That Time of Year Again...

Can I really be bothered with Mercury Music Prize analysis and predictions again? It's no surprise to see a female-dominated shortlist, but why on earth can they not ever nominate the right female artists? Where's Micachu for example?

I'm quite surprised that Led Bib got the contemporary jazz nod over Zed-U and Troyka. I rather feel it should have gone to Mark Lockheart.

I'm tipping either Bat For Lashes or the tiresomely overrated Speech Debelle to win, just on a hunch.

The only truly justified winners from this list would be The Invisible or Sweet Billy Pilgrim. Too much to hope for no doubt!

Of course, one can easily posit a better list from the omissions:
James Blackshaw, Acoustic Ladyland, Polar Bear, Curios, Tim Friese-Green (which I've yet to hear but sounds interesting), Doves, Micachu, Alasdair Roberts, Pet Shop Boys, Super Furry Animals, Roots Manuva, Max Tundra, The Week That Was...