Twelve Albums That Missed The Mercurys But Definitely Need To Be Heard
These albums might not have been nominated for this year's Mercury Prize, but they're all stunning and deserve to be heard by every ear.
Every year the Mercurys miss something they should have included, or include something some reckon they shouldn't've... point is, you can't please everyone, and even though this year the Mercurys have got most of the nominees spot on, there are still records that didn't make the cut for whatever reason. Here's our alternative rundown of the Mercurys - we're not trying to say that those in the shortlist don't deserve a spot, but that these 12 warrant a place as well.
NAO - For All We Know
London's NAO has made a fabulous record in For All We Know, merging the worlds of electronica, pop, R&B, and funk - in our review we say it's "among the most impressive debut albums we’ve heard in 2016".
Anna Meredith - Varmints
Varmints is an absolutely phenomenal debut from composer Anna Meredith, and we're not the only ones who think so - she's already won Scottish Album Of The Year. Find out how the LP was created in our Longread.
MONEY - Suicide Songs
MONEY's Suicide Songs is often a spine-tingling listen packed with brutal honesty and intense emotion that puts the band well and truly on the map.
Frightened Rabbit - Painting Of A Panic Attack
The Scottish outfit's fifth LP is a bold lurch forwards thanks to candid storytelling, impressive instrumentation, and the input of The National's Aaron Dessner.
RM Hubbert - Telling The Trees
Hubbert's latest release features collaborations with Kathryn Joseph, Eleanor Friedberger, Martha Ffion, and more - it's a therapeutic listen full of bravery and exquisite fretwork.
Shura - Nothing's Real
Shura's debut is a mesmerising array of dreamy pop gold - it's been a long time in the works, but it's more than worth the wait.
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Blood Orange - Freetown Sound
Dev Hynes' long-awaited Cupid Deluxe follow up is one of 2016's most important releases, hands down, and sees the polymath raise the bar across the board.
Let's Eat Grandma - I, Gemini
We called I, Gemini "one of the most intoxicating, inventive, and original records of the year" in our review, and we're still sure it won't be topped. A truly unique record from Transgressive's teenage twosome.
MMOTHS - Luneworks
Irish producer MMOTHS released long-awaited debut Luneworks under the radar back in March - it's a thoroughly gorgeous release full of intricate electronic beauty.
Bill Ryder-Jones - West Kirby County Primary
The former Coral man cements himself as one of the UK's greatest modern songwriters on his effortlessly touching, deeply personal solo album.
Meilyr Jones - 2013
Welsh troubadour Meilyr Jones offers up innovation in spades during 2013, which we reckon "is as much an adventure story, autobiography, romantic poem and a classical opus as it is a pop record."
PJ Harvey - The Hope Six Demolition Project
Despite winning twice, Harvey escaped the Mercury noms this year. New LP The Hope Six Demolition Project is vital listen with strong social and political themes coursing through each song.
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