London - Teenage troubadour Jake Bugg and 66-year-old rock icon David Bowie are among nominees for Britain's eclectic and prestigious Mercury prize for album of the year.
Bowie is nominated for The Next Day, his first album in a decade, and Bugg for his rootsy self-titled debut.
The £20 000 (R314 000) prize is open to acts from Britain and Ireland, and has a reputation for rewarding new talent — but bookies made the veteran Bowie favourite to take the trophy this year.
The 12-strong list of nominees announced on Wednesday also includes solo artists Laura Marling, James Blake, Jon Hopkins and Laura Mvula, electronic duo Disclosure and bands Arctic Monkeys, Rudimental, Savages, Foals and Villagers.
The winner will be announced on 30 October at a ceremony in London.
For the full list of nominees click here.
Bowie is nominated for The Next Day, his first album in a decade, and Bugg for his rootsy self-titled debut.
The £20 000 (R314 000) prize is open to acts from Britain and Ireland, and has a reputation for rewarding new talent — but bookies made the veteran Bowie favourite to take the trophy this year.
The 12-strong list of nominees announced on Wednesday also includes solo artists Laura Marling, James Blake, Jon Hopkins and Laura Mvula, electronic duo Disclosure and bands Arctic Monkeys, Rudimental, Savages, Foals and Villagers.
The winner will be announced on 30 October at a ceremony in London.
For the full list of nominees click here.