'm very thankful portico quartet were nominated, they're brilliant. Neon Neon I also want to do well because Gryff Rhys is a genius, rock, folk and dance.

LordLimey Bristol
In my mind the album that is head and shoulders above the rest is the the radiohead album. Each track holds up on its own but as an album is an excellent piece of work(not to mention them missing out so many times before). The only other album that comes close is Burial, a very interesting composition.

Lou Miller, Hornsey, London
Has to be Elbow. The album of the year without a doubt.

stonie cardiff
radiohead coz they misst out a few times

Leon Frotsky,
Why no Nick Cave, someone asks. Simple answer; he's not British.

Chris Ord, Newcastle
I hope the judges go for Rachel Unthank & the Winterset. There is something very exciting happening in folk at the moment with lots of young, extremely talented artists coming through. Some with new music, others with interpretations of old material. Check out Lau, Kris Drever, Kate Rusby, Alasdair Roberts. Jim Moray, Ruth Notman, and Katie Doherty. Laura Marling falls into this catergory too. It is often harder to cover a song and give it something fresh and I think in this context Rachel Unthank's album typifies what is great about folk at present and is totally fresh, current and mesmerising. Sea Song is one of the most enchanting cover's I've ever heard. They totally possess the song and give it such a haunting quality. Fareweel Regality moves me to tears every time. I admit I am a Geordie so there is a big bit of heart in this nomination, but I think there's also enough head to make this a reasonable punt for the prize.

F, Oxford
Having read Jude Rogers article on being a Mercury judge which explains a lot - it is a tough choice between Elbow and Radiohead.

Peter, Berlin
Hope Laura Marling will win. Great debut album, great arrangement of the songs. Perfect tunes so that I like her music no matter if she performes it with the band or solo. Really a big talent. And the "drummer" Marcus Mumfort is an atraction itself, he plays "10" instruments at the same time.

HUYTON, EVERTON. 08 CAPITAL A CULTURE
THE L.S.PUPPETS WILL PROBALLY WIN IT. BUT ELBOW AVE A CHANCE. I'D PREFER NEON NEON TO WIN. FIN@

Pablo, Reading
Awards are simply a marketing tool. Even the Nobels. No amount of awards would pursuade me to buy any music. The only artist on this list that I own music by is Alison Krausse sans Percy.

Simon Clarke, Essex
No Nick Cave? Utter madness. Not a duff track and still moving forward.

Lee, Haverfordwest
No one here's mentioned Burial yet. One of the most forward thinking artists of the past decade. All the others on the list pale in comparision.

Iain, Nagoya
Am I the only one who is bored of Alex Turner? Adele? Oh yeah, Amy didn't release anything this year. Neon Neon, BSP and Radiohead - fair enough, but I think Robert Plant and Alison Krauss deserve to win as they are really the only ones who did something totally different from the norm. For Plant to shake off the baggage of Zeppelin and come up with an album this good deserves great respect.

Graeme Redditch
Elbow for sure! Guy is the best songwriter around today.

James, sandbach
one of three Laura Marling, Radiohead, or British Sea Power there album is an absolute monster that manages to absorb your interest from start to finish

David, Essex
I'm also disappointed at the lack of Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. But out of the nominees I think it'll have to be In Rainbows.

K, Cumbria
BSP to win - local Cumbrian band, lots of very hard work, great music, they really deserve it

Rob Shaw, Hebden Bridge
It's about time Elbow were recognised for their contribution to music and their artistic achievements. They were justifiably nominated for their debut but every subsequent album has represented a leap in their songwriting and production. The Seldom Seen Kid is a towering achievement; unashamededly 'big music', wonderfully poetic lyrics - without straying into sixth form territory; a brilliant front man; unmistably northern...and simply amazing songs. Elbow to win.Either that or Rachel Unthank. She's great.

Alan Barry / Blackburn
As a massive fan of radiohead I really want to see them win it, however, I am currently playing the elbow album to death and i have to say, I wouldn't be disappointed to see them win it.

a, leeds
elbow ftw

Woody, Manchester
Hopefully Radiohead will finally nail it. Possible dark horses Neon Neon (quality), Estelle (hope not), Robert Plant/Alison Krauss. Elbow is another great album, but i don't think it's their best. Same goes for BSP in my opinion.

Paul,Cheadle
Laura Marling by a mile

andy leeds
they should strike one of either adele or last shadow puppets! and put portishead back on there... everthing else i like -i'll go for radiohead

Marc, London.
Radiohead are pretty solid as a live act and their 2008 release of In Rainbows is possibly their most accessible album to date. But, although they appear to have thrown themselves into experimenting in rhythm techniques it still feels as though there is much, much more that Radiohead can offer their audience and the music industry. It feels like they are on the road to another OK Computer... maybe. The Last Shadow Puppets are intriguing and well worth a watch, but, their lack of attention to the band image should be noted. A bad front cover to an album is a sure give away sign that these lads aren't bothered that much with what they are doing. Any guesses as to who will win?

paul fisher appley bridge
Radiohead its a no brainer they just get better and better never staying still.as for the rest of the list half of you wont have heard of next year the other half uem not bad ie robert plant bsp and elbow.

Tom, Sherborne
Although I am a massive BSP fan, I don't actually agree with the majority on here. 'Decline of....' was their best ablum (greater experimentation, but less appealing to the masses, for me 'Do you like....' doesn't have the same range of sounds. Portishead should definatly be in instead of LSP, risk taking and the pushing of musical boundaries should be encouraged

Steven King / Glasgow
I honestly thought that 'Scroobius Pip (& Dan Le Sac) would have at least got into the nominated artist list, They were my favourites to win. Shame.

Daniel, Carmarthen
How did Adele get on this list? Her album was boring, derivative and anything but groundbreaking. Elbow, Neon Neon or BSP to win.

Graeme, Belfast
British Sea Power, broadsheet darlings. Rubbish live, only have four good songs, none of which are on this album. Give it to Neon Neon, even though they are half American. Gruff Rhys is most inventive artist in UK and has been since mid 90s!

jake
last shadow puppets to win- its wonderful.

Emma - Newcastle upon Tyne
There is only one possible winner - Elbow.

jimmy, london
It annoys me when people make bold statements when they don't know what they're talking about like in the case of Lin. I agree that publicity should not overshadow the quality of the music but all the points you are trying to make are based on nothing but cynicism. and as for radiohead (surely winners this year) being ignored for years and relying on gimmicks and marketing? get your facts straight love. not all the albums deserve to be there in my opinion but thats a matter of taste

Sophie, Manchester
Definitely Rachel Unthank and the Winterset! The Bairns was my favourite album of 2007 and they have subsequently set the folk world alight. Go Rachel!

Michael, Bristol
British Sea Power, by a country mile, if there is any justice.

MrsBadger, Nottingham
Has to be BSP - their best album so far

Lin, Cardiff
So many of these albums seem to have been released in favourable circumstances: LSP is an arctic monkeys side project, radiohead were ignored for years until their download experiment got them on the news, plant and krauss was conveniently timed with the lep zep reunion and elbow reappeared out of nowhere on a wave of NME and T4 support.This is what happens when reading about music in NME and online replaces actually listening to it on the radio; people go out and buy albums they've never heard and bands succeed on gimmicks and marketing instead of music.