The Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead's Thom Yorke have been nominated for the 2006 Nationwide Mercury Prize.
The 12 album shortlist, which is considered to be one of Britain's most prestigious music awards, was announced at London's Commonwealth Club on July 18 and features an eclectic mix of UK music.
Chair of the judges Simon Frith said: "We listened to 200 albums. We felt these were the 12 albums of the year. Above all, this year's shortlist for the Nationwide Mercury Prize is about the art of the songwriter - if you want to know what life is like in Britain today, listen to the country's musicians!
The list contains songs that are witty, sad, angry and reflective. Songs both personal and political, happy and anxious. There are also songs using a wonderful variety of genres, beats, sound and moods."
Other musicians and acts to make the shortlist include 80s act Scritti Politti, urban artist Sway and jazz pianist Zoe Rahman.
Arctic Monkeys' debut album 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and Thom Yorke's 'The Eraser' - his first record as a solo artist - are joint favorites to win the award.
However, there were a few surprise exclusions. Kate Bush's comeback album 'Aerial' was overlooked as was current chart sensation Lily Allen's debut 'Alright, Still'.
The winner of the 2006 Nationwide Mercury Prize, which annually celebrates the best of new British music, will be announced in September.
2006 Nationwide Mercury Prize nominees:
Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Ballad of the Broken Seas Editors
The Back Room Guillemots - Through the Windowpane
Richard Hawley - Coles Corner Hot Chip
The Warning Muse - Black Holes & Revelations
Zoe Rahman - Melting Pot
Lou Rhodes - Beloved One
Scritti Politti - White Bread Black Beer
Sway - This is My Demo
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
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