The albums for the 2004 Mercury Prize have been announced. Here they are, with sporadic commentary.

Amy Winehouse - Frank

Basement Jaxx - Kish Kash Definitely one of my favorite albums from last year, as shown on my best-of list from last year (Top 15, Next 15).

Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress This is the first Belle & Sebatian album I have actually liked. In the past, I found them annoying. I kinda hope they win.

Franz Ferdinand - Franz Ferdinand They are going to win. If they don't then you can exepct an eternity of hellfire. You heard it here.

Jamelia - Thank You

Joss Stone - The Soul Sessions I've heard of her, but now I want to check her out.

Keane - Hopes and Fears Amazing. I saw them three years ago in a bar in London playing to 25 people. Really, check out this album as it's available stateside.

Robert Wyatt - Cuckooland

Snow Patrol - Final Straw It's more produced than previous albums, but still quite good. Due to the fact that one of their songs was featured in MVP Baseball 2004, they will not win.

The Streets - A Grand Don't Come for Free I haven't listened to this album enough. The Streets just aren't a band I crave.

Ty - Upwards

The Zutons - Who Killed...... The Zutons

I recommend you check out all of these bands. The Mercury Prize is one of the few in the world that I really pay attention to. Anyone out there want to say anything about these bands?