The nominees for the Mercury prize for 2002 has been released. The nominees with the respective song/album are:
Zero 7 - Simple Things
Goldfrapp - Felt Mountain Basement Jaxx - Rooty
Tom McRae - Tom McRae
Radiohead – Amnesiac
Turin Brakes - The Optimist LP
PJ Harvey - Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea
Susheela Raman - Salt Rain
Gorillaz - Gorillaz
Ed Harcourt - Here Be Monsters
Super Furry Animals - Rings Around The World
Elbow - Asleep In The Back
Gorillaz were the favourites to win it before they pulled out of the competition by refusing to accept their nomination. The hip-hop band fronted by Damon Albarn (better known for his work with the brit pop band 'blur') reasoned that by winning the award, it would do more harm than good. This was in reference to the comments made by Murdoc - the bass player of the band. He believed the name 'Mercury award' sounded 'a bit too heavy' and that it would be like 'carrying a dead albatross around your neck for eternity'
