The Mercury Prize is a prestigious honor awarded to the best album from the United Kingdom annually. There has been a lot of buzz about this year’s nominees, many who have been through KCRW’s studios!
Villagers frontman Conor O’Brien played a live acoustic set on KCRW over the weekend, including my personal favorite “Pieces,” as well as “Love Minus Zero,” “I Saw The Dead,” “Set the Tigers Free,” and “27 Strangers.”
Also, folk songstress Laura Marling – who will go head to head with her boyfriend, Marcus Mumford, of folk trio Mumford and Sons – charmed us with a beautiful performance of songs from her stunning album “I Speak Because I Can,” on Morning Becomes Elcectic, including “Rambling Man.” Watch that video and view the full list of nominees, as well as links to their live sets on KCRW, below.
The xx – xx
Corinne Bailey Rae – The Sea Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More
Laura Marling – I Speak Because I Can
Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Villagers – Becoming a Jackal
Foals – Total Life Forever
Kit Downes Trio – Golden
Mumford and Sons – Sigh No More
Dizzee Rascal – Tongue N’ Cheek
Paul Weller – Wake Up the Nation
Biffy Clyro – Only Revolutions
The Mercury Prize winner will be announced September 7th in London.