Congrats To The XX

I think they were deserved winners of the Mercury last week, as their album was the one of the list that was the most 'forward thinking' and genre mashing. Which if you ask me is what the Mercury should be about.

When I interviewed the trio at the event they were humble, surprised and very sweet. Below is a DJ mix by Jamie from the band that I posted a while back. It's full of great dubstep, two-step and brooding beats. I realy need to see him DJ live soon.

01 Jamie XX mix for Colette 10 by abeano

Mercury

Firstly- how did Dizzee's weakest album (Tongue N Cheek) get a nomination? I've supported the rapper since day one (either on my bedroom stereo or with actual interviews, articles etc). But really the T-N-C is so poor.

Also why aren't M.I.A and Hot Chip latest discs on the list?

Anyway on a more positive note I hope Corinne bailey Rae's incredible album The Sea wins. Or failing that the favourites The XX.

Just finally I stand by my love for Speech Debelle's album which won last year. Just a shame she turned out to be a bit of a knob, dropping her label and talking sh** in interviews.

Mercurys

Here are my two cents on the longlist announced today. I think Speech Debelle or Bat For Lashes should win. Those are definitely two of my favourite albums of 2009. I told you about Speech back in May and talked about my love for Bat For in March. Plus I think Natasha Khan stands a good chance of winning it too after missing out for her debut.

Elsewhere La Roux is good but not as good as Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You. The Mercury judges could have been braver and put her up for the prize. Metronomy should be there too.

Glasvegas' debut is gloomy but grew on me and Friendly Fires definitely deserves to be on there. I must confess I haven't heard the full Horrors, Kasabian or Florence records. But I do need to.