THE 1998 MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE nominations for the best UK album of the past year were announced today (Tuesday, July 28) at the Royal And Commonwealth Club, London.
As usual, British bookies wasted no time in posting odds on the nominated artists and their albums.
The Verve’s ‘Urban Hymns’ is the clear 2-1 favourite, followed by ‘Mezzanine’ from Massive Attack (pictured) at 5-1 and Robbie Williams’ Life Through A Lens’ at 6-1.
Asian Dub Foundation’s ‘Raffi’s Revenge’ and ‘Bring It On’ by Gomez are both set at 9-1 while Catatonia’s ‘International Velvet’ and Cornershop’s ‘When I Was Born For The 17th Time’ are both at 10-1.
Pulp’s ‘This Is Hardcore’ and Propellerheads’ ‘Decks And Drums And Rock ‘N’ Roll’ head up the outsiders at 16-1, while 4 Hero’s ‘2 Pages’, token folk entry Eliza Carty’s ‘Red Rice’ and jazz/classical fusionist’s John Surman’s ‘Proverbs And Songs’ bring up the rear at 16-1.
Last year’s Mercury Music Prize was awarded to drum and bass stars Roni Size And Reprazent’s album ‘New Forms’.