It's cracking, isn't it?

Franz Ferdinand wins Mercury Prize

Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand, whose debut album has been hailed by critics as a masterpiece of pop, won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize.

The Glasgow-based quartet were the favorites among the 12-strong shortlist to take home the award for their self-titled album.

The $35,600 prize, now in its 13th year, honors the best album of the year by a British or Irish band. It is judged on talent and innovation rather than commercial sales, and the winner can usually expect a surge in sales and publicity.

Among the acts Franz Ferdinand beat for the prize, announced Tuesday, were two-time nominee The Streets, aka rapper Mike Skinner; young soul sensation Joss Stone; urban star Jamelia; and guitarless rock band Keane.

Speaking of The Streets, I listened to the CD the other day, and it did not make me cry. I was amused by the Run Lola Run ending and thought it was touching, but no cry from me. Sorry Angus. You're one step closer to that LotR marathon.

[I can't believe I spoiler fonted a CD review, but it's more a narrative than a musical experience]

The Streets were unofficially excluded from the Mercury because he's too shy to make a speech is the rumour over here.

Did you enjoy the album, though, Jon.

I thought the album was interesting, but it didn't move me like I'd hoped. Part of it might be cultural -- I didn't relate to the guy. I have a hard time being sympathetic to those who make their own mess.

Frou Frou are becoming more and more noticed. Gilmore Girls is using one of their songs for their fall preview.

ION, everyone should buy Jimmy Eat World's new album, Futures, when it comes out on october 19th. i have a bootleg copy and it's just...phenomenal. seriously.

Jim, can I call it "cracking" too? I will like it even better then.

I heard the new Duran Duran track this morning and thought it was some glorious pop.

In other upcoming release news, the U2 fandom is all a-twitter over the "false advertising" and "emotional distress" caused by Indie 103.1's U2 marathon on Labor Day.

They supposedly advertised that they'd be playing a new track from the November album, even though the single isn't supposed to be hitting radio until the end of this month. Not only was there no new U2, but the station interrupted the marathon to bring Henry Rollins' weekly radio show. Mr. Rollins proceeded to badmouth U2, as he usually does. Mr. Rollins proceeded to get loads of hate mail from pissed-off U2 fans.

The kerfuffle has been amusing, from the standpoint of one who knows better than to get involved.

i'm so excited for the new Duran Duran album. i've liked them since i was a wee thing. my sisters and i(who are the ones who got me into them) saw them in concert about 3 years ago when they were on their Pop Trash tour. soso good. i'm hoping they come around again with all of the original members.

also? you can see the video for the new song here.

sorry. i tend to ramble about my favorite music artists.

Oh, I'm totally watching that as soon as I get home today. Squee!

Mr. Boucher, you around? Do you have the next CDs from erinaceous? nudge nudge.

Where are the other CD mix exchange folks at? I don't want this to die. In fact, I'd really like to do another one, but kinda feel that one should be complete before another one starts.