Mercury Music Prize

[Marsh]

Getting a bit annoyed with the putting words into my mouth, like, Mr Peeps.

You are looking at this thing from your (and I talk of Marsh too) perspective of a deep knowledge of "underground" music...I know plenty of bands too that should be considered "the cutting edge"...but, you can't see it for the good it can do too, perhaps kids who only think that chart music is the only pop music around might see some of the acts, and then start to explore a bit deeper, and wider might actually get something from it?

I certainly don't have, or have even implied that I have a "deep knowledge of underground music." You've confused me with that one. I just cannae see where you're coming from. I would never say I had a deep knowledge of underground music so you've missed the boat there. In terms of the kids being subjected to decent music - I am in full agreement. I've always encouraged kid's stuff like McFly doing a Who cover, as the kids might be tempted to pick up a Who's Greatest Hits which might lead to an interest in more groups. You're preaching to the converted here.

So I reitterate the "snobbery" aspect of your points, they are not invalid, but it's evident you don't see the whole picture (I liken it to snobby eliteist artists slagging off the Turner Prize....it's not the be all and end all of cutting edge art, far from it, but 90% of the public won't have heard of the artists nominated). as goes for the musicians we all know and (probably despise) because the seem to us to be 'too popular'...

Snobbery doesn't come into it all. It's turning into "stupidity" on your part - you really don't have a clue what I think. I'm certainly not one of these fucking morons you think I am that only like music that can be bought online or in the deepest recesses of One - Up. Artists who never made the list (that I like) that I reckon should be on include:

Manic Street Preachers

The Good the Bad & The Queen

The Wildhearts

UNKLE

Kaiser Chiefs

Jarvis Cocker

Erasure

Gruff Rhys

Jah Wobble

Gallows

Paradise Lost

Now you just assumed I'm another one of those pretentious twats who reckon the list should have have been filled with stuff know - one knows of and "like, in a semi - ironic kind of way, is showing the masses that they know nothing" (said in a nerdy voice.) Anyway, that's the kind of stuff I would like to see on the list - okay, it's not all "overground" but the point i'm making is - dinnae say I'm not seeing the full picture or shying way from anything that is "too popular" as this just isn't the case.

and then there is just the pain old moaning, because of the "choice" of bands not fitting with your idea of what should be nominated....it's like complaining that big brother is shite....or there's too much porn on the telly (never!)........

I certainly don't think any awards ceremony should be based on my idea of what should be nominated. That would make for a pretty uninteresting awards for probably 99.999999% of the population. That's just a stupid, smug comment on your part. Do you really think that I don't see the point of an award like this or I am going to stamp my feet like a child because the "choice" doesn't fit my view? Get real.

celebrate your circles that DO promote and champion TRUE cutting edge / representative music ...

Again, you've completely missed the boat by a mile here. I can't say I am in a "circle" that does this. The closest I get to this would be seeing a lesser known band at the Tunnels or Moorings. It's an album of the year award, so it's a poor show if a selection of the albums up for nomination are not big sellers or have not been in the public eye, as that's marginalising those who would watch the award. In many ways I disagree with the fact that they seem to always include token albums that many have not heard of just to make up the numbers or appear "relevant" as an ward - you know, doing an NME and claiming "first dibs" on a band or artist know - ones heard of (or likes) for a very good reason........ Anyway, The Mercury were trying to promote "TRUE" cutting edge music and were acting like the kind of clown you think I am when Talvin Singh won it in 1999. In the end, everyone checked out the album and decided it was one of the worst albums of all time and an undeserving winner. It would have made far more sense to give the award to Blur, The Manics, Underworld, Faithless or Chemical brothers who had far better albums than that drivel. Albums that had sold thousands of copies. But hey, they were being "quirky" that year and going against the grain. Folk can see through that attitude to choosing the winner and it was wrong.

If anything, I would say that the Mercury Prize is a "circle" that attempts to celebrate "TRUE" cutting edge / representative music" as you call it - when the mood takes them. Roni Size, Dizee Rascal, Talvin Singh and Anthony & the Johnstons (even more "cutting edge" as they're tenuously British) were hardly household names when they won the award.

On a par in terms of "cutting edge" with my Q magazine, Scuzz, Zane Lowe and nights at the Moorings etc.

I reckon the list is a poor reflection of what's eligible. I think they go with the same artists year after year. I don't like the process which goes into deciding the winner. I don't like the fact that that artists have to pay to enter. In any case, the awards are now going to be dutifly ignored in order to avoid any more moaning.

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

Whoaaa!

Marsh, I don't think Peep was having a go at you in the manner you thought he was. All he was getting at is that (and I think I'm right with this, anyway!) the Mercurys are sort of aimed at and appeal to a certain group of people who like music, but also aren't that bothered by it on a day to day basis, as well as hardcore music heads who could tell you the b-side of every Fall single ever released.

I guess it's sort of like you can't please all of the people some of the time, or all of the time, or indeed at all (in my case). I totally understand where you're coming from, and the artists you've listed and commented on make more sense than some of the names that make the list. And from my perspective, I'd like the list to be a little bit more edgy. But we both clearly have an interest in this kind of stuff, and as such are always gonna be a bit more elitist than neccessary (without really meaning to, of course...)

And to his credit, Mr Peep always had a very open approach to music, just listening to stuff cos he felt like it (and then reccomending it to me, who at that time, was actually to snobbish to check it out myself).

But ain't it cool that we're all yakking about music with such vigour? Eh? Eh?

[Marsh]

Whoaaa!

Marsh, I don't think Peep was having a go at you in the manner you thought he was. All he was getting at is that (and I think I'm right with this, anyway!) the Mercurys are sort of aimed at and appeal to a certain group of people who like music, but also aren't that bothered by it on a day to day basis, as well as hardcore music heads who could tell you the b-side of every Fall single ever released.

I guess it's sort of like you can't please all of the people some of the time, or all of the time, or indeed at all (in my case). I totally understand where you're coming from, and the artists you've listed and commented on make more sense than some of the names that make the list. And from my perspective, I'd like the list to be a little bit more edgy. But we both clearly have an interest in this kind of stuff, and as such are always gonna be a bit more elitist than neccessary (without really meaning to, of course...)

And to his credit, Mr Peep always had a very open approach to music, just listening to stuff cos he felt like it (and then reccomending it to me, who at that time, was actually to snobbish to check it out myself).

But ain't it cool that we're all yakking about music with such vigour? Eh? Eh?

I understand, dude - I just don't like being lumped in with those who have no substance to what they're saying. Or being called a snob or someone who is a smug bedroom vinyl junkie. I certainly do sound a moan now, so there's no getting away from that!

I repect Peep on this board, but I thought those comments were condecending in places and it hit a nerve I suppose. It's nae fine to be lumped in with a general view or taken out of context.

But yeah, it's good we're discussing music with passion. And I hold no grudges - I just wanted to get my point across, which I have now.

[lepeep]

can I take back my scene point for marsh's avatar please?...I don't think I want him to have it anymore...boo hoo.

seriously, all good points - but (as someone said earlier)...it's funny getting so worked up over an "award".

for the people that do "know", there are more relevant outlets for recognition, and with Marsh's list, I am sure an NME or BBC....or Channel 4 award will cater for thse bands too.

If you think the Mercury is bad "representing" Uk msic...just have a think of the brits...now, take a deep breath...and wait for the beestung lips's lp to come out.

www.myspace.com/beestunglips1

PS, I got onto the simpsonize this morning..nah nah nah nah nah.

[Marsh]

Yeah, it's all good.

I had a miserable day yesterday and had I not been stuck in the office after getting some pretty bad news I would have taken out my anger on a punchbag or something.

But that's no excuse - Apologies to Lep and let's save our anger for the Brits!

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

Yeah, it's all good.

I had a miserable day yesterday and had I not been stuck in the office after getting some pretty bad news I would have taken out my anger on a punchbag or something.

But that's no excuse - Apologies to Lep and let's save our anger for the Brits!

Hear hear!

I'm brewing up some fresh bile in anticipation.

[Swingin' Ryan]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the Young Knives' nomination. Every indie cliche going these days with some of the worst lyrics I've ever heard. "Hot summer, what a bummer"...need I say more?

I agree. If the Young Knives win, I am never going to listen to music again.

[scottyboy]

since it apparently has such low standards, why do you lot even pay any attention to it? whoever it is listens to the view and whoever the hell else can listen to whatever shit they want, who cares o_O

musics not a sport anyway

[Paranoid Android]

Klaxons a deserved winner in my opinion.

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

Did you see the video footage of them being interviewed after winning the award on the BBC news website?

They deserve to be taken out round the back and shot, more like.

[delboy]

as i awoke stuck on the telly and fiona phillips was complaining on GMTV that poor old winehouse didn't win and she was oh so brave for going on stage and singing (erm is that not her job??) then proceeded to conduct an interview with an NME hack and an ex junkie, it added a new dimension to the term 'cringe worthy'

i maintained from the start the klaxons are shite, they'll always be best remembered for a cover of a one hit wonder from 1996. the best thing about the MMP award is the yearly thread it generates on this board.

[delboy]

Did you see the video footage of them being interviewed after winning the award on the BBC news website?

They deserve to be taken out round the back and shot, more like.

with you there steven, it should be live on the telly an all.

[Guest Steven Dedalus]

with you there steven, it should be live on the telly an all.

They could make it pay-per-view....they'd make a fortune.

Or maybe even next year change the system, and have all the nominees fight each other in a 'Running Man' style battle.

[Guest DustyDeviada]

Came across coverage of this last night while channel surfing and noticed that Ade Edmonson is actually Hog with glasses.

Bit suspect that they are never seen together in the same room at the same time.

[Paranoid Android]

i maintained from the start the klaxons are shite, they'll always be best remembered for a cover of a one hit wonder from 1996. the best thing about the MMP award is the yearly thread it generates on this board.

I don't see why, they've had other singles that were just as succesful and recieved just as much air play. If you asked a group of people to name one Klaxons track I wouldn't think a majority would choose "It's not over yet".

Anyway I think they will be remembered more for the album which really is great. It completely exceeded my expectations despite really liking the tracks i'd heard before it's release and enjoying them live.

I don't think I've heard a better album from a British band in the past year ( apart from Kala by M.I.A but that's only just out). It's certainly been one of my most listened to.

[black_matter]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with the Young Knives' nomination. Every indie cliche going these days with some of the worst lyrics I've ever heard. "Hot summer, what a bummer"...need I say more?

I really don't understand where people see the brilliant talent in the young knives. Some of the most generic shite i've ever listened to. Since when did shite music become unimaginably brilliant to the people? (in my opinion, before anyone gets a bee in there bonnet)

[offramp]

Klaxons reckon they won the award because they made the most forward thinking album of the past 8 years, or something.

That'll be the one with the shit cover song from the 90s then.

[Marsh]

I If you asked a group of people to name one Klaxons track I wouldn't think a majority would choose "It's not over yet".

You're spot on.

Most would say "I don't give a fuck."

[TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH]

I turned on BBC 4 last night to be confronted by the most god awful astro jazz noodling known to man...

[Chris]

I turned on BBC 4 last night to be confronted by the most god awful astro jazz noodling known to man...

I was the same, can listen to a lot of different types of music but I'll never get jazz. Isn't the drummer from those jazz noodlists from Aberdeen?

[TR!ΔNGL€ T€€TH]

I was the same, can listen to a lot of different types of music but I'll never get jazz. Isn't the drummer from those jazz noodlists from Aberdeen?

I have no idea, but he was sporting pretty impressive hair.

[delboy]

I don't see why, they've had other singles that were just as succesful and recieved just as much air play. If you asked a group of people to name one Klaxons track I wouldn't think a majority would choose "It's not over yet".

Anyway I think they will be remembered more for the album which really is great. It completely exceeded my expectations despite really liking the tracks i'd heard before it's release and enjoying them live.

I don't think I've heard a better album from a British band in the past year ( apart from Kala by M.I.A but that's only just out). It's certainly been one of my most listened to.

nah i reckon if you asked people in a few years time thats the song they'll end up being most remembered for. certainly when i DJ its the only klaxons 'song' i've ever been asked for.

[Skull Commander]

You're spot on.

Most would say "I don't give a fuck."

Your ratings have gone up for that comment.

[get lost]

I have no idea, but he was sporting pretty impressive hair.

Yes he is, ponce!!

[delboy]

I was the same, can listen to a lot of different types of music but I'll never get jazz. Isn't the drummer from those jazz noodlists from Aberdeen?

i can't take jazz seriously since the 'welcome to jazz club - nice' thing john thompson used to do on the fast show.....