Radiohead's album is called Hail to the Thief

The other nominees are Athlete, The Thrills, Lemon Jelly, The Darkness, Dizzee Rascal, Floetry, Terri Walker, Martina Topley-Bird, Eliza Carthy and Soweto Kinch.

The winner will be announced on 9 September and will take home a prize of �20,000.

So what do you think?

Are you surprised by the selection? Who do you think should win? We asked BBC News Online users for their views.

I'd like the Darkness to win but I think Coldplay will as their new album is also great.
Bayesey, UK

VOTE RESULTS Who should win the Mercury? Coldplay  25.34%  Radiohead  21.47%  Athlete  6.56%  Dizzee Rascal  2.69%  The Thrills  7.03%  The Darkness  19.68%  Lemon Jelly  7.14%  Floetry  1.64%  Terri Walker  0.88%  Martina Topley-Bird  2.48%  Eliza Carthy  3.37%  Soweto Kinch  1.71%  7057 Votes Cast Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion

Like to see Lemon Jelly or the Thrills win it, but as long as it's not Radiohead or Coldplay, I'm happy!
Graeme, Scotland

The Darkness are the people's choice. This year The Drakness; next year: Sneaking Fog! Rock lives!
Richard, UK

I would like to know what the likes of millionaires Radiohead or Coldplay would do with the 20 grand if they got it? Surely this money could me more useful to an artist without a successful music career. Martina Topley-Bird to win as she is simply amazing with a throughly diverse record showing how wonderful UK musicians can be!
Will Youds, UK

Radiohead are in a no-win situation. If they produce an experimental album, people are disappointed. If they produce a "traditional" Radiohead album, people are also disappointed.
Gareth Hagger-Johnson, Scotland

Martina Topley Bird - thank you for a truly fantastic record. Love you.
Rick, England

Great to see The Darkness nominated. A true rock band who have brought the showmanship back into music with some fantastic tunes. Refreshing to see a band NOT trying to be new or cool or different (most who do are actually re-hashing old songs anyway under the pretence of being new and exciting!) or anything other than a great rock band delivering quality music. They deserve to win, which probably means Boringhead will instead.
Holden De Forge, Leeds, UK

I'm surprised that Coldplay got nominated - I mean, come on. Was the last year so dry that that's considered one of the UK's finest? It probably says a lot about the awards, really. O by Damien Rice should've gotten a nod because it totally floors a lot of the albums out from the last 12 months. But, of the list presented, Radiohead. If only to make up for the fact they somehow lost to Roni Size's Reprazent in 1997 (Ha...)
Sheila Pham, Australia

The Darkness certainly polarise opinion. I think you have to be a little bit up your own jacksie if you think they can't write or play though. These guys obviously have talent by the spadeload and just because they choose not to use it in a dirgy indie whinge fashion like Coldplay and Radiohead does not negate what they achieve. Let's give the prize to a band who seem to have a sense of humour and reality and who ROCK. Ladies and gentleman, The Darkness.
Stevie Steve, UK

Definitely The Thrills who beat us Yanks at what used to be our own game, sigh.
Danno, USA

For me it's a toss-up between Radihead and the Darkness. Radiohead should have had it for OK Computer six years ago, and Hail to the Thief is an outstanding album, but I think Permission to Land just pips it for being superbly well put together and having some lovely guitar work.

And if one more person uses the phrase "media darlings" I swear my head will explode..have you heard yourselves?
Andrew, UK

What is all this criticism of The Darkness? They are not a "Joke Band", or "Spinal Tap Rip-off". Permission To Land is a halfway decent album, and for the first time for ages, I played the CD all the way through twice in the first sitting.

The Darkness may not be innovative, or new, but they actually play "fun" rock. Forget the Tap comparisons, they are closer to Aerosmith.
Andy, UK

I'd LOVE The Darkness to win, but it's sadly unlikely. They're big, dumb, but a whole bag of fun!!

There's a lot of previous winners that really aren't my cup of tea, but at least the Mercury Prize always goes to an act that shows individuality and innovation. And that's why Radiohead are unlikely to win this year - they're no longer "fresh" in my opinion.
Mark, L, Bedfordshire, UK

I can't believe that the incomparable Busted haven't made it onto this list. Does every artist on the list have to appeal to pretentious sophisticates? Give the award to the band of the people.
Sean Barnett, UK

Thrilled to see Radiohead up there and hope they win, simply because they don't stand still and they don't toe the industry line. However, I agree that the absence of Turin Brakes is very poor. Not only have they produced two excellent albums but their live performances are, quite frankly, spine-tingling in their intimacy and brilliance.
Lisa, UK

Fairly content with the list, but where are Feeder and The Roots? If a relatively random selection of acts can make it to the list, then they deserve a little recogntition too, me thinks. Anyone with a bad word to say about The Darkness - chill out. They're funny guys who know how to play and how to rock- what's wrong with that?
JoJo, UK

While I'm a fan of both Radiohead and Coldplay, they're hardly new and groundbreaking bands, are they? Perhaps Radiohead was, circa the release of Okay Computer way back in 1997, but this is 2003.

Let both these bands get on with collecting their Grammy and Brit Awards and give the Mercury Music Prize to someone new, fresh and more deserving. I am disappointed to see that bands like Turin Brakes and I Am Kloot have been omitted from the nominations.
Sam, England

The Darkness should win. Original, not hip or trendy. They are not a retro band. Just doing something different to everybody else. Coldplay wil probably win though. If Radiohead do win, will they show up, as they refused to do at the Brits a few years ago. They may be experimental, but so are Goldfrapp, and I don't see them on the list, or Electric Six.
Paul Brien, England

Stuck-up and pretentious, that's the Mercury Awards to a tee. Seemingly aimed at people who aren't particularly interested in music, rather an excuse for them to scan the shortlist for "cool" new CDs to display on their coffee tables... as long as The Darkness win this year, I'll be happy. It's about time a band won who are actually interesting, rather than the same tired old plodders like Radiohead, Coldplay et al.
Stephen, England

I cannot believe The Darkness are nominated! What an overrated band! I hear and see nothing new in their music. History repeats itself once again. Where are Turin Brakes on your list?? The talented, music inspiring band of this century!

This proves once again the under-estimation of growth and spiritual music. Commercial = prize!! Do not agree!
Laura, The Netherlands

Well, I think the Mercury Judges have it all wrong - no Biffy Clyro on the shortlist!!! Their second album, released this year, was fantastic!!! Even then, there is no Blur on the list.. ah well, I suppose they can't cater for everyone's tastes. I hope The Darkness get it, it can only further inflate their excellent egos. Although Radiohead are probably the most deserving on the list....
McConnell, Scotland

It has to be Lemon Jelly. Astounding tunes crafted with thought and heart, and great use of sampled speech. Lost Horizons is a beautiful musical journey from start to finish. Coldplay and Radiohead are sticking to an increasingly tired formula, yet I fear one of the two will win. Ho-hum.
Michael Sayles, UK

The prize this year should go to Dizzee Rascal. the album is absolute genius, a "What's going on?" for the times and deserves to have a far greater influence in music than most of these pathetic chancers. All you've got to do is listen, but I'm sure most of you lot never do anyway. The Darkness!?! Athlete?! Has it come to this?
Shaun, UK

The Mercury Music Prize is pointless. A bizarre collection of nominees (only half of whom usually have a decent album out) are put together on a shortlist which disregards any category other than being British or Irish and then we choose who is best. I just don't get it.

All the bands and artists who've won it have been jinxed ever since. I think the prize would work better if it was for debuts or albums that haven't gone gold yet..what do Coldplay or Radiohead need the ridiculous �20,000 prize money for?! It definitely should not go to already established supergroups like them, as good as their albums might be. They don't need it.

As far as I can see it's just an excuse for the top record label big cheeses to mingle and show off about, or perhaps deny, the last year's signings.
Emilie Chalcraft, UK

Soweto Kinch is jazz music's brightest star. Glad to see it being recognised. I know due to the nature of the award he is unlikely to win. But it doesn't matter because he still produced one of the best albums I have ever heard.
Raz, UK

Well that was all rather expected. I knew that Coldplay and Radiohead would be up there - how very predictable. Great to see the likes of Athlete, the Thrills and the Darkness up there - again rather predictable. Terri Walker, Floetry and Dizzee Rascal are all rather expected in a rather dull year for UK urban albums. I'd love to see Athlete get it, but I'm sure a speech by the Darkness would be positively hilarious!
Matthew Dixon, UK

The Darkness?? Why not just give it to Spinal Tap? They did the same act 20-some years ago far better. And as for 40,000 at Glastonbury, it was near 400 who watched their lycra-clad gyrations. If Glastonbry is the benchmark then the clear winner is Radiohead. By any other benchmark it should still be Radiohead.
jason, england

The only bands on the list that really deserve the prize are The Darkness and The Thrills. But why aren't Turin Brakes on the list? Ether Song is by far one of the best albums of the year along with 'O' by Damien Rice.
meesh, UK

I love the Darkness, the album is a splash of colour and fun in a gloomy world full of indie woe. However I think they've received plenty of exposure already, so I hope that Floetry win, they deserve to be more widely recognised for a beautiful album.
barbara, Uk

Very surprised with the list this year. Wot no Goldfrapp? No Alison Moyet? No Massive Attack? No David Holmes? It's a shoddy, dated selection, and the only album I really would like to see win is Lemon Jelly - original and fun. Perhaps the record buying public could have a say next time....?
russ t, uk

The Darkness are a breath of fresh air in a stale, boring music industry. They are the only band around in that list not being afraid to do whatever they like, and it's great to see it. Yeah - they may look ridiculous, but who gives a rats elbow when they can play it, and play it well! I've been waiting for the past 10 years for a band that plays it like it's supposed to be played, and the Darkness are IT!
Adam, Wales

Where are Mogwai??? Their album Happy Songs for Happy People surpasses any of the albums on this year's Mercury List.
Adele, UK

Great to see Athlete nominated, they are relentlessly cheery and inventive - a sanguine breath of fresh air. However, I doubt either of Radiohead or Coldplay will be overlooked again this year...
Dannii, UK

It is great to see Terri Walker up for nomination. Her album is absolutly brilliant. If Ms Dynamite can win it Terri can cos her voice and sound is so much stronger. Also nice to see a bit of UKG being recognised in Dizzee Rascal, his new song is tight. However I dont think either will win. Coldplay or Boringplay as i like to call them will walk away with it!!!
G, UK

So pleased to see Lemon Jelly on the list. So many people don't know them by name, but if you listen to virtually any BBC programme, their music is always used in the background. Hopefully people will be able to put a name to the music now!
Adam Smith, England

There's no question that Radiohead is the one of the most innovative bands of the moment, and might even deserve to be called the greatest band of all time. But where was Blur on the list? They pulled together to make an amazing record just when I thought they were done. Lucas, US

Having read all about the Darkness and not having heard a note, I would agree with many of the comments on here, they seem to be the current 'media darlings' and 'Hot tickets'. As much as Coldplay and Radiohead may deserve to win, both brilliant albums, I feel that The Darkness may be swept to the prize on another media frenzy as was last years' favourite Ms Dynamite.
Behelzebub, UK

I can understand the desire to recognize up and coming artists, however, I think that Coldplay definitely deserves to win the Mercury Prize.
Ian, USA

Another pretty predictable selection... Where's the innovation? How could they ignore the most exciting album of the year - the Matthew Herbert Big Band's Goodbye Swingtime? Something new with something old, articulate, challenging, fresh, political - the perfect Mercury album, surely? Coldplay? The Darkness? Argh. Another list straight from the heart of the mainstream.
Mikey Mono, UK

Coldplay and Radiohead don't really need any more awards! I won't be upset if The Darkness win it but I would give it to Athlete because Vehicles and Animals is an album which makes me feel good and I can't say fairer than that. I'm 45 too but refuse to be branded an 'old git'!
Chris, United Kingdom

I'd love to see The Darkness win, they are so much fun to watch and listen to! There is always a place for serious music but when this is on offer who cares.
Luke, UK

I agree with Pete UK - it's about time we saw some more winners from classical and jazz. I'd recommend Soweto Kinch's album - it's real hot and unlike a lot of albums it got that live urban vibe. It fuses hip-hop without losing the tradition of jazz - a worthy nominee!
Pierre, UK

It's great to see Eliza Carty nominated. Her latest album is wonderful and she performed really well on the OysterBand's Big Session tour this year.
Mark, England

Definitely be good to see The Darkness win, and of course they need the 20 grand to buy more spandex pants.
Steve, UK

'Bout time the folk or jazz album won the award else they are just there out of tokenism, Eliza's album would walk it in a just and fair world, most of the other stuff nominated is just going over old ground without the imagination and love Eliza brings to it.
Gordon Elcock, UK

I think Radiohead should win, they're constantly pushing the boundary and their new album Hail to the Thief just gets better and better with each time I play it. As for Coldplay, well they're just as Radiohead appreciation band aren't they?
Mark, UK

Pretty sound list, however if there was a need for a token metal album then there are a number which are vastly superior to the Darkness. Their album is a joke, a poor pastiche of late 70's metal and 80's hair rock and not even funny if it's meant to be a joke.
Allister, UK

Radiohead and Coldplay? I agree that their albums are superb, but they're so mainstream... at this point, I think they're more of an establishment in the music industry. I always thought that the Mercury Prize was to recognise relatively unknown artists who have done something superior, cutting edge, and noteworthy. Do these guys really need more money? What about Turin Brakes? Damien Rice?
Jeanne, USA

The Mercury prize is totally redundant - the choices don't represent either the best or the most innovative pop music of the time. It's really just another tool for pot-bellied Guardian readers to congratulate themselves for being in with "the kids".
Hugh Akston, UK

I have to admit that I'm slightly surprised by the nominations. Everyone always has such high hopes from the Mercury Prize and yet I am truly baffled by this list. There are better musicians out there who have produced truly inspiring and beautiful albums such as Turin Brakes and Damien Rice and yet they still fail to be acknowledged.
Juliet, England

Depressingly predictable in parts - and that's not just Coldplay's 2002 offering. The omission of Turin Brakes' beautifully accomplished follow-up to their astounding Optimist LP, "Ether Song", is a gaping sore - anyone who has seen them live will agree that they are real musicians with real talent. Maybe prizes aren't about that...
Shazia, UK

I hate the Mercury Prize. Every year I put a bet and every year I lose. I hate losing money. I want to see Lemon Jelly win it, but I can't really see past Hail to the Thief.
Thomas D, London Town, England

I can't believe that The Darkness and Athlete have made the list. I've heard better bands than the darkness at the Mansfield working man's club, and as for Athlete - completely opaque music - quite simply, they bring nothing interesting at all to the music scene. Where are Hell is for Heroes, Biffy Clyro, and Arab Strap?
Matt Brown, UK

I've got my fingers crossed for Lemon Jelly, very closely followed by The Darkness, because the both have that extra little something. But I hope Radiohead or Coldplay don't win, because that really would be a waste of �20,000 and the encouragement of winning a prize like this.
Jules, England

I have to say, my album of the year, O by Damien Rice, just fantastic heart-wrenching music, but of the shortlist I'd probably say Athlete's Vehicles and Animals should win, a completely refreshing album.
Matt, UK

The obvious and most deserved winners are The Darkness. With not only excellent songwriting abilities but real stage presence they have been the only band in the last year that I have truly loved to listen to and see live.
H, Scotland

Darkness rock, best live band I've seen in a long time. Pure talent, originality and some fantastic lycra body suits. Come on Darkness!
Helen, UK

Come on the Darkness! I saw them at Glastonbury and loved it. Give half to them for making music fun again, and the other half to Lemon Jelly for providing the best tunes for chillin' with a nice cup of tea.
Tim Reid, UK

After no folk or roots selections last year, is Eliza Carthy's second nomination a return to tokenism? I hope not - Anglicana would be a worthy winner. Deeply rooted in English traditional music, but startlingly modern. Arguably the first great 21st century folk album.
Graham, UK

The Darkness are the people's choice (and mine!) thus have little chance of winning. I have a few of the albums on the list and personally believe The Darkness to be heads and shoulders above Radiohead and Coldplay, and both of those are great!
Dave, UK

This is one of the best Mercury lists for years, and the albums listed have some great music on them. I'm rooting for Lemon Jelly, though - not only is their album a great listen, but it's original, too, something lacking in much music these days.
Craig Grannell, Iceland (ex-UK)

Good effort for backing The Darkness. Music should be about having fun and these guys are having it - large! So what if they are the current media darlings - The whole Mercury thing is supposed to be about quality albums and the Darkness have a quality album with the ability to raise a smile!
Alex, UK

I'm in agreeance 150% with everyone who has said they're pleased to see the Darkness on the list. I'm only 19 myself but have always been into eighties style rock, loud guitars and happy rock music rather than that of the modern depressing era, and Permission to Land has been in my CD player since I got it.
Steve, UK

Please let the Darkness win. I hate the nominations every year - they always choose pretentious boring crap that no one really listens to or else boring whinging rubbish like Radiohead and Coldplay, so it'd be great to see the Darkness win.
Lesley,

There must be some mistake - I thought the Mercury Prize was for good songwriting and music, not for good entertainment value as a live show. The Darkness are one of a few exciting new bands that I want to see live but unfortunately their live mastery does not transcend onto record! Radiohead should obviously win, please do not give another award to the pretentious, egotistical Chris Martin.
David Frazer, UK

Athlete's is a great album and would be a worthy winner but I really do hope that Lemon Jelly win it because they may then get the publicity they richly deserve.
Mugsy, England

A good overall list, but The Darkness is by far the best album/band on the list. I have to fight with my wife to listen to it on a daily basis. I agree with Simon, they put on grin on my face to when ever I hear them.
Martin, England

Garage music requires no talent what so ever and should not win! The Darkness are a great band also and should win for their rock tastic sound and unbelievable talent for music!
Gary, Scotland

The Coldplay album is wonderful but I think a younger, more-energetic act should win, there's always another Coldplay around the corner but The Darkness write great songs, are excellent musicians and do one thing that none of the others even try - they entertain.
Philip Buckley-Mellor, London, UK

If The Darkness don't win every award going this year then I'm leaving the country. No contest.
Kate, UK

Despite their excellent albums, we know from past Mercury awards that Coldplay and Radiohead don't stand a chance of actually winning. My highlight to replace one of these great bands would have been former Depeche Mode frontman Dave Gahan's excellent Paper Monsters album - a truly different offering.
Gurjit Singh Dhillon, UK

Not a bad list. Personally I think that it should probably be either Dizzee Rascal who makes some incredible sounds or Radiohead, although the fact that neither Kid A or Amnesiac makes Hail To The Thief's nomination seem a bit late in the day. Good album though.

Personally I don't think Athlete should be on - indie -lite and I don't like Coldplay much, as I find them a bit insipid. As for The Darkness's nomination, I'm glad to see metal nominated - it's been ignored by the Mercury Music Prize historically, but I wish it wasn't something so ironic/retro.
Neil, UK

Terri Walker is one of the great unsung talents of 2003, with an astonishing and insightful debut. Her nomination is exciting but not unexpected.
Bud Atapattu, UK

It has to be between Athlete and The Darkness. Both have brought something very fresh to the music scene - no depression, just great music, lyrics and overall the most talented, for whatever reasons.
Will Bunn, England

As usual, a mix of the good, the bad and the fashionable... Coldplay and Radiohead are obvious but will probably lose out to something "alternative" so the judges can prove how radical they are. Shame the best album of the year got totally left out (Tom McRae's "Just Like Blood"). Come on The Darkness!
Rebecca JP, England

Let's hope Coldplay don't win! I don't know if it's just me but they sound quite pedestrian. In my opinion, to be a really popular band, you have to appeal to a low common denominator to be tolerated by as many people as possible. In this way, almost by definition, popular bands tend to be quite bland. There are exceptions of course but Coldplay are not one!
Hamish, UK

I'd love Radiohead to win as it is definitely my album of the year and hasn't been off my stereo.

I don't think that they will, however, as history proves that the favourites rarely win and it always changes at the last minute. If I had to hazard a guess I would say it would go to The Darkness as they are (inexplicably) the current media darlings.
Darren, UK

I'm so happy that Lemon Jelly have been nominated for the Mercury. Lost Horizon is the best album on the shortlist by far and would be a just choice to scoop the award. Whilst both the Coldplay and Radiohead efforts are outstanding, I would rather have Lemon Jelly (or the excellent Vehicles & Animals by Athlete) represent the U.K. music scene to the rest of the world.
Alan Porter, England

As ever the big name bands are favourites, but it's great to see great new British talent like Athlete and the Thrills in with a shout. It's a sign that young British bands are still creating great exciting and music.
Tim C., UK

It's got to be The Darkness. I like Radiohead and Coldplay but I can't remember the last time I smiled listening to music - then I heard The Darkness and I haven't stopped smiling! It's the perfect antidote to all the introverted, deep and. lets face it, depressing music out there. It's pompous, proud, egotistical, shrieking, camp and FUN!
Richard, England

I don't like Coldplay, nor do i like Radiohead...where's Oasis?!
Seany, HK

I am a big fan of Radiohead who should have won it with OK Computer in 1997 and Coldplay are pretty talented if not a little over exposed. The Mercury Music prize is always given to something fringe so I would bet all the money in the world neither Coldplay or Radiohead will get it. My vote's with The Darkness as they are a breath of fresh air at the moment and it's metal's turn this year.
Mark, UK

Hail to the Thief is brilliant but this year's most indispensable album from a name band has to be "Think Tank" by Blur. Saw Athlete at Glastonbury - I would nominate them for the Good Night's Sleep prize as they were as boring as can be.
Simon Tucker, UK

The list looks OK, but whose idea was it to put the Darkness on there, they are either hopelessly out of date or a very bad joke. They are not good new music.
Jeremy French, UK

Well, I'm rooting for The Thrills because aside from being a brilliant band, they're Irish. But secretly I hope that Darkness wins it because they're bloody good craic and a swift kick up the bum of all these millionaire depressive navel gazers like Coldplay and Radiohead.
Caroline, Ireland

I agree with Richard, The Darkness have bought Metal back. I bought the album on Thursday and i literally have not stopped listening to it. I hope The Darkness win!!
Steve, England

I hope to goodness that neither Radiohead or Coldplay get the prize. Talk about dull and pretentious "rock". Music that ruins your day. Your day can be going well until you hear the warblings of Chris Martin and Thom York. The Mercury Prize should go to someone new and up coming who has something to offer to British music and can push it forward. Where are the great music legends these days? Lets get behind someone like The Darkness. A highly entertaining band and album. A group who have something else to give us instead of teenage angst and maudlin lyrics. Or maybe the judges will completely go mad and vote for some arty farty nobody who will disappear as quickly as their fleeting prize success.
Drew, UK

Coldplay have become rather stagnant whilst Radiohead have put something quite special together (and it's about time). But my vote is for Athlete - great new sound and the Darkness as a comical outsider.
Adam Hebden, UK

I'm just so pleased to see The Darkness on the list! There is a tendency in critical circles these days, where guitar-based bands are concerned, to equate "good" with "po-faced and singer-songwriterly". The Darkness are such great entertainment and the best new rock band I've heard in a very long time. Their exuberance, enthusiasm, unashamed guitar indulgence and sense of humour put a great big grin on my face every time I hear or see them. Yes, they make me happy! I'd love to see them win it. I suspect they have a big future ahead of them either way.
Simon , UK

40,000 people got up early on the opening day of this year's Glasto to see The Darkness camp it up wonderfully on the Pyramid stage. It's not just retro-chic though; these guys write decent tunes with some suitably overblown lyrics - they sing with energy, they play their guitars with gusto and they look like they're having a great time! They get my vote.
Steve, UK

Lists like these are never much of a surprise and never that useful to music fans. They may help to introduce more people to some good music (and there is some there), but really, the record companies are the main benefactors as it gives them the chance to flog more copies of their artists' albums.
Tim, UK

From the list I have to admit to loving both Coldplay and Radiohead, but do feel other artists have been wrongly overlooked in favour of current media darlings The Thrills and The Darkness. Turin Brakes second album "Ether Song" was the highlight of the year for me, a fantastic follow-up to The Optimist which was itself shortlisted.
Jayney, UK

The whole list is pitiful. Not an inspired or inspirational artist amongst them. And we wonder why the UK music business is in such a state...
John Green, UK

Well I'm an old git. 45 to be honest. The Darkness have brought light back in the plastic music scene that all you kids drool over these days. They make an Aerosmith man very happy. My wife hates them. Now that's gotta be good! Turn up the volume, split your eardrums and annoy the neighbours.
Skip, England

I saw Athlete the other day, and was impressed. And I am sure they can use �20,000 a lot better than Radiohead.
John, UK

I suspect The Darkness don't give a tinker's cuss if they win or not. They will win though, because they Rock like no other band (except possibly vintage Twisted Sister) - Permission to Land is a blast!
Richard, England

I am baffled by the selection. There is usually a wider variety and I would have assumed Ladytron would have been nominated for Light and Magic, the electronic album of the year. Also Turin Brakes' album is the most uplifting album, by its definition as a selection of songs, released this year.
George, UK

Too many obvious choices (Radiohead, Coldplay), current media darlings (The Darkness, The Thrills), and too little genuine class (Athlete) - and where are Turin Brakes? Sadly lacking in a populist shortlist. Shameful.
Fiona Hunter, Scotland

Oh dear... few surprises here. There are so many other bands that deserved to get on the list over the obvious choices like Coldplay and the Thrills who I saw last week and the singer just sounded like Feargal Sharkey and not in a good way! Personally I think they are far too over-hyped and Brian Wilson did it all so much better... I'd have given a mention to I am Kloot, Tom McCrae and the Reindeer Section but hey I'm not a Mercury Judge.
Viki, UK

I just find that this list is not exactly looking at the cutting edge of the industry. Coldplay are establishment to me, the new U2. What about recognising those artists that really need (don't think Chris Martin needs �20k)...what about Damien Rice....Turin Brakes...I Am Kloot...Elbow ..and many others
Alex, UK

More Led Zeppelin, Status Quo, Genesis, Pink Floyd etc. They have more talent in their little fingers than all these young upstarts!
Donald , UK

It would be great to see The Darkness win. The album is an original, ballsy, grin inducing bit of boogie rock that just makes you laugh out loud and dance. A refreshing tonic to the introverted 'arty' misery being churned out by some of the other nominees. Rock on.
Magnus, UK

Year after year there are nominations from jazz, classical and folk artists but strangely, they never seem to win. This year, they couldn't even be bothered to sort out a classical nominee. Soweto Kinch's album is a fresh, witty and beautifully delivered modern jazz album, but I'd put a lot of money on some dull pasty boys with guitars winning yet again, or maybe Dizzee Rascal might get votes from those ageing judges who still think they have some connection with youth culture. They should give the award to Radiohead in perpetuity and spare us all this tedious yearly ritual.
peter, UK

Well its a sad indictment on the UK music scene that this is the best they can come up with - sad also that both Coldplay and Radiohead are considered worthy for CDs that appear to be merely retreads of what they've done before (and bland with it!). Which one of the shortlisted CDs would I prefer to listen to? ... none of them - give me the Libertines debut any day.
John Warlow, England

Radiohead have made one good tune, ever. They're possibly the single most overrated band in music and I don't think they deserve to be on the list. I was at T in the Park the other weekend, and saw both Coldplay and The Darkness live. Coldplay were good, but the performance The Darkness put on was superb. Upbeat, loud, proud and frankly insane, they're great to listen to and I hope they're with us for a good while. Best of luck to them, it's about time Glam Rock came back.
Ian Fletche, UK

The Doves 'The Last Broadcast' was nominated last year, so it really would have been a surprising choice for this years award!
David Shanks, Sweden

COMMENTS: Very surprised not to see Blur in there; Think Tank is one of the best releases I've heard this year. OF all the "big name" bands around only they and Radiohead are bringing anything new to the rock scene. Having said that, even if they were shortlisted I feel that award must surely go to Radiohead. Such an exciting listen with many sublimely musical moments; they seem to have managed to weld the avant-garde and (to some) unlistenable experimentation of the Kid A sessions to the melodic nouse they demonstrated so effectively on Bends and Computer. Coldplay? Surely just in the list to engage the middle of the road casual listener; whilst containing a couple of very good tracks I'm afraid A Rush of Blood just doesn't cut it. I frankly find myself bored by track 5 and find the rest of the album to homogenised and repetitive.
Bob, UK

Go Eliza! I'm certain a lot of people commenting on how worthless this list is have not heard a single second of Anglicana.
Leo, Scotland

Radiohead are a step forward on the music scene, yes this award maybe slightly superficial but Radiohead have deserved this for a long time and are probably one of the few bands who can see through the awards. Coldplay have years for their trophy cabinet to acculmulate. Personally I'd like to see more awards voted for by the people, the real music lovers, not some big cats trying to be trendy "with the kids music." Which is incredibly patronising when theses bands have an incredibly wide range of fans.
Sarah Woolley, UK

Turin Brakes are a glaring omission from this list. Real musicianship and songwriting that will endure have been pushed aside for novelty value with no real depth or bands that are already household names.
Frances, UK

Radiohead should win, they are the only serious choice. Coldplay are a poor man's Radiohead, the Darkness are a novelty band and a definite 1 album wonder. Eliza Carthy is great but won't get enough votes.
Barnz, UK

Clearly most people do not realise for strange reason that Lemon Jelly are the best off this list. I would suggest listening to the music of all artists is advisable before voting. LEMON JELLY fantastic at Glasto this year in the new tent. They for me gave us the true summer sounds we wanted/needed. Happy warm uplifting boucy jazzy funky lush tunes. Way cool.
Steve, UK

The Darkness! As others have said, the so called 'rock' we have now is darn right depressing. The Darkness have brought back the good times again. Suffolk rocks!
Rita, England

In the main a predictable list, as usual. Glad to see so many mentions for the artists more deserving of this prize on these comments. But please - The Thrills, Coldplay, Athlete, Radiohead? Enough already. Why are there always 4 or 5 white boy indie fodder acts in here - and this from a white indie boy? It isn't really breaking down barriers, is it. Making this award to bands like this may dent the value of the Mercury given some of the real trailblazers that have won it in the past.
Peter, NI

What a bore if Coldplay or Radiohead win. Give it to the up-and-comings who deserve some recognition. Eliza Carthy is the only original act on the list but alas she won't win as the token folk nomination.
Frances O'Rourke, UK

The Darkness album makes me realise why people want to be in a band in the first place. It makes me smile; it's uplifting without being pretentious and clever without being complex. We should award the bringers of true rock, The Darkness, we've spent too long worshipping false idols...
Liz, UK

Sowetow kinch all the way he's fresh he's cutting edged and most of all he's music is dam good ....
Shaun (spirit), uk

Martina Topley Bird - probably the most under-rated artist on the list by a long way, what an album- thank you!!!!
Spencer, UK

I'm a big fan of Radiohead but this award should go to talent that needs to be given more prominence so that the mass fodder fed public can be introduced to new talent. Although Martina Topley-bird has been around for a long time with Tricky she has released a fantastic debut album. If people were given the chance to hear her stuff she would be very popular. The Mercury awards used to mean something to me until I heard that the record labels have to pay to be nominated. Good luck Martina. If there was any justice you would win.
Andy, United Kingdom

If there is any sense in this mad, mad world, then The Darkness will win. Rock on!
Roo, UK

Coldplay are great, there's no denying that... but i have to agree with everyone who's mentionned the money factor of things. Just the prize should be enough to explain that its not ment for bands of that envergure. So Athlete should win, and i would have thought that was perfectly obvious!
Liz, UK

The Darkness should win this award by rights. They've brought life, energy and fun back into music unlike depression mongers Radiohead and Coldplay who with The Thrills are highly over rated. The Darkness have a superb debut album, are fabulous live and just make great music, it's not contrived there's no 'deeper' meaning, it is what it is, fun, joy and the love of making music for people and putting on a show, something that music is lacking in today's Pop Idol world.
Bill, Ireland

Although i think Radiohead should win, i think it will be one of the outsiders like Martina Topley-Bird or Floetry.
Colin Hickie, Scotland

I want Coldplay to clean up the awards, they gave a stunner when they were here in NZ, I loved every second of that gig. With their top-shelf tunes, who would wanna listen to anything else?
Sarah, New Zealand

If rock n roll was material, it would be a car show - a gleaming display of classic, modern and slightly leftfield automobilia. If The Darkness were a car, however, they'd be a luminous pink Mercedes - extremely well built, huge ability, but can anyone really take them seriously?! Athlete, on the other hand, are riding the same wave (El Salvador, Le Casino) but here listeners can take a huge sigh of self-assured relief that their taste is reaffirmed with serious talent. They get my vote!
Ben Hibberd, England