Mercury prize - listen to the shortlist - what do you think?

[Hathor]

What do you think of the Mercury Prize shortlist 2010? I thought I would have a listen.
These are the shortlisted tunes (bookie odds), listed in my order of preference, and first impression. I am backing I Am Kloot.

I Am Kloot ? Sky at Night (10/1) ? is not on my Spotify. "Northern Skies" is though. Singer has a strong edgy voice that is projected through his nose, but it works in a Dylan-esque way. Confident music, which is more poetical than the lyrics. They should get that shaker off the percussionist though. "Proof "? ditto ? listenable, though probably in the car on a long journey.

Laura Marling ? I Speak Because I Can (6/1) ? Yea! - a strong mature female voice and good lyrics. Not a tune you can sing along to. Prefer some of her other songs (e.g. Ghosts)

Kit Downes Trio ? Golden (10/1) ? Spotify has never heard of them. Jazz piano ? on BBC Jazz website. Very nice, piano-led jazz.

Villagers ? Becoming a Jackal (10/1) ? Lovely voice. Paul Simon-esque lyrics ? singalong everyone. Not sure what this song is about, but harps back to the 70s, which can't be bad if you don't have some more original stuff to listen to.

Paul Weller ? Wake Up the Nation (6/1) - Good one for old people to jump around the living room and shake their head like they are 15 again. The Stones meet Bryan Ferry.

Foals ? Total Life Forever (8/1) ? Catchy, music-lite with blokey chorusing and clapping in background. Sing-along in the car and tap the steering wheel.

Mumford and Sons ? Sigh No More (6/1) - Guitar lovely. Speaky singing. Very Nice buT annoyinG dicTioN ? listen to the consonants. Nice lyrics, but where is the emotion in his voice? "Tie me to a post and block my ears!

Biffy Clyro ? Only Revolutions (8/1) ? can't find this on Spotify. Listen to Bubbles instead. A forgettable "pub band". Grating singing voice, nice accent.

Corinne Bailey Rae ? The Sea (6/1) Oh No NO No. Great voice, but veers from girly and weak to strong. Makes grief sound dull.

Wild Beasts ? Two Dancers (8/1) ? Interesting lyrics, but forgettable music. U2 did this better. What on earth is the drummer doing??

Dizzee Rascal ? Tongue N' Cheek (4/1) Rather immature rude lyrics over predictable hip-hop rhythms. Dull.

The xx ? xx (4/1) Sweet voices. Suzanne Vega meets some bloke w a guitar. Paint-drying background tunes.

the list's as predictable as usual .

I think I'm the only person alive who cannot stand either mumford and sons, or biffy clyro.

I quite like I am Kloot. they're a local band and so get a fair bit of airplay up here. Bit like a Doves/Badly Drawn Boy hybrid.

Love Laura Marling, the xx and Dizzee. I reckon Laura Marling will win. Not heard of Kit Downs, Villagers, nor Wild Beasts though.

Dizzee Rascal annoys me, based on the limited exposure to the oeuvre of Mr Rascal I have had.

I Am Kloot - have only heard the single. It's OK.

Paul Weller stopped being interesting in about 1983. I always find myself singing "I'm the Boring Man" to the tune of one of his most famous hits when it comes on the radio.

CBR - nice voice. Not sure about the tunes.

Mumford - still undecided.

Laura Marling - have heard nothing which excites me yet - she seems like every other Wistful Blonde With Guitar.

Biffy Clyro - heard a few of their songs and they just washed over me, to be honest.

I've not consciously heard anything by the others.

So - count me as unexcited!

I love I Am Kloot, they have been around for years and still make great music.

Laura Marling, never heard anything by her

Kit Downes Trio, as above

Villagers, as above

Paul Weller, will always be the lead singer of the Jam to me

Foals, love this band, their last album is a great album and great live too (according to DH)

Mumford and Sons, just bought their CD and find it very mellow and relaxing

Biffy Clyro, weirdy beardy men making weirdy beardy men music, uugghhh!

Corrine Bailey Rae, nice voice but just a bit bleurgh

Wild Beasts, who? never heard of them

Dizzee Rascal,

XX, very unmemorable

My vote goes to The Foals

I love, love, love Laura Marling. Big fan. Fantastic songs, good live performer. Think she has a very unique sound. Hope she wins.

I love Mumford and Sons as well, saw them at a small festival last year where they were way down the set list. Probably only 200 people watched their set but they were great. Feel a bit sad that they're becoming so famous as I'll never see them like that again.

Not heard any of the other albums, will have to have a listen to Foals and I Am Kloot - they're the only other acts that sound interesting.

I was convinced Plan B were going to be on the list - otherwise it is very predictable. Mercury heart Dizzee, don't they? I don't understand the fuss around M&S, and Paul Weller - I can't bring myself to listen to it to be honest.

Glad to see I'm the only one who like a bit of biffy.