- Title: UK: NOMINATIONS ARE MADE FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE AWARDS
- Date: 28th July 1998
- Summary: LONDON, UK (JULY 28, 1998) (RTV - ACCESS ALL) CUTAWAY AT THE MERCURY AWARDS NOMINATION CEREMONY.
- Embargoed: 12th August 1998 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: LONDON, UK
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVA2GR6Y15ME3FY32DCPVMOT0CFK
- Story Text: The creativity and diversity of the British music scene was underlined in nominations for this year's prestigious Mercury Music Prize.For the first time, two albums by British Asian artists have been shortlisted - Asian Dub Foundation for their album 'Rafi's Revenge' and Cornershop for 'When I was Born for the 7th Time'.
It was also a record year for Britpop veterans Pulp whose album 'This is Hardcore' garnered the band, fronted by eccentric Jarvis Cocker a nomination for their third consecutive album release.
The shortlist of twelve albums was announced on Tuesday (July 28) at a special function attended by the most powerful figures in the British music industry.
Chair of the judging panel Simon Frith read out the list of nominees for the prestigious prize which will be awarded at a glittering ceremony in September.
Established acts like the Verve, Robbie Williams and Massive Attack will be jostling it out for one of pop's most prestigious prizes.
Two of the year's biggest hits 'Urban Hymns' by the Verve and Robbie Williams' 'Life Thru a Lens' are on the shortlist, together with Massive Attack's recent number one album 'Mezzanine'.The thriving UK dance scene is reflected in 'Two Pages' by 4-Hero and the Propellerheads' 'Decksanddrumsandrockandroll', while one of Britain's finest jazz musicians, John Surman is recognised for his masterful composition 'Proverbs and Songs'.
Pop group Pulp became the first act to have three consecutive albums shortlisted for the prize, with their latest album 'This is Hardcore' winning favour with this year's panel.
The Mercury shortlist also includes 'Red Rice' an album of contemporary and traditional folk by Eliza Carthy whose mother - singer Norma Watson - was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize two years ago.The 1998 Albums of the Year contest will also see new and energetic indie acts like Catatonia - for 'International Velvet' - and a much-praised debut album from Gomez, 'Bring It On'.
The shortlist was chosen from an entry of over 130 albums by British and Irish artists.The winner will be announced on September 16 but British bookies have already made the Verve 2-1 odds on favourite to win. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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