Mercury Music Prize Shortlist Announced

Ah, the Mercury Music Prize - the annual event where everyone tries to predict what on earth the judges will pick to win, and no-one ever gets it right.

However, while there often seems to be no rhyme or reason to the winner, there's no doubt that the nominations tend to be a handy guide to some of the must-listen releases from the previous 12 months.

The Class of 2013 have just been announced during a ceremony at The Hospital Club in London, and we give you a quick run-down of the runners and riders below - and our thoughts on their chances.

The winner will be announced at London's Roundhouse on October 30.

(Images: Rex)

David Bowie - The Next Day

No-one expected the Bowie return and boy did it show, as the internet went into meltdown when lead track Where Are We Now emerged unannounced. It's a great album and the critics love him. Almost certainly the favourite.

Will it win? Probably

Disclosure - Settle

A hugely successful record, choc full of early 90s dance moments - at times it's like listening to a Nightcrawlers album (and that's no bad thing). Some strong singles and a class act though. However, dance acts rarely fare well with the judges so we'd be surprised to see this triumph.

Will it win? Probably not

Laura Marling - Once I Was An Eagle

Her first two albums were both nominated, and this is a return to form after the relatively less-well-received A Creature I Don't Know. However, possibly not quite strong enough to take the victory - though we wouldn't rule it out.

Will it win? Probably not

Laura Mvula - Sing to the Moon

A debut soul offering which was very well received by the critics, but slightly underperformed saleswise. So perfect Mercurys territory. Could well win it.

Will it win? Outside bet

Savages - Silence Yourself

A four-piece London based pop punk have seen what Peace have done for mid-90s indie, and done the same for early 80s post-punk in lifting it wholesale. However, it works, and with style too. A strong contender.

Will it win? Strong dark horse

Foals - Holy Fire

A fantastic album, full of epic moments and tender lyrics. They've been nominated before and this is their best album, so they're one of the definite frontrunners.

Will it win? We're saying yes

Arctic Monkeys - AM

It's a huge return to form (not that their form ever really dipped), and they've won before. If the Mercurys want to back a winner, this will be the one.

Will it win? Possibly

Jake Bugg - Jake Bugg

Loved by some, hated by others, his divisiveness could count against him. However, in Mercuryland, they'll probably be in favour of his brand of 'real music'. A definite chance.

Will it win? Possibly

James Blake - Overgrown

A second nomination in two albums for James Blake, he remains a cult affair and it's hard to see him winning.

Will it win? No

Jon Hopkins - Immunity

Critically-acclaimed, and specialising in instrumental atmospheric music, this is a surprise nomination, but fully deserved. However, this is as close as it gets to this year's 'jazz entry' so we can't see it winning.

Will it win? No

Rudimental - Home

Along the same lines as Disclosure, this dance act throw a few more influences into the mix, with soul and garage featuring prominently. Some strong singles, though again the Mercurys are usually pretty dance-averse, so this is unlikely to win.

Will it win? Probably not

Villagers - [Awayland]

Conor O'Brien's outfit, like James Blake, score their second nomination for their second album. Beautiful, delicate and haunting, but probably a touch too lightweight to win. A real chance though.

Will it win? Possibly