Mercury Music Prize
DYNAMITE BET
Steffan Jones, readaBet.com
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2002-08-02
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Click here for the Mercury Music Prize Best Odds
The Mercury Music award is presented to an act from the United Kingdom or Ireland in recognition for the outstanding album of the year. This week twelve albums were short-listed for the coveted prize, which is announced on September 17th, and ReadaBet.com has looked back at previous winners and losers in an attempt to sort this year’s genuine contenders from the non-starters.
The prize is rather unique in British music as it aims to reward artistic merit and it is not dictated by commercial success. In many respects it is the musical equivalent of the Turner Prize in art or the Booker Prize in literature. Mercury nominations draw from different genres of music and result in a collection of acts that are not always immediately familiar to everyone.
Although the awards enjoy a leftfield reutation the winner is rarely a total unknown and there have only been a few total shocks such as Roni Size and Reprazent’s ‘New Forms’ in 1997 beating Radiohead’s ‘Ok Computer’ – an album that is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time. The majority of the winners since the awards inception in 1992 are reasonably well known to most people, perhaps Talvin Singh in 1999 is the most obscure. It is certainly not easy to predict the winner as there is no real discernable formula for success however it is possible to remove certain acts from the equation.
The Streets – Original Pirate Material
The Streets is 21 year old Mike Skinner from Birmingham who recorded ‘Original Pirate Material’ in his bedroom it is this year’s 2/1 favourite to win. The album details life on the urban street including drinking, drugs and kebabs and it is this social commentary that will appeal to the judging panel. In many respects it could be seen as a 21st century folk record. On its release it was highly regarded by critics although it has yet to really take off in the mainstream. A win would give it extra publicity and send its unit sales soaring, the reflected glory would do the Mercury prize no harm at all, a fact that the panel is only too well aware of. The Streets has all the required credentials to win.
Doves – The Last Broadcast
The Manchester trio are this year’s 4/1 second favourite and it is easy to see why. Their album is being heralded as the first great Indie album of the new millennium, although it should be noted that even if this is true it has not come up against much opposition. ‘The Last Broadcast’ follows on from 2000’s ‘Lost Souls’ (which was also nominated) and combines critical appeal with commercial prospects. It entered the Charts at Number One and the band increased its appeal with an impressive performance at Glastonbury earlier this summer.
Ms Dynamite – A Little Deeper
Ms Dynamite, real name Niomi McClean-Daley, is another potential winner and at 5/1 could be worthy of some serious consideration. This country has never been able to produce a notable hip-hop star and the British music industry is desperate to find an act that would bring increased respect (and of course revenue) to British hip-hop and music as a whole. Ms Dynamite could be that person. Although from a garage MC background, ‘A little Deeper’ has more in common with Lauren Hill and has already produced a massive hit single, ‘It takes more.’ The Judges will also be highly attracted by her street background and slightly politicised messages, including anti drugs and gangs.
The Coral – The Coral
The Merseyside six piece band only released their eponymously title debut album a day before the nominations were made public and are currently 7/1 to win the prize. They are another group that are being hyped as the next big thing. The Coral have a an eclectic range of influences from rock to psychedelia and even reggae, this diversity and individuality which combine to great effect on the album will give them a decent chance of success.
Beverley Knight – Who I Am
Also on offer at 7/1 is Beverley Knight’s ‘Who I am’ - a follow up to 1999’s MOBO award winning ‘Prodigal Sister.’ Knight has the ill fated title of Britain’s big Soul hope, a title she inherited from the doomed Shara Nelson and Shola Ama. Whether her career goes the same way, remains to be seen. However her prospects for success in the Mercury prize are not encouraging. The album is competent enough – all very well produced with songs that ably demonstrate Knight’s undoubtedly impressive vocal range – however it lacks any real edge. This lack of grittiness and invention will not give it much chance and The Coral at the same price are a far better bet.
Roots Manuva Run - Come Save me
Roots Manuva is Rodney Hylton Smith a South London MC who along with Ms Dynamite makes up the hip-hop representation on the awards short list. ‘Run Come Save Me’ is the eagerly awaited follow up to his warmly received debut album ‘Brand New Second Home.’ Like with Ms Dynamite, the judging panel would be keen to recognise a British hip-hop artist and at a price of 10/1, Roots Manuva is a decent outside bet.
David Bowie – Heathen
The Thin White Duke earns his first ever nomination for the Mercury Prize and is 10/1 to win. The Mercury Award almost seems invented for artists such as Bowie who mix the avant garde with the mainstream. Bowie however has struggled in the last fifteen years to capture the outré aspect of his music with the listenable qualities that made him so influential a generation ago. ‘Heathen’ is certainly a comeback in form although it would be wrong put it alongside his defining albums from the 70’s.
Some sceptics have suggested Bowie was shortlisted to increase media attention in the award ceremony. These accusations seem unfair such is the quality of the album however it is unlikely that the millionaire will be walking away with the £20,000 winners cheque. The organisers have always favoured young new musicians and Bowie clearly does not fall into this category. It would probably necessitate a groundbreaking album for a veteran artist to triumph and while ‘Heathen’ is good, it does not shatter the earth.
And the Rest
Brighton based Electric Soft Parade are 12/1 for their debut album ‘Hole In the Wall,’ a psychedelic mix of guitar riffs and feedback. Very well received by the music press on its release and one of the more attractive outsiders. Gemma Hayes and ‘Night on My Side’ is also available at 12/1 although looks far from good value at that price. Hayes is an Irish singer song-writer of the Joan Baez mould, a hybrid cross between Dido and Alanis Morrisette. While it is pleasant enough to listen to and has adequate musical merit, it is hardly challenging and in fact somewhat derivative. The Bees could be tempting at 16/1 with their debut album ‘Sunshine Hit Me’ an infectious blend of reggae, doo wop and funk. It is an album which is almost designed for the summer, mixing the sounds of the Beach Boys with Harry Belafonte, although its uplifting tones may deter gloom loving judges.
It is hard not to apply the label ‘token’ to Joanna MacGregor and Guy Barker for their respective albums ‘Play’ and ‘Soundtrack.’ Both are from the serious ilk of musicians, MacGregor an innovative pianist who combines classical sounds with contemporary visions and interpretations. Barker, nominated in 1995, is a jazz trumpeter who has worked with a number of big name musicians and ‘Soundtrack’ is a confessed homage to the artist’s greatest influences. Both are available at 25/1 and if you fancy backing a real long shot then MacGregor is probably the better bet owing to her originality. |
| Betting Verdict |
3pts MS DYNAMITE - A LITTLE DEEPER TO WIN AT 5/1
Click here for the Mercury Music Prize Best Odds
Many people will be keen to back The Streets and it is easy to see why, however at 2/1 in a competition that can be unpredictable this does not seem an attractive price. The best value all round bet and one that is at least sure to make the shortlist’s shortlist is Ms Dynamite’s ‘A Little Deeper.’ Its combination of respected hip-hop credentials and strong commercial prospects make it an ideal choice. |
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