Mercury Prize: what the bloggers say
Updated on 05 September 2007
Most bets were on Bat for Lashes and Amy Winehouse but, to the blogosphere's surprise, it was the Klaxons who took the prize.
Slightly disappointed that Bat for Lashes didn't win, DaveC was nonetheless pleased:
"Just finished watching the Mercury Music Prize; which is the only decent award ceremony (in the UK anyway) and it was another good one. Slightly disappointed that 'Bat for Lashes' never won it, but the Klaxon album is an excellent one, so I shouldn't moan too much."
And an excited Sid says: "For the first time ever in my ten year obsession with the Mercury Prize, the artist I was cheering for on the night actually won."
Mark Wheat was, however, not so impressed: "I used to take a strange pride in the fact that this prize seemed to go to someone deserving every year, an artist that I was excited about, but the results for the last few years have shaken my confidence and now this!"
Others were disappointed for Winehouse: "Gutted that Amy Winehouse didn't win," exclaimed God Save Ireland.
AlexiaBlogs disgust with the choice is tempered with cynicism: "To be honest, if I were a Klaxon I'd be nervous. Acts who virtually disappeared after winning the Mercury prize in the recent years include:M People (*tears*), Gomez, Pulp (*real tears*), Portishead and Ms Dynamite."
Listen to This is also indignant: "KLAXONS?! Jesus H Christ, they actually had some INTERESTING ARTISTS on the list this year, and yet the powers-that-be decreed that KLAXONS were the most thrilling, original and life-affirming musical act of the year.
"What an utter crock ... Why is such ridiculously bland, obvious music celebrated in such a way? Is this REALLY the best that the UK has to offer the world?"
Steve blogging on The Music Magazine is vehemently critical of the winners:
"Another excellent choice," he says sarcastically, "Klaxons derivative revival s**t ... a band who have been together for not even two years and have driven idiotic NME kids and all-round-sheep-who-think-they-are-shepherds ... with their shoddily put together collection of mediocre 'indie' hits."
And, finally Comic Weasel has the greatest insight: disappointed that Bat for Lashes did not win the prize, he reasons:
"Although arguably a Mercury nomination has that effect on any album, Bat For Lashes seems to have benefited more than most. And in the end that's worth a lot more than a £20,000 cheque."
